More details reveal what you'll see when iconic Sheffield O2 Academy re-opens, including household name
Licence application in, scaffolding down and more names announced for shows
One of Sheffield’s most iconic live music venues is re-opening next year - and we now have a better idea of what we can expect.
New details show there is at least one household name on the way, that there could be more than just music performed there, and that some clubbers could be out until 6.30am.
The O2 Academy, next to Arundel Gate in the city centre, announced last month that it would be re-opening in February 2027, more than three years after if closed because of safety issues involving reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the roof.
Now scaffolding is down, and bosses have now applied for a ‘minor variation of its premises licence‘ - and the document reveals that it will be able to stage more than just music.
Sseveral of the acts which are due to appear have now been announced.
Over the years, the venue has staged some of the most famous acts in music, from Kylie Minogue to The Jam, many under previous names for the site including The Roxy and the Top Rank.
But the venue’s licence reveals it is likely to be able to stage much more than just music.
The licence would allow it to also stage plays, show films and run indoor sporting events. It would also be allowed to stage boxing or wrestling, as well as dance events.
Meanwhile, details of more acts which are set to appear after the venue re-opens next year have also been revealed.
Latest information now suggests that the first act to perform at the venue when it re-opens will be a tribute to the contemporary American girls group KATSEYE.
The tribute group Catseye have now been announced for the Academy on February 27.
They would be followed by the Oasis tribute band, Definitely Mightbe, on March 5, and the progressive art-rock band The Pineapple Thief on Saturday, March 6, 2027, as part of their Far and Wide European tour.
The British alternative rock group Dinosaur Pile-Up is then heading to the venue on March 25, with Scottish funk bank Tom McGuire & The Brassholes booked for April 17.
And big name BBC Radio 2 DJ Vernon Kay has been announced for October 27, when he presents BBC Radio 2's Dance Sounds of the 90's show at the venue.
The licence application seeks to open until 6.30am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and 4.30am every other day.