Shed Seven’s Triumphant Night in Leeds

There’s something about a summer evening gig in the open air of Millennium Square that feels like coming home, especially with it being the hottest day of the year so far! A crowd thick with 90’s gritty nostalgia, pints raised, and band tees worn like uniforms of loyalty - this was the scene in Leeds at Shed Seven took to the stage for what can only be described as a triumphant homecoming, of sorts.

Before the York legends brought their anthems to life, the crowd was warmed by two bands whose sets couldn’t have better primed the atmosphere:

The Sherlocks, Sheffield’s own current indie-rock frontrunners, were first up and refused to be treated as an opener. Their set was punchy and filled with the kind of indie anthems that make you feel like you’re in a coming-of-age film. Huge tunes like “Live For the Moment” and “Chasing Shadows” had the early crowd bellowing along, and their newer material showed just how far they’ve evolved without losing that raw energy that had them noticed. The Millennium Square crowd definitely gave them the reaction they deserved.

Next up were The Lightning Seeds. There’s always a fine balance between charm and cheese when it comes to Britpop nostalgia, but Ian Broudie and band walked that line perfectly. With their short setlist packed with timeless hits - “Pure”, “Sugar Coated Iceberg”, and of course, “Life of Riley” - it was impossible not to get swept up. Broudie’s voice has aged like wine. The real peak came when they launched into “Three Lions” and the entire square erupted. For a few glorious minutes, football was back on their brains and the atmosphere soared.

Then came Shed Seven.

Bursting on stage to the explosive energy of “Room in My House”, Rick Witter had the crowd in his palm from the first note. Tall, swaggering, and every inch the rock frontman, he roamed the stage like a man with nothing left to prove - and yet gave everything like it was the gig of his life.

Their set was what I’d describe as a masterpiece in pacing. Tracks from their most recent album blended seamlessly with the classics (and even a cover of “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths), showing off just how consistent Shed Seven have remained. “Where Have You Been Tonight?” turned the square into a massive sing-along, while “Disco Down” felt like a proper communal moment - a reminder of just how much these songs still matter to people.

It was the emotional depth of “On Standby” and the impactful swell of “Chasing Rainbows” that truly elevated the night. Arms were wrapped around strangers, pints raised to the sky. It wasn’t just nostalgia - it was something real, something current.

The band sounded polished but still gloriously raw around the edges. Paul Banks’ guitar work shone all night, and the newer additions to the ever-growing lineup didn’t miss a beat. There was warmth, humour and humility between songs, with Witter thanking the Leeds crowd for sticking by them for decades, joking about being “middle-aged and still wearing the tightest jeans” to the crowds delight.

By the time the final chorus of “Chasing Rainbows” rang out, Millenium Square was transformed into something holy - a gathering of true indie-rock believers who know they just witnessed one of Britain’s most enduring bands, proving exactly why they’re still getting the Number One’s.

Three generations of indie brilliance, one perfect summer night. This was a gig that captured the heart and history of British guitar music - and reminded everyone why it still matters.