Arctic Monkeys to raffle Alex Turner’s guitar to raise money for Sheffield venue The Leadmill

The Sheffield-born band are running the fundraiser to support struggling grassroots music venues, including those where they made their name.

Independent venues have had to cancel events because of the pandemic, and many who work in the industry face an uncertain future with no definite date when indoor live events will begin again.

After forming in Sheffield, Arctic Monkeys performed at several of the now-under-threat venues around the country during the early stages of their career, and regularly played at The Leadmill.

Frontman Alex Turner will raffle his black Fender Stratocaster guitar which he used for many of the band’s early performances, including shows at the famous Sheffield venue.

Everybody who enters the raffle will receive an invite to a special screening of the band’s performance at the 2006 Reading Festival.

This will take plave on August 26 at 8pm.

The winner of the guitar will be notified by email on August 28.

The Leadmill was included on a list of under-threat venues by the Music Venue Trust, alongside others in the city.

The historic venue, which opened in 1980, has also played host to Pulp, Coldplay, Arcade Fire, Muse, Oasis, Stone Roses, The White Stripes, Jorja Smith and Michael Kiwanuka over the last four decades.

It has rescheduled or cancelled more than 120 events since closing its doors in March.

The venue has auctioned off memorabilia in order to raise money for its staff, who have geen affected by the coronavirus and many of whom have been on furlough since the venue closed.

All funds raised by the Arctic Monkeys’ raffle will go to Music Venue Trust to support The Leadmill and other independent UK grassroots music venues.

Fans over the age of 18 can enter the raffle at the band’s page on crowdfunder, which is waiving its platform fee.

The raffle is at here and open until 6pm on August 25.