Tom Grennan has slammed the landlord behind The Leadmill who served the iconic venue and its staff with an eviction notice in March this year.
The Royal Highness hitmaker explained he was speechless when he discovered he was playing the Sheffield, South Yorkshire on his first tour back in 2018.
Now, the 27-year-old has hit out after big wigs behind the venue had given them one year’s notice, informing them that they had to close.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, backstage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Coventry, he vented his frustration at the decision, claiming it was an “awful” decision.
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Tom said: “Mate, it’s awful – for Sheffield, that [Leadmill] is the heart and soul of music.
“I’ve played Leadmill, I’ve seen gigs in Leadmill and for me, it’s one of the best venues for up-and-coming artists and for it to maybe be closing is sad, man.
“Sheffield is such a music city and the community is so strong there that hopefully, people will round the troops up and keep it open.
“My fingers are crossed and if I can do anything to help, I will.”
(Image: Redferns)
Reflecting on his favourite memory of the iconic club and music venue, he explained: “I think headlining it when I first did a tour, that was my first big tour.
“When I got told I was playing Leadmill, I couldn’t believe it, that’s probably my best memory.”
Announcing the devastating news, the venue took to Twitter saying: “Today we have received some devastating news that in 1 year’s time, our Landlord is evicting us and forcing us to close.
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
“Please show your support by sharing this news & sending us your best memories that we can gather to help display all the reasons why #WeCantLoseLeadmill.”
Bands such as the Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, The Stone Roses, Oasis, Kings of Leon and The Killers have all headlined the venue, as well as artists such as Kate Nash, George Ezra and Lewis Capaldi.
The owners, Electric Group, have since said there was “never any question” as to whether the venue would close at the end of its agreement in March 2023.
(Image: The Leadmill /twitter)
Dominic Madden, CEO of the London-based company said: “For the avoidance of doubt, we are music people, we spend our lives running independent music venues and the Leadmill will continue to operate as a special music venue.
“The management may change but the song stays the same.”
Head of music for Electric Group, Mike Weller added: “There was never any question of us closing the Leadmill, despite all the social media chat.
“The refurb will make the room better equipped to accommodate the modern wants of live music and club nights, for audiences and performers. We want to ensure the Leadmill’s future is as exciting as its history.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
