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NEWS
Mystery Jets – O2 Academy 2
Thursday 20 April 2020
Mystery Jets managed to notch up a few UK top 40 hits in the 00s including ‘Two Doors Down’ and ‘The Boy Who Ran Away’, plus a string of successful albums including 2008’s ‘Twenty One’ which went Silver. Now, 2020 sees the release of their sixth album; ‘A Billion Heartbeats’. “Perfectly formed pop” – Bugbear. TICKETS.
The Nightingales – The Cookie
Friday 1 May 2020
The Nightingales band was formed by former members of Birmingham’s original punk group The Prefects. With an ever fluctuating lineup, based around lyricist / singer Robert Lloyd, the band recorded a bunch of singles, three albums and many radio sessions for John Peel before it stopped working in the late 80s. The current line up features Lloyd, original Prefects guitarist Alan Apperley, Andreas Schmid from Faust on bass and ex Violet Violet drummer Fliss Kitson. TICKETS.
Fredo – O2 Academy Leicester
Thursday 12 December 2019
Fredo, the London based, grime MC/hiphop artist and rapper. Hailing from the tough London Mozart Estate, Fredo was at one time considered one of the leading figures in the notorious London gang Harrow Road Boys. He later cleaned up his life and began to practice his craft as an MC, with his tracks focusing on his past and the streets he called home. Tickets on sale on Friday.
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THIS WEEK
Open Mic – The Soundhouse
Tuesday 12 November (and every Tuesday)
The weekly open mic happens at The Soundhouse every Tuesday night from 7.30pm. The night is hosted by Rhett Barrow and acts are encouraged to arrive early if hoping to get a slot. Each week there’ll be a featured artist play from 9.30 – 10pm, so if you’re wanting to play a longer set then get your name down. Discover some brilliant new acts. The Soundhouse is on Southampton Street in the Cultural Quarter.
Bella Hardy – The Guildhall
Tuesday 12 November
Catch 2015 Folk Awards Folk Singer of the Year, Bella Hardy at The Guildhall. Described as “Brit folk’s finest” by Mojo and acclaimed as “a shining star in the folk scene’s firmament” and “utterly wonderful” by fRoots, Bella has released nine solo albums and beguiled lovers of traditional folk since her debut album Night Visiting in 2007. TICKETS.
The Ninth Wave – The Cookie
Tuesday 12 November
The Ninth Wave are a noise pop four piece from Glasgow influenced by 80s new wave and goth pop music creating their own unique identity. Brooding synths, jagged guitars and female against male vocals carve this sound. They have been compared to the likes of Pixies and The Cure. TICKETS.
Bob Cheevers – The Musician
Tuesday 12 November
Nashville delta folk style storyteller with a distinctive Southern flavour and an excellent repertoire of original songs. Rootsy, blues-flavoured tales of the Mississippi Delta. He performed with Johnny Cash on what would have been Cash’s final tour. TICKETS.
Reel Big Fish – O2 Academy Leicester
Wednesday 13 November
Ska-punk legends, Reel Big Fish, are back in Leicester on their new tour. The band were one of the legions of Southern California ska-punk bands to edge into the mainstream during the mid-90s. Known for their electric stage shows, juvenile humor, ironic covers of new wave pop songs, and metallic shards of ska. TICKETS.
Declan Welsh & The Decadent West – The Cookie
Wednesday 13 November
Glaswegian singer-songwriter, Declan is influenced by performers such as Billy Bragg, The Proclaimers, Jarvis Cocker and Alex Turner. His music is about finding the beauty in the quirks of everyday life. TICKETS.
Simon & Garfunkel Through The Years – The Y Theatre
Thursday 14 November
Simon & Garfunkel Through The Years has toured the globe extensively receiving standing ovations and selling out theatres night after night. Hear many of the hits such as The Sound of Silence, Mrs Robinson, The Boxer and the smash hit Bridge Over Troubled Water – this live concert experience is without doubt, the closest thing to Simon & Garfunkel touring the world today. “A masterpiece” – BBC Radio, “One of the greatest tribute shows anywhere in the world” – Stuart Cameron, BBC and ITV Broadcaster. TICKETS.
Warmduscher – The Cookie
Thursday 14 November
Warmduscher is an indie supergroup made of members from Fat White Family and Childhood. SOLD OUT.
Humble The Poet – Sue Townsend Theatre
Thursday 14 November
Kanwer Singh, known professionally as Humble The Poet, is a Sikh Canadian YouTube personality, author, rapper and spoken-word artist. TICKETS.
ILL – The Soundhouse
Thursday 14 November
ILL are a genre-evading band which believes in the power of disobedient noise. With a repertoire of precarious pop songs and frequent improvised departures, ILL revel in the right to be weird, exploring the borders between the funny and the sinister, the personal and the political, the mundane and the surreal. Formed in Manchester in early 2012, the feminist post-punks have released a string of self-produced singles along with DIY artwork and music videos. TICKETS.
Mahalia – O2 Academy Leicester
Thursday 14 November
Tickets are running low for the big homecoming show from Mahalia. Fresh from a slot at Glastonbury this summer and with a hit new album, Mahalia will be coming back home to Leicester for her biggest hometown gig to date. These UK dates are sandwiched between USA and European tours as Mahalia’s careers continues to soar. TICKETS.
Dave McPherson (InMe acoustic) – The Shed
Thursday 14 November
InMe frontman Dave McPherson is bringing his acoustic show to The Shed. A great chance to hear your favourite tracks stripped back and in an intimate setting. With 6 studio albums to their name, InMe have an army of fans and have toured with the likes of Alien Ant Farm, The Rasmus, Nickelback, Limp Bizkit, Pendulum, Deftones, Serj Tankian, Staind, Feeder and Biffy Clyro. TICKETS.
Now That’s What I Call The 80s LIVE – De Montfort Hall
Friday 15 November
A brand new tour from world’s best-selling compilation album series, NOW is coming to De Montfort Hall. NOW That’s What I Call The 80s – LIVE will be a celebration of everything great about the decade, with a live power house band and sensational singers performing the most era-defining hits including: Relax, Uptown Girl, It’s Raining Men, Gold, Purple Rain, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Living On a Prayer, Come On Eileen, Africa, Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, (I’ve Had) the Time of My Life, The Final Countdown and many more. TICKETS.
Jersey Budd – The Guildhall
Friday 15 November
Inspired by his fathers love of Dylan, Springsteen, Lou Reed, Cat Stevens, Paul Weller, and also later captivated by Oasis, Jersey picked up a guitar as a teenager and over the years has made himself a well known figure of the local music scene. TICKETS.
Monachopsis – The Shed
Friday 15 November
Monachopsis is a technical/melodic death metal quintet based out of Leicester, UK. They will be returning to The Shed for a headline show. TICKETS.
CJ Pandit – Graffwerk/The Mill
Friday 15 November
Karelu is a word with no direct translation to the English Language, it is the mark something leaves when it’s worn too tight. Karelu is also the title of Cj Pandit’s debut single. To celebrate the release of Karelu, Cj and creative collaborator Vzavz have curated an interactive exhibition, zine and a one off live show all about the marks we leave on one another, taking place on Friday 15 November at Leicester’s creative hub The Mill, on Frog Island. The exhibition will then run from Friday 15th November – Thursday 21st November. Full band live show, Free Drinks & Free Karelu Zine (whilst stocks last). Sign up via www.cjpandit.com to guarantee entry.
The Bumblin’ Bees – Brick & Beam
Friday 15 November
Enjoy jazz classics, melodic bass lines, tasty chords and complex rhythms as Brick & Beam brings you The Bumblin’ Bees — A Jazz/Funk/Fusion Band with Latin grooves and Hip Hop influence. FREE TICKETS.
The Zeppelins – The Musician
Friday 15 November
The Zeppelins – the authentic tribute to Led Zeppelin. Capturing the sound, the energy and the look of Led Zeppelin at the height of their fame. TICKETS.
Sisteray – The Cookie
Friday 15 November
Sisteray have set out their intention to re-write the indie guitar rule book. The band came together out of their shared love for bands such as The Smiths, Velvet Underground, The Clash and The Replacements. This is proven in the upbeat melodies and lyrical observations of 21st century Britain, combined with high-octane live performances that have been key to making their live shows unmissable. TICKETS.
The Lids – O2 Academy 2
Friday 15 November
The Lids are a three-piece indie-rock band from Leicester and they’ll be delivering more of their addictive sounds at this headline. TICKETS.
Wishclone Ish – The Barley Mow
Friday 15 November
Spend Friday night with Wishbone Ash tribute band, Wishclone Ish. Rumour has it they’re friends with the actual band so expect guest appearances and surprises. Free entry.
Dum Language – The Shed
Saturday 16 November
Leicester’s indie-punk 3-piece return to The Shed for a headline show. TICKETS.
Chase & Status headline Beastwang – O2 Academy
Saturday 16 November
Tickets are flying our so don’t miss out on general release as Chase & Status headline Beastwang at O2 Academy Leicester. After headlining festivals including South West 4 this summer the duo will be headlining the long running club night on 16 November. TICKETS.
Reverend Bowler – The Western
Saturday 16 November
Head down to The Western for a Saturday night of fun music from house band, Reverend Bowler. Free entry.
Don’t Dream It’s Over – Sue Townsend Theatre
Saturday 16 November
Born out of the desire to hear the Crowded House back catalogue live again, The UK Crowded House Experience capture the essence of a Crowded House live performance perfectly. Expect to hear such great numbers as ‘Weather With You’, ‘It’s Only Natural’, ‘Distant Sun’, ‘Four Seasons in One Day’, ‘Fall at Your Feet’, ‘Better Be Home Soon’ and of course ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’. All the hits you know and all the songs you forgot you knew. TICKETS.
Running with Knifes – Firebug
Saturday 16 November
Brand new metal hardcore band, Running with Knifes, play their debut show at Firebug. Support comes from Zilch and In Winters Grasp. TICKETS.
Glastonbudget Auditions – The Soundhouse
Saturday 16 November
Catch a bunch of top acts performing original and a fine selection of covers in a bid to secure a slot at Glastonbury 2020. £5 on the door.
Creedence Clearwater Review – The Musician
Saturday 16 November
Creedence Clearwater Review are perhaps now the definitive Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute Band in the UK. This is result of extensive hard work by four talented musicians, dedicated to the music of both Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogherty’s later solo career material, Performing a range of their material consisting of all of their biggest, classic hits, album tracks and wonderful obscurities. TICKETS.
Monster Truck – The Cookie
Saturday 16 November
A four piece, Canadian rock ‘n’ roll band who formed in 2009 from the ashes of various Canadian indie bands. Their original and authentic rock music will compel people to pay attention, as the band continue doing what they do best, steamrolling from town to town, leaving legions of fans in their wake! TICKETS.
Pearl Jam UK – O2 Academy
Saturday 16 November
Pearl Jam UK are a Liverpool based tribute to Pearl Jam consisting of five friends who all share a genuine love and respect for one of the greatest and most influential American rock bands of all time. Driven by an attention to detail that is second to none, the band spend hours on end listening to recordings by Pearl Jam, working out the most minute of details contained within the music, watching hour after hour of live footage to ensure that the Pearl Jam experience is recreated with 100% accuracy – and no compromise. TICKETS.
Marcus Malone – The Musician
Saturday 17 November
Detroit Rock/Blues guitarist and soulful singer, Marcus Malone, has the voice of Paul Rogers and the guitar tone of Walter Trout. “Marcus Malone is a magnificent fusion of Bad Company meets Robert Cray”. TICKETS.
Open Mic – The Grand Union
Sunday 17 November
Join the hosts Carter & Hartmann for the regular open mic at Leicester’s newest venue, The Grand Union on New Walk. From 7pm, plenty of drinks offers.
Ben Williams – The Musician
Monday 18 November
When Ben was 5 he discovered The Beatles in his parents’ music collection and by his early teens he’d picked up his first guitar to follow inspiration from songwriting greats including Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. “AN EXCELLENT GUITARIST AND GREAT TO HAVE AROUND ON A RECORDING SESSION” – KEN NELSON, GRAMMY AWARD WINNING PRODUCER (COLDPLAY, PAULO NUTINI). TICKETS.
Drinks & Jams – The Shed
Monday 18 November 
Every Monday it’s open mic night at The Shed as they host Drinks & Jams. It kicks off at 7.30pm but you can arrive from 7pm to sign up to play. Each week there is a featured act on at 9.15pm. Friendly atmosphere, drinks offers and a great way to start the week.
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DIARY DATES
InMe – O2 Academy 2 Leicester
Friday 24 January 2020
With 6 studio albums to their name, they have an army of fans and have toured with the likes of Alien Ant Farm, The Rasmus, Nickelback, Limp Bizkit, Pendulum, Deftones, Serj Tankian, Staind, Feeder and Biffy Clyro as well as having played massive festivals such as Reading, Sonisphere and Download. TICKETS.
Adam Ant – De Montfort Hall
Friday 29 November
Grammy nominated, pop icon, Adam Ant, returns to Leicester and will be performing his landmark, solo album Friend or Foe for the first time, live in its entirety. Expect a night packed full of other classic chart-topping singles and personal favourites. TICKETS.
Jon Boden – Y Theatre
Friday 6 March 2020
Jon Boden is best known is the lead singer of the progressive folk juggernaut Bellowhead who sold 250,000 album, had seven singles playlisted on Radio 2 and sold out hundreds venues including The Royal Albert Hall. Since Bellowhead split up in 2016 Jon has continued his development as one of the foremost names in English folk music. TICKETS.
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SPOTLIGHT
Party into 2020 with Johnny & The Goodtime Boys
Can you remember the 60s and 70s? Johnny & The Goodtime Boys are bringing the ultimate disco and soul sounds back! One of Leicester’s very best party bands they guarantee a good time and have just announced their New Years Eve extravaganza as they bring Downtown Vegas to the Mercure Hotel. Lead singer, “Johnny”, is said to be the love child of Charles Bradley and Chaka Khan and we caught up with him to find out about what the band have planned!
Johnny & The Goodtime Boys have earned a reputation as one of Leicester’s best party bands, what is it about the band that makes them so unique?
We just do what we do and that’s show people how to have a good time! I guess there isn’t any other band like us around in our second home that is Leicester (my first being Puerto Rico obvs!). We are all young sexy people playing the music of legends, dressed to impress and making sure that not one person isn’t shaking their booty!
Give us a bit of info on the background of the band?
Well where do I start? My adopted father, El Campo, was an elderly blind street musician, he always told me that I was the love child of two musical legends, Charles Bradley and Chaka Khan so music is in my blood. Fast forward a few years and I went to see One Direction in my home town in Puerto Rico where I snook into the back of their tour bus and hid there until it we hit the U.K. I didn’t know where I was.
Cissy Cass (female lead vocals) found herself here from Columbia, she ran away from her 3rd husband after he tried to introduce swinging into their relationship, she wasn’t keen.
Hector our guitarist was originally from Mexico but he came to the U.K in search of his true love, she didn’t exist and he ended up on the TV show Catfish.
When I got to the U.K, I knew I wanted to play the Soul music that was bred into me from such a young age so I searched for the best band I could put together but I couldn’t afford their wages so it left me with no option to lower my standards. Lo and Behold, Johnny & The Goodtime Boys were born. The best party band this side of the Atlantic!
What have been some of your most memorable performances?
Most of our performances tend to be private shows, celebrity parties, weddings etc. Contractually I can not say who’s party it was I’m afriad. In terms of public performances, aside from secret gigs at Glastonbury and Cochella, Leicester has been great to us over the years and we always love playing to the people of Leicester. We headlined the Christmas lights switch on to tens of thousands of people, we played the huge Abbey Park fire works show to around 20,000 people which was great, cold but great.
Kasabian also asked us to support them at their Victoria Park show in 2020, but we kindly had to decline due to artistic differences.
The band are playing at the Downtown Vegas New Years Eve event at the Mercure – what are you New Years resolutions for the band?
For me personally, I could really do with learning the lyrics to the songs we play.
Who are some of your other favourite local acts at the moment?
Our favourite local acts don’t tend to play much these days. Englebert doesn’t play much anymore. We asked him to support us on tour, but we couldn’t afford his fee to come out of retirement. Erm…who else? Showwaddywaddy, Mark Morrison, Cornershop, H ’two’ O. Somebody should arrange a big Leicester reunion for these guys to play.
Don’t miss seeing in 2020 at the ultimate New Years Eve party with Johnny & The Goodtime Boys at the Mercure Hotel. Tickets are on sale now.
MORE MUSIC NEWS NEXT WEEK
