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Gig review: ALT BLK ERA at Saltbox

ALT BLK ERA are Nottingham’s alternative crown jewels, made up of sisters Nyrobi and Chaya, who both provide lush and powerful vocals, along with their instrumental backbone of Sam on drums and Alex on guitar. Hot on the heels of the release of their debut album, the incredible Rave Immortal, we went down to Saltbox for their sold-out launch party...

Gig review: Wolvencrown at Rough Trade

Atmospheric black metal band Wolvencrown have a lot to celebrate, with the release of their second album and a decade of experience on the local scene. They chose Rough Trade as the venue for a spectacular show...

Gig review: Blue Violet at Rough Trade

As a winter storm raged outside, Blue Violet kept us warm at Rough Trade with a sultry, stripped-back show to launch their sophomore album...

In photos: Lambrini Girls at Rough Trade Nottingham

Gig review: The L1nKn P4rk Experience at SaltBox

On Saturday, The L1nKn P4rk Experience arrived at Saltbox in Nottingham to grace us with their amazing tribute act to the legendary rock band Linkin Park…

How the Nottingham Gig Buddies community is uniting music lovers

Starting in 2009, and now with nearly 6,000 members to its name, the meetup.com social group Nottingham Gig Buddies (NGB) has been a life changer for many, bringing together people from many different backgrounds, ages, interests, through their passion for music. To understand the success behind the growth of this group, we got to know the people behind it.

LeftLion's Latest Listens #14: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this, the first edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens for 2025, our music team reviews new releases from Rainbow Frog Biscuits, Bad Milk Blood Robot, Eleanor McGregor and Divorce...

Review: Backyard Festival at The Bodega

When Nottingham’s music scene comes together for a cause, magic happens — and that’s exactly what unfolded at this year’s Backyard Festival at The Bodega...

Magic, caves, exhibitions and music: Here's what's on in Nottingham events 6 - 12 January 2025

It might be cold outside, but there's no need to be bored in January. This week in Notts there's magic, exhibitions, caves, live music and more....

The Garage: A 1980s Nottingham Music Haven

We take a look at The Garage nightclub, a fixture in the Lace Market during the 1980s opened by Selectadisc founder Brian Selby and home to live bands, house music, and much more besides…

In photos: Lucy Spraggan at Rock City

In photos: Bad Nerves at Rescue Rooms

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

Gig review: Skinny Lister at Rescue Rooms

With an energetic and "free spirited" set at Rescue Rooms, folk-punk group Skinny Lister put us straight into in Christmas mode...