In pictures: 12 of the most legendary artists to play Sheffield through the years

Sheffield boasts an impressive musical history, having produced some of the finest bands and artists in history.
The Beatles.The Beatles.
The Beatles.

But as well as its wealth of homegrown talent, the city has welcomed a fair few legends into its midst over the years – here are just a few of the most iconic artists to leave their mark.

The Beatles

Originally booked to play The Mojo Club, the gig later had to be moved to the larger Azena Ballroom after the band reached their first number one with ‘Please Please Me’, marking the start of Beatlemania

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and absolute bedlam in Sheffield as thousands flocked to the venue.

When: 12 February 1963, at the Azena Ballroom

Joe Cocker (as Vance Arnold & The Avengers)

Playing in support of The Rolling Stones with his band Vance Arnold & The Avengers, acclaimed Sheffield singer, Joe Cocker, was among great company as he began the long road from gas fitter to household name.

When: 13 November 1963, at Sheffield City Hall

Led Zeppelin

Bringing their Winter 1971 tour to the grounds of Sheffield University, the English rockers played a mammoth three hour set to a packed venue – with tickets to get in only costing £1.

When: 18 November 1971, at Sheffield University

Paul McCartney and Wings

Touring in support of their album, Red Rose Speedway, Beatles fans were treated to an opportunity to see one of the Fab Four in action again following their break-up when Paul McCartney brought his new

band, Wings, to town.

When: 4 July 1973, at Sheffield City Hall

The Clash

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Sheffield’s Black Swan has played host to a number of iconic bands in its time, including AC/DC, Status Quo and Genesis, and it was the venue where The Clash played their first ever gig in support of The Sex

Pistols during the middle of the 1976 summer heatwave.

When: 4 July 1976, at Sheffield University

Bruce Springsteen

Playing to an impressive 88,000 fans across two consecutive sell-out shows at Sheffield United’s stadium, The Boss certainly lived up to his name, taking charge of the crowd in a double bill of lively rock

‘n’ roll.

When: 9 & 10 July 1988, at Bramall Lane

Def Leppard

It was the only UK date played on their 1993 Adrenalize Tour and the hometown favourites made sure it counted, playing a 21-song set at what they have dubbed their best ever show and proudest moments as

a band.

When: 6 June 1993, at Don Valley Stadium

Michael Jackson

It was his first and only solo date in South Yorkshire on the HIStory World Tour and more than 50,000 fans played witness to pop royalty, with moonwalking and chart-topping hits galore.

Bon Jovi

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This stadium gig was every rock lovers dream having had Van Halen kick the evening off, followed by an energetic 19-song set by the headliners as they brought their These Days tour to the UK.

When: 28 June 1995, at Don Valley Stadium

Coldplay

The Leadmill has seen many legendary artists come through its doors over the years and in 2000 it saw Coldplay take to the stage, in support of Muse, giving fans a rare chance to see them perform in an

intimate setting before exploding into the big time.

When: 3 June 2000, at The Leadmill

Arctic Monkeys

It was the day that the Sheffield favourites played their first ever gig in front of a tiny crowd at The Grapes pub (reportedly for just £27) and despite a nervous start, they’ve since gone on to become some

of today’s biggest names.

When: 13 May 2003, at The Grapes

Tina Turner

The singing superstar brought her six-month, 90-date, 50th Anniversary Tour to a close in Sheffield, giving locals the honour of making her last ever concert both a memorable and historic one.

When: 5 May 2009, at Sheffield Arena