Radical Reading Room Book Event | Sound System with Dave Randall
Join us for another Radical Reading Room event, hosted by Sarah Autumn.
Musicians have often wanted to change the world. From underground innovators to pop icons many have believed in the political power of music. Rulers recognise it too. Music has been used to challenge the political and social order – and to prop up the status quo.
Sound System is the story of one musician’s journey to discover what makes music so powerful. Dave Randall uses his insider’s knowledge of the industry to shed light on the secrets of celebrity, commodification and culture.
This is a book of raves, riots and revolution. From the Glastonbury Festival to the Arab Spring, Pop Idol to Trinidadian Carnival, Randall finds political inspiration across the musical spectrum and poses the question: how can we make music serve the interests of the many, rather than the few?
We’ll be joined by the author of Sound System Dave Randall and a panel of local guests.
Dave Randall
Dave Randall is a musician, producer and activist. He has toured the world playing guitar with Faithless, Dido, Sinead O’Connor and many others. He also teaches courses on guitar and the creative industries at BIMM University Bristol.
More Events
Up North! an Exhibition by Elizabeth Nast | Launch Event
22nd April 2026 - 22nd April 2026
Join us this spring for a solo show from artist Elizabeth Nast – “Up North! Beauty in the Ordinary, everyday scenes”. Elizabeth though born in…
Richard Durrant: The Art of Levitation
14th May 2026 - 14th May 2026
A wonderful live music event for acoustic and classical guitar lovers and the musically curious. Featuring Richard’s original, haunting guitar music including his newly-released track…
Book Binding with Jill Setterington
6th May 2026 - 6th May 2026
Join us for a gentle introduction to the art of book making, where you’ll learn the basics of crafting your own handmade quarter-bound, single section…
Paint Your Plate: A Painting Workshop with Liz Nast
27th May 2026 - 27th May 2026
Join exhibiting artist Liz Nast for a relaxed and creative 3-hour painting workshop inspired by the beauty of everyday life. Taking cues from her exhibition…
Felted Flowers! A Wet-Felting Workshop with Penny
22nd April 2026 - 22nd April 2026
Join us for a calming and creative Wet Felting Workshop, where you’ll learn the art of felting and craft your very own flowers to take…
Lino Printing with Megan Dobbyn | Beltane Mayday Special
27th May 2026 - 27th May 2026
Join us for a joyful Lino Printing workshop with one of our favourite illustrators, Megan Dobbyn. This single-date session is perfect for both beginners and…
Explore The Neighbourhood
Jack and the Beanstalk
Are you ready for some Fe-Fi-Fo fun!? Following the sucess of our previous pantomimes, including Snow White, Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty, we’re…
Learn MoreBus Stop Goths
Fantasy meets punk with a Teesside twist. A joyfully chaotic celebration of youth expression and identity. Join celestial beings Sid and Viv as they keep…
Learn MoreJazz Dance Party with Paul Murphy
Lift Your Feet returns with their third addition of their annual Jazz Dance Party at Hyde Park Book Club, in association with Leeds Jazz Festival.…
Learn MoreDermot Kennedy
Multi-platinum singer/songwriter Dermot Kennedy today announces his largest headline tour to date. The landmark tour will see Dermot play at first direct bank arena on…
Learn MoreSparky Saturdays: Looking Good
Can you design a shop window that will wow the crowds? Learn what it takes to become an M&S Visual Merchandiser and create your own…
Learn MoreShaun Ryder: Happy Mondays, and Fridays, and Saturdays, and Sundays
He’s the wild man of rock who became a national treasure. Happy Mondays and Black Grape frontman Shaun Ryder is hitting the road for a…
Learn MorePhranakhon
Phranakhon Thai Tapas is a revolutionised Thai dining restaurant with a combination of European indulgence and authentic Thai tastes.
Learn MoreDutch Pot
The Dutch Pot, located on Chapeltown road in Leeds, specialises in authentic, homemade Jamaican cuisine including a variety of delicious jerk chicken.
Learn MoreThe Decanter
The decanter wine bar is located on Park Row, nested into the financial district of Leeds City Centre. A stylish venue, with an urban feel,…
Learn MoreBrew+Bao: Chapel Allerton
Welcome to Brew+Bao: Chapel Allerton, where craft beer meets bold Asian street food. Proudly pouring in the heart of Chapel Allerton, we serve up a…
Learn MoreThe Leeds Deli
Your neighbourhood deli serving up all the yummy stuff! Artisan Pizzas, Focaccia Sandwiches, Fresh Bread, Pastries, Sweet Treats and so much more…
Learn MoreThe Space
The Space is a cool and trendy basement club. Regular DJ sets get the dance floor moving with the latest funky house and urban beats.…
Learn MoreCalverley Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreHolt Park Community Hub and Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreBowers Allerton Hall
Bowers Hall is in the heart of the community. The hall is used for Scouting groups, childrens holiday clubs, we would like to run senior…
Learn MoreLeeds Beckett University The Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl, Portland Way, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS1 3HB
Learn MoreOtley Social Club
Otley Social Club is an accessible venue north of the River Wharfe, in a residential area of town. Our event will be in the function…
Learn MoreGuiseley Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreThe Old Fire Station
Gipton Fire Station has been renovated into a fantastic multipurpose community hub, providing a base for six local charities, along with rooms available to hire,…
Learn MoreEast Street Arts
East Street Arts was established in Leeds in 1993 to facilitate the development of visual artists and to provide studios, services, resources, opportunities and support.…
Learn MoreUnder The Arches
Under The Arches is an event space created by the club brand Ruckus24, it’s on Lower Briggate.. LS1 6LY
Learn MoreMiddleton St. George’s Centre Community Hub and Library
Join for free and borrow books, eBooks, eAudio and more. We also provide help for people to get online and run events and activities for…
Learn MoreWharf Chambers
Wharf Chambers is located on the ground floor of a Victorian former pork pie factory at 23-25 Wharf Street, LS2 7EQ. It’s on the edge…
Learn More