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Chapters of history: author Simon Smalley turns the pages on Nottingham’s queer past

The history of St. Ann’s has always been a fascinating one. Today, the idea that the council could bulldoze entire areas of communities separating neighbours and friends is one that is difficult to imagine. However, for those who lived it, it’s still all too real. CJ De Barra speaks to St Ann’s born-and-bred author Simon Smalley about growing up in the area as a young gay man in the 60s and 70s.

Gig review: Soft Play and Panic Shack at Rock City

For anyone feeling an impending monotony as the nights creep in, I highly recommend booking yourself a loud, chaotic and crazed gig to look forward to. The mighty Soft Play, supported by Panic Shack at Rock City this week, was just the antidote, shaking the crowd out of a midweek malaise..

Gig review: Cast at Rock City

It was Friday night and, for Kevin Stanley, there was nowhere better to be than Rock City in the heart of Nottingham to watch an iconic 90s band play some Scouse tunes...

Gig review: The Libertines at Rock City

The Libertines once had a reputation for riotous live performances, but have mellowed with age while still holding on to their unique sound. As part of a nearly sold out UK tour, the indie quartet took to the Rock City stage and LeftLion was there to witness the rapturous welcome...

Gig review: Public Service Broadcasting at Rock City

You hear it about lots of bands: that their live show is “unrivalled”. Sometimes it is, sometimes it’s a bit of hyperbole. However, in the case of musical historians Public Service Broadcasting (PSB), this praise is fully warranted. With a 7-piece band playing accomplished art-rock and electronica to a backdrop of archive footage, PSB truly offer a one-of-a-kind live experience. To witness it for ourselves, we headed down to catch their fourth visit to Rock City…

Gig review: Peter Hook & The Light at Rock City

It’s been seven years since the legendary Peter Hook last brought his Substance tour to Nottingham, playing the best of both New Order and Joy Division. With that 2017 show being such a memorable night last time around, we just had to head down to Rock City to catch Hooky & Co playing a mammoth set of all the classics once again...

Gig review: Cardinal Black at Rock City

They may have taken the scenic route but Cardinal Black are finally here, and they’ve got plenty of stories to tell on the Rock City stage...

Gig review: Punk Rock Factory at Rock City

At the LeftLion office, it's no secret that Head Designer Natalie Owen is a rock music enthusiast and a massive Disney fan. So, when we heard that Punk Rock Factory, a rock band known for their Disney covers, were coming to Nottingham, there was only one choice to review the gig...

Gig review: Jet at Rock City

Celebrating 21 years of debut album Get Born, Jet landed at Rock City to prove exactly why their songs have such long-lasting appeal...

The hidden history behind Nottingham's Express Building

Many people pass by the Tesco Express on Parliament Street in Nottingham every day, unaware of the rich history behind this iconic building. Known simply as the Express Building, this early Gothic-style masterpiece stands as a testament to the brilliant vision of renowned British architect Watson Fothergill. For over a century, it has been a distinctive feature of Nottingham’s cityscape - serving multiple purposes, adapting with time, and telling the story of a city in transition.

We spoke to 80s post-punk legend Peter Hook, ahead of his gig at Rock City

The term legend can be thrown around a lot in music nowadays, but only a select few truly deserve the tag. From his iconic basslines to his enduring work with Joy Division and New Order,  Peter Hook is one-such artist. As he sets his sights on a return to Nottingham to play New Order’s Substance albums in full, we had a whirlwind chat with Hooky about his life in music.

Gig review: Apocalyptica at Rock City

Back in 1996, Finnish metal outfit and classically trained cellists Apocalyptica made a name for themselves by playing Metallica’s music through their revolutionary and mightily impressive string arrangements. Now almost 30 years and 10 albums later, they have returned to play Metallica’s greatest hits once again in their own unique style. To witness this one-of-a-kind event, we headed down to catch their show at Rock City…

Gig review: Wunderhorse at Rock City

Nottingham’s Rock City played host to a night of raw energy and exceptional musicianship, headlined by Wunderhorse with support from London-based HighSchool. It’s soon to say, but it might just be a contender for gig of the year…

Heart and Coal: the history and future possibilities of Ratcliffe-on-Soar

The end of September saw the closure of the UK’s last remaining coal-fired power station: Ratcliffe-on-Soar. Environment Editor Adam Pickering reflects on the past and future of this instantly recognisable Nottinghamshire landmark, the conflicted feelings that surround it, and how it could be re-purposed in the years to come.

We speak with Wunderhorse about life, Rock City and everything in between

If you’re looking for a fresh and fast-rising guitar band to get excited about, look no further than Newquay-formed quartet Wunderhorse, who released their acclaimed second album Midas back in August. Ahead of a sold-out headline show at Rock City this month, we spoke to frontman Jacob Slater about the ethos behind the record and his past experiences playing live in Notts.

Gig review: Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols at Rock City

Expectations were high as Frank Carter took to the stage at Rock City with one of the most legendary acts of all time - the Sex Pistols - for what proved to be the ultimate punk reunion...

From alt-rock and grunge, to football and surrealism. Here's what's on in Nottingham, 23 -29 September

There's no shortage of energetic gigs, side-splitting comedy, or thought provoking art and design shows, to keep you busy in Notts this week. Here's what's on. 

In photos: Boston Manor at Rock City, with Trophy Eyes and Split Chain

Riding high on the wave of fifth album Sundiver, Boston Manor arrived at Rock City to play a blistering set. Support from Ozzie punk rockers Trophy Eyes and genre-blenders Split Chain made the night one to remember...

We talk to Boston Manor about chart success and Nottingham memories

Experienced Blackpool-based rockers Boston Manor have recently released their fifth album, but success still brings them joy and surprise. We spoke with vocalist Henry Cox as the band waited for news of Sundiver's chart position, and prepared to lift the roof off Rock City...

In photos: The Plot In You at Rock City

Gig review: American Football at Rock City

25 years ago, four friends from Champaign, Illinois formed a band, made a record together and then headed off to college - not once thinking of the potential impact of their music. Little did they know that album would go on to become a seminal masterpiece, one that would inspire a whole genre, as well as a new generation of artists and legions of fans all around the globe. Now travelling the world in 2024 celebrating that album’s quarter century, American Football stopped by Rock City to play their iconic LP1 in full…

Our September cover artist D.A Orli talks 3D art, consumerism and the ownership of history

We sat down with this month’s cover artist D.A. Orli to hear about some of his previous work and inspirations…

Alt-rock quartet Bored Marsh talk festivals, finding success and their upcoming EP

In just a few short years, alt-rock quartet Bored Marsh have gone from non-existent to becoming one of the hottest bands to emerge from the booming Nottingham music scene. Now with the release of their debut EP on the horizon, we sat down with frontman Joe Need and guitarist Brad Westby to discuss their rapid rise.

The Thompsons on mods & rockers, Beans on Toast and escape rooms

Nottingham's most opinionated grocers, The Thompson Brothers, on... mods & rockers, beans on toast and escape rooms

Rights for Flies: the alternative rock band with an environmental twist

It’s summer. The wasps are coming for your ice cream, the flies for your park-bench picnic… but before you start swatting, have a listen to Rights For Flies. We spoke with Tobi from the Nottingham based band and activist collective to hear about hoverflies, breaking boundaries, and how art gives us the chance to champion environmental action.