A rich history in sound
Sheffield’s popular music credentials rival that of any UK city... or any city in the world for that matter.
Our city has been producing distinctive, influential and diverse music for over a half a century. From the bluesy 60s with Dave Berry and Joe Cocker, to emerging electronica in the 70s (read more about all of that in our 'Electric pioneers' blog, written by Daniel Dylan Wray), synth-pop and glam metal of the 80s, including the likes of Cabaret Voltaire, Human League, Heaven 17, ABC and, of course, Def Leppard.
Pulp helped define the 90s Britpop era, before Richard Hawley, Moloko, The Long Blondes, Warp Records and Gatecrasher all rose to prominence and then Arctic Monkeys casually became one of the biggest bands in the world. Add to that Reverend and the Makers, Self Esteem, 65daysofstatic, Bring Me the Horizon, Drenge and While She Sleeps and you're still only scraping the surface, and that's before we even get onto the incredible heritage of classical music in this city too.
Great Gigs
Great gigs can make moments you'll never forget and there are loads of venues in Sheffield that host brilliant musicians from all genres throughout the year.
From enjoying well-known names in some of the city's bigger venues to the next big thing in a pub backroom, you'll never be short of a great performance. Delve into our event listings to see what’s coming…
Music event listings
No Bounds
The best in electronic music combined with immersive art installations and sensory experiences. Just take a look at what The Guardian had to say about their 2022 festival.
Get Together
Booking the best in emerging talent, this day long festival can't be beaten for value and vibe. This is the place to be to tell everyone that you heard them first.
Tramlines
One of the most well known day festivals in the UK, held in Hillsborough Park just outside the city centre. A proper Sheffield-made story, this festival does so much for local organisations too.
Chamber Music Festival
The city's very own Music in the Round have pioneered this festival showcasing incredible talents in the classical and modern classical genres. If you thought this sort of thing wasn't for you, try this and think again...
Venues to pay a visit
"Sheffield is a great hub for music. Leeds has chain shops and bars whereas Sheffield is more independent."
Missy Render, architecture student at Sheffield Hallam University
Get clubbing
FORGE
An exciting music space and cultural hub that is a stone's throw from the heart of the centre of Sheffield.
Tank
If you're into your house and bassline then get to Tank.
Leadmill
For a few decades this iconic venue has not only held cracking club nights, but been an absolute must for touring artists. If you don't go to a gig here, you've not lived.
Corporation
Rock venue with club nights and gigs for touring acts - it's an icon in the clubbing scene.
Keep the party going
Sheffield Folk Scene
Sheffield is often referred to as the folk music capital of England. There are folk gigs on somewhere most nights at venues larger and small. There are also over 20 active Morris, Rapper and Sword dance sides and the regular ceilidhs going on.
