Live at Leeds 2025 Delivers a Genre-Spanning Day of Big Moments and Breakout Performances
- Isobel Eve Scott
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
Live At Leeds - Temple Newsam 24th May 2025
IMAGES / WORDS ISOBEL EVE SCOTT
Live At Leeds
The Amazons – Main Stage South
Kicking things off as the first band I see today are The Amazons, playing the South Main Stage. It’s already a strong turnout for early in the day, and plenty of people here already seem to be big fans. They play Wake Me Up and Pitch Black from their most recent record 21st Century Fiction, which came out earlier this month. As they play, I get a bit of a Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes vibe from the lead singer’s vocal choices. I’m really getting into the flow of their music when they launch into an unexpected heavy breakdown—and someone next to me audibly says, “Woahhh.”
Deadletter – The Cockpit Stage
On many people’s recommendation, I head off to catch Deadletter. I’m immediately drawn in by frontman Zac Lawrence’s eccentric stage presence, and drawn in further by the band’s almost psychedelic rock sound. They’re a five-piece, which feels like a rarer sight these days—but more members always mean room for some non-traditional live instruments. In this case, it’s a saxophone, which sounds absolutely great contrasted against the heavier guitars and bass.
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – DIY Big Top
Setting up at DIY Magazine’s stage are Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, a band that’s been on my to-see list for a long time. Formed in Perth, Australia, they’re another psychedelic rock act gracing Live at Leeds this year.
They’re a lot heavier than I’d expected, and I find myself enjoying the instrumental sections the most. I really love how they use dissonance in their songs—Hymn for a Droid is a standout example. Of the bands I’ve seen so far today, they’re definitely the ones I’d most like to catch again.
Sigrid – Main Stage North
Norwegian singer-songwriter Sigrid is up next on the main stage, and she comes out wearing the most infectious smile I’ve ever seen. Both she and her music exude joy, and it’s impossible not to feel it rub off on you.
The highlight of her set is Sucker Punch, released on the album of the same name back in 2019. We’re also treated to a few unreleased songs, including Always Be Your Girl and Do It Again. In total, she debuts four new tracks—so it’s likely we’re on the verge of a new album.
Jamie Webster – Main Stage South
A huge portion of the festival’s younger crowd gathers at the South Main Stage for Jamie Webster, an artist who’s gained massive traction in recent years.
Armed with an acoustic guitar, his songs carry a folky vibe, and his live band is incredibly tight—something I always appreciate.
Reliably, the crowd starts up a “Fuck the Tories” chant, which Jamie finds amusing. He quips that he’d give away his festival fee to anyone who could name a competent British politician.
Yard Act – Main Stage North
By far my most anticipated band of the day is Yard Act. After taking a six-month break from touring, this marks their first show back—and it’s great to see a Leeds band on the festival’s main stage.
They’re, as always, utterly electric live. Frontman James Smith is all over the stage with his signature energy. We hear the unreleased You’re Gonna Need A Little Music, which fits right in with their previous releases—leaving me even more excited for what’s to come.
When they finally play We Make Hits, the crowd goes absolutely mad. It’s a standout moment, and by this point there’s a really decent crowd gathered.
Manic Street Preachers – Main Stage South
While technically not the headliners, the Manic Street Preachers’ set feels like the day’s main event. I’ve seen people in their shirts all day, and even other bands have given them a shoutout during their own sets.
I’ve seen the Manics before, and just like last time, I find them a little flat on stage at Live at Leeds. But that said, I’m happy to cut a band that’s been together for nearly 40 years some slack when it comes to live energy.
Your Love Alone Is Not Enough is an incredible moment though—the crowd really gets moving—and it redeems the earlier lull in energy for sure.
Bloc Party – Main Stage North
Finally, it’s time for this year’s headliners. The main stage is absolutely packed for Bloc Party. Any exhaustion from the long day vanishes the second the band hits the stage.
The setlist is a super mixed bag, covering plenty of ground across their discography. The vibe jumps between energetic bangers and slower, more emotional tracks—it’s a bold but interesting choice.
Frontman Kele Okereke jokes, “This song is for everyone in the crowd smoking weed,” before launching into Blue Light. It’s a serene, lovely moment in an otherwise high-energy set.
They close with a six-song encore, including Helicopter, and neither the crowd nor I can get enough. Bloc Party were a brilliant way to end the festival on a major high—and I already can’t wait to be back next year.
FOLLOW LIVE AT LEEDS
Comentários