Iconic Sheffield music venue, famed for legendary gigs, announces return and when it will reopen
Landmark venue has hosted acts ranging from The Jam to Kylie Minogue
One of Sheffield's most iconic music venues has announced its return - with confirmation it will re-open next year.
The O2 Academy on Arundel Gate was closed because of concerns over the concrete in the roof three years ago this year.
A Goth-Punk weekend event at the site on Arundel Gate, featuring bands including Cockney Rejects and GBH was postponed at short notice at the time.
But now it has been confirmed that the venue will be back from February next year. The exact date in February has not been announced.
Academy Music Group says it has invested substantially in remedial works since the venue was temporarily closed in September 2023, including the installation of a new roof, air-conditioning and extensive works to service areas in both the main room and O2 Academy2.
There will also be an improved sound system.
Liam Boylan, Academy Music Group’s chief executive said: “AMG is the backbone of the UK touring circuit, and O2 Academy Sheffield is an important venue in the region and one that promoters and artists will have missed being able to include on their routing whilst it has been closed.
“Our venue estate has not been complete without this landmark building and it’s wonderful to be able to announce its return to the group.”
The venue originally dates back the 1960s, having opened as the Top Rank Suite in 1968., with gigs by famous bands including The Police, The Clash, Joy Division and David Bowie.
It was famous enough to feature in a 2006 Doctor Who plot, when the Doctor offered to take companion Rose to see “Ian Dury at the Top Rank, Sheffield, England, Earth, 21st November, 1979”, before accidently going to battle a werewolf in Scotland in 1879 by mistake.
However, it become The Roxy in the 80s, and and was often used as a venue for the late night television show The Hitman and Her, presented by Pete Waterman and Michaela Strachan. Kyle Minogue performed there during that era.
Academy Music Group took it over in 2008, with a major refurbishment. Groups to perform there then included The Prodigy, Self Esteem, The Streets, Bring Me The Horizon, and Stormzy.
Justin Smith, divisional manager, Academy Music Group, said: “Having worked at the venue since opening night almost two decades ago, the wider team and I can’t wait to get artists back on our stage and welcome loyal customers through the doors again.
“We have invested in some fantastic improvements including updating the audio capabilities at the venue. We want artists who return to play here to have access to the best technical equipment and ensure our audience is given the very best live experience.
“Our programme, as ever, is varied and the new L-Acoustics system really delivers across different genres and event types.”