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We chat to Warren Ireland about life, music and local legends

Dan Bonnington caught up with local artist and ex-busker Warren Ireland, to talk about his musical inspirations, his influences and supporters, and just what makes Nottingham so special...

Gig review: IDLES at Rock City

Looking at this set of tour dates for hugely popular punk outfit IDLES – Alexandra Palace in London, M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, OVO Hydro in Glasgow – the usually daunting Rock City stands out as one of the more intimate stops on their current UK tour, even with two sold out nights back-to-back. With the opportunity to catch the punk behemoths in this special setting simply too good to miss, we headed over to Talbot Street for night one…

Gig review: Mickey Callisto at Acoustic Rooms

LeftLion headed to Rescue Rooms to catch 86TVs live, only to find the gig cancelled just minutes before the doors opened due to Jamie from the band being rushed to the hospital. We all wish him a swift and full recovery! Mickey Callisto, who was scheduled to support 86TVs, was not about to let the night go to waste and, with a "the show must go on" attitude, stepped up to fill the gap and deliver an unforgettable performance in the Rescue Rooms bar...

Gig review: Cane Hill at Saltbox

Heading a four-band line-up, Cane Hill proved they are well and truly back with a vengeance. We were at Saltbox for their high-energy set...

In photos: Massive Wagons at Rock City

LeftLion's Latest Listens #11: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team reviews new releases from Grain Mother, ALT BLK ERA (with Wheatus), and Drew Thomas...

Gig review: Porridge Radio at Rescue Rooms

It’s been two years since indie rock band Porridge Radio last played in Nottingham. Now back with a fantastic new album Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me, the quartet led by frontwoman Dana Margolin brought their powerful live show to Rescue Rooms for the first stop on their UK tour. We went along to check it out…

Gig review: Alien Ant Farm at Rock City

Supported by US dark rock purveyors Nocturnal Affair and late replacements InMe, the genre-leaping Alien Ant Farm make a triumphant, celebratory – and noisy – return to Rock City. We got in on the action...

Western musical Calamity Jane blows in from The Windy City to Nottingham Theatre Royal in March 2025

If you're a fan of the classic 1953 comedy-Western film and its long-running stage adaptation, or just looking for some good ol' fashioned escapism, then you're in for a treat early next year...

In photos: She Drew The Gun at Rough Trade

Gig review: They Might Be Giants at Rock City

A car accident and a global pandemic could only keep They Might Be Giants away from the UK for so long. Last Friday, off-kilter alternative heroes John Flansburgh and John Linnell brought pure whimsy to Rock City in celebration of 30 (+4) years of Flood – one of the most recognizable and beloved albums of the early 90s...

Gig review: The Lightning Seeds at Rock City

35 years on from the birth of The Lightning Seeds, the band are on a victory lap around the UK. We headed to their Nottingham stop – the legendary Rock City, of course – to revel in swirly synths, bright pop melodies and plenty of nostalgia...

In photos: Bradley Simpson at Rescue Rooms

Gig review: Josie Beth at Rough Trade

Rough Trade Nottingham recently played host to a night of exceptional live music, with three talented acts gracing the stage: Dorothy Ella, Leah Wilcox and the headliner, Josie Beth...

In photos: Blackout Problems at Rescue Rooms, with Lake Malice

LeftLion Interviews Podcast #6: Natalie Duncan on Music Careers, Hockley Hustle, Goldie, Jools Holland, Ronnie Scott’s, Peggy’s Skylight and more

Our sixth episode features a conversation with Nottingham-born neo-soul, R&B, jazz (and more) singer-songwriter Natalie Duncan... 

Review: JT Soar Fest 2024 at the Old Cold Store

JT Soar is 15! To mark this landmark occasion, the local recording studio, venue and all-round grassroots music heroes filled the Old Cold Store with live music from local, national and international bands – for a full weekend. We went along to celebrate with them...

In photos: Set in Motion at Saltbox, with Alma Close and King Cerulean

Gig review: Martin McAloon of Prefab Sprout at Metronome

From playing bass guitar in much-love art-rock band, Prefab Sprout, Martin McAloon has stepped forward to centre stage. Suffering from retinal and tinnitus issues, his brother Paddy is no longer able to tour live, so, in a heart-warming tribute, his younger brother has swapped four strings for six to breathe new life into the best of the Durham act’s material...

Gig review: Glass Animals at Motorpoint Arena

Conall Stacey discovered Glass Animals when Heat Waves hit the FIFA soundtrack, but seeing them live at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena showed him they’re much more than just that hit song. A wild and creative set and strong support from The Big Moon meant a night to remember...

LeftLion's Latest Listens #10: Notts music we're currently spinning

This week in LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team picks new releases from Lace Thief, Warren Ireland, Idolvein, Bram Bancroft and Revenge of Calculon

Long live The Bodega! We celebrate its 25th anniversary

Ah that special spot on 23 Pelham Street. From countless life-affirming gigs and hazy club nights inside the venue, to summer sessions outside in the quaint back alley of Cobden Chambers, The Bodega has been one of our city’s chief memory makers over the last quarter century.

Now to celebrate the iconic venue’s 25th anniversary this month, we thought we’d take a trip down memory lane with the bands, promoters and staff that have helped this space to endure as a cornerstone of our city’s vibrant music scene and nightlife, by reliving some of their favourite Bodega moments.

Gig review: Royal Republic at Rock City

Combine a packed crowd with a contagiously charismatic and high-energy performance and you’ll get a show that’ll leave you saying “wow, wow, wow”! Royal Republic had the whole crowd bouncing, with Dea Matrona perfectly setting the scene for a night that was both fast-paced and fun. Phillippa Walsh enjoyed a true feast for the senses...

Gig review: Seckou Keita and the Homeland Band at Metronome

Bringing a taste of Senegal to Metronome on a dark October night, Seckou Keita and the Homeland Band performed a rich and blistering set...

Gig review: Bloodworm at The Bodega

Bloodworm’s sold-out Halloween gig at The Bodega was nothing short of iconic, packed with humour, heavy riffs, and Halloween energy that Nottingham fans won’t forget anytime soon. With support from the mesmerising Swallowtail, the night was a celebration of raw talent and dedication from both bands…