{"id":11868,"date":"2025-04-11T21:23:07","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T21:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/11868\/"},"modified":"2025-04-11T21:23:07","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T21:23:07","slug":"the-kooks-announce-2025-stripped-back-uk-tour-of-grassroots-venues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/11868\/","title":{"rendered":"The Kooks announce 2025 stripped-back UK tour of grassroots venues"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Kooks<\/a> have announced a stripped-back tour of UK grassroots venues for next month. Find all the details below.<\/p>\n

The Brighton band\u2019s first live shows on these shores of 2025 will take place in support of their seventh studio album, \u2018Never\/Know\u2019<\/a>, which is out on May 9 (pre-order\/pre-save here<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Luke Pritchard and co. are due to kick off the special trek at The Leadmill in Sheffield on May 2, before taking to the stage at Bury Met, The Wardobe in Leeds, Nottingham\u2019s Saltbox, Liverpool\u2019s Jacaranda Baltic, and The Fire Station in Bournemouth.<\/p>\n

Further intimate performances are scheduled for The 1865 in Southampton and The Fleece in Bristol, ahead of a final stop at the HMV Empire in Coventry.<\/p>\n

Speaking about The Kooks\u2019 decision to focus on grassroots venues for the forthcoming tour, frontman Pritchard described such spaces as \u201cthe lifeblood of the British music scene\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cClubs like The Leadmill were vital for us when we started out and it breaks my heart to see these places closing down,\u201d he continued. \u201cIt\u2019ll be a sad day if we lose The Leadmill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n<\/blockquote>\n

Pritchard added: \u201cThe UK government has undervalued live music for too long. They need to do more to keep this industry alive, for the benefit of the country and all future artists that risk not being heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tour is being put on in partnership with the cities\u2019 independent record stores. It\u2019ll see Pritchard performing an acoustic live set with Kooks guitarist Hugh Harris. Tickets are on sale now \u2013 buy yours here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Kooks\u2019 2025 stripped-back UK tour dates are:<\/strong><\/p>\n

MAY<\/strong>
02 \u2013 The Leadmill, Sheffield\u00a0<\/strong>
03 \u2013 Bury Met, Bury (afternoon)<\/strong>
03 \u2013 The Wardrobe, Leeds (evening)<\/strong>
04 \u2013 Saltbox, Nottingham\u00a0<\/strong>
05 \u2013 Jacaranda Baltic, Liverpool\u00a0<\/strong>
10 \u2013 The Fire Station, Bournemouth (afternoon)\u00a0<\/strong>
10 \u2013 The 1865, Southampton (evening)\u00a0<\/strong>
13 \u2013 The Fleece, Bristol\u00a0<\/strong>
14 \u2013 HMV Empire, Coventry<\/strong><\/p>\n

In February, the tenants of the iconic Leadmill venue in Sheffield were ordered to move out of the premises within three months<\/a> after losing a court battle with the landlord.<\/p>\n

2025 looks set to be a game-changer when it comes to fundraising for grassroots music in the UK<\/a>. Late last year, the government got behind a long overdue levy on tickets for gigs held in arenas and stadiums<\/a>.<\/p>\n