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LeftLion Issue #179 January 2025

In this month's magazine we speak to Marcellus Baz, Nottingham Gig Buddies, sculptor Rachel Carter, ALT BLK ERA, Evil Scarecrow, Pretty Polly Tights, and author and human rights lawyer Christian Weaver. We also look at the history of The Garage club, Union Road, and hear about growing up as a trans man in Nottingham. Plus lots more!

The Nottingham Culture Review of 2024

Welcome to our annual culture review of 2024, a year marked by a national changing-of-the-guard from fourteen years of the Tories. On a local level, we saw highs and lows in Nottingham arts and culture, from the sad final days of some loved businesses to inspiring successes for individuals, artists, groups and charities….

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #8: George Akins on Rock City, Beat The Streets, Thekla, Dot To Dot, Massive Attack and 30 years working in live music

A bonus eighth episode  talking with the most influential man in the Nottingham music scene, George Akins; owner of DHP Family, Rock City, Rescue Rooms, Bodega, Stealth, Splendour Festival, Dot To Dot and more...

Music Reviews: December 2024

This Christmas, our music team have highlighted new releases from Notts artists...

LeftLion Music: The Best of 2024 Awards

What a year it’s been for the Nottingham music scene: from new venues opening to local talent gaining national exposure, 2024 proved that our city is one of the best in the country for breeding and platforming exceptional musical talent. With this in mind, we thought we’d celebrate with some end-of-year awards – championing the best local releases and gigs which took place in our city since the start of the year. Without further ado, here’s what stood out in the Notts music world in 2024…

Gig review: Christmas Covers at The Bodega

Mitch Gavell put his Christmas jumper on and headed to The Bodega for the Nottingham institution that is the Christmas Covers Party…

Gig review: The Publics at Rescue Rooms

Gig review: The Unthanks at Royal Albert Hall

The Unthanks filled the magical space of Nottingham's Albert Hall with timeless tales, and warm music despite the strains of Northumbrian winter...

It doesn't seem a year too long, a decade of Beeston Tales

Mike Payton and Tim Ralph, founders of the Beeston Tales, celebrate their tenth anniversary with a special night of fun... 

Gig review: Otala at The Bodega, with Bram Bancroft and Martial Arts

They’ll be back eventually, but for now, local sweethearts Otala have performed what they say could be their last gig in Nottingham for a “long while”. Jake George was there to witness the celebration...

The Storm Whale at Lakeside Arts

A heartwarming production brings Benji Davies’s tale to life, blending puppetry, music and charm, celebrating friendship, belonging and unexpected connections...

Gig review: The Jesus and Mary Chain at Rock City

Rock City on a frosty December night felt the perfect setting for The Jesus and Mary Chain’s return, and forty years on from their earliest gigs, the show was as visceral and cool as ever...

Gig review: Catmilk at Metronome, with Sobscene and Mouse Teeth

Originally scheduled for October but postponed until last Thursday evening, Catmilk have been keeping us all on our toes. Last performing at Hockley Hustle 2024 at Antenna, and returning once again as an alt-folk four piece (with a brand new single), we found they were truly worth the wait... 

Gig review: The Deep Blue at The Bodega, with Katie Keddie and Headgazer.

If there’s one thing you can expect from a Deep Blue show, it’s unpredictability. The band's set at The Bodega was a perfect mix of raw honesty, playful chaos, and exquisite musicianship, anchored by their unwavering connection with the audience…

Gig review: Wizards Can't Be Lawyers, Trupa Trupa and Rights For Flies at The Bodega

It’s quite something that, at a gig with three bands performing, the least strange name on the bill is Trupa Trupa. However, with Rights For Flies and Wizards Can’t Be Lawyers also on the bill at The Bodega last week, it’s difficult to argue the contrary...

Gig review: The Darkness at Rough Trade

Taking a break from his prosperous side hustle as a successful YouTuber, Justin Hawkins is back doing what he does best – rocking out with Rufus, Frankie and brother Dan in The Darkness. With their brilliantly titled new album Dreams On Toast set for a March release, the band stopped by Rough Trade Nottingham to give fans an early preview of their latest project, and surely a rendition of their festive hit, Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End). Surely…right?! Er, here’s what went down…

Gig review: Shed Seven at Rock City, with The Sherlocks

Gig review: Miles Kane at Rescue Rooms

Bonafide Indie rocker Miles Kane returned to Nottingham with his one man band voyage. He graced the Rescue Rooms and left no one in doubt that he's still got it - and is on the up again....

From Christmas jazz to seasonal stage productions: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 16-22 December

This week in Nottingham, festivities get into full-swing, as the Theatre Royal puts on some Christmas-themed show tunes and Bodega's annual Christmas Covers party returns for its 22nd year. Meanwhile, Lakeside Arts showcases a magical new stage show for kids and Malt Cross puts on a seasonal jazz night.

Gig review: Confyde at Billy Bootleggers

As the shows begin to quiet down towards Christmas and the New Year, a hometown performance at Billy Bootleggers for much loved local band Confyde was welcome news and a perfect way to get out of the horrendous weather for a few hours of heavy metal huddling...

LeftLion's Latest Listens #13: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from ALT BLK ERA, Jayahadadream, Pretty Windows and Alice for Breakfast...

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #7: Chanel Cresswell on This Is England, Shane Meadows, Guy Ritchie, Colleen Rooney, Winning a BAFTA and more.

Our seventh episode is an interview with BAFTA-winning actor and Television Workshop alumnus Chanel Cresswell... 

Gig review: Travis at Rock City

It's a rejuvenated Travis that take to the Rock City stage, that legendary stage which seems to transform a night out from good to great...

A seasonal stocking packed with composers and their Christmas gifts

Kevin Stanley is full of Christmas spirit as he reviews the Hallé's annual festive concert at the Royal Concert Hall...

Gig review: The Damned at Rock City

Despite mellowing a little with age, The Damned ripped through a generous set at Rock City, delighting fans and providing more than a few surprises...