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Diary Dates
ADMT – Tuesday 23 April
O2 Academy Leicester
ADMT is a Leeds based singer songwriter dabbling in Acoustic Pop. Describing himself as a ‘singer, drummer… universe explorer’.
Pete Morton – Thursday 25 April
The Musician
‘Pete is everything we want our singer-songwriters to be. Fiercely creative, proudly independent, skilful, talented, and terminally unpredictable’ (Mojo Magazine).
Liqueur – Saturday 4 May
Duffy’s
Enjoy a Saturday night out to your favourite tracks for The Cure as this tribute act comes to Duffy’s.
Sunbirds – Saturday 4 May
The Soundhouse
Co-founder of The Beautiful South, Dave Hemingway returns with his 6-piece Americana influenced Indie Folk band Sunbirds. Expect songs from their critically aclaimed debut album Cool To Be Kind as well as brand new material intertwined with one or two classics from Dave’s undeniable legacy.
Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman – Sunday 5 May
The Musician
Two of the British folk scenes most accomplished performers, Kathryn and Sean have graced stages the world over in a number of guises, however, the intimacy and strength of passion shown as a duo, combined with an eclectic repertoire ensures a rare treat for any listener.
Ocean Colour Scene – Friday 17 May
O2 Academy Leicester
Ocean Colour Scene’s rip-roaring live shows have long been one of the most extraordinary sights in modern rock, which boast the most life affirming sing-a-longs you’ll ever hear. They lit up the Britpop party, chalking up three Top five albums – Moseley Shoals, Marchin’ Already and 1999’s One From The Modern with a run of Top 20 single’s including the immortal “The Riverboat Song”.
James Walsh – Friday 17 May
The Soundhouse
AKA the frontman of indie troubadours Starsailor. Older, wiser – and a father – he’s looking forward to “doing something different for a while”, setting off in a different ship but touching people once again, which could include anything from writing more songs with Suzanne Vega or fulfilling a lifetime ambition to write with Shelby Lynne.
••••
PREVIEW: Willie J Healey
Already a favourite of some of the UK’s most acclaimed artists (Alex Turner, Joe Talbot of IDLES, Jamie T and Florence Welch), Willie J Healey’s latest album ‘Bunny’ earned a wave of remarkable critical adoration. Bringing echoes of Sly and The Family Stone, David Bowie circa ‘The Gouster’, Outkast and Beck into his singular style, the album took his talents to a far broader audience with highlights including the BBC 6 Music Album of the Year accolade (as chosen by Guy Garvey), BBC Radio 1 support from Jack Saunders and Greg James, a remarkable debut ‘Later… with Jools Holland’ performance, and a Sofa Session for Jo Whiley.
Now Willie J Healey puts ‘Bunny’ back in the spotlight with the confirmation of a new UK headline tour this May, including a date in Leicester at the O2 Academy on Wednesday 8 May.
2023 saw Willie play numerous huge shows as guest to Florence + The Machine, Arctic Monkeys and Jamie T and his previous tour resulted in triumphant scenes and sold-out shows – including his biggest London headline show to date at the Brixton Electric. Now this spring he will hit towns which have yet to witness the full ‘Bunny’ live experience.
Willie says, ‘’Bunny tour round two! I feel lucky to be diving deeper into the depths of the UK and I’m intending on blowing doors off hinges.’’
In addition to the May headline UK tour, Willie has a busy schedule of summer festival dates including Truck, Tramlines & Boardmasters, with more due to be announced.
“I’ve completely fallen in love with his music, it’s very bright, clever, excellent soul-y funk music with a keen sense of humour… my new favourite artist” – Guy Garvey, BBC 6 Music
“Willie J Healey is a completely brilliant singer songwriter” – Greg James, BBC Radio 1
“One of my favourite albums of the year’’ – Jack Saunders, BBC Radio 1
“[Bunny] perfectly captures the essence of those mellow summer afternoons” – Clash ★★★★
Willie J Healey plays O2 Academy Leicester on Wednesday 8 May. Tickets are on sale HERE.
PLAYLIST
Thinking of going to see Willie J Healey when he comes to Leicester? Take a listen to his new album, Bunny, then bag yourself some tickets.