Shonen Knife
“When I finally got to see them live, I was transformed into a hysterical nine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert.” – Kurt Cobain
Shonen Knife – from Osaka, Japan – formed in 1981 by sisters Naoko & Atsuko long before terms like ‘riot girrrl’ and ‘girl rock’ entered the lexicon, the all-female trio were happily snapping guitar strings to the sound of imported Ramones covers.
Like fellow cult Japanese girl group The 5,6,7,8s, Shonen Knife have weathered decades of musical change by adhering to what they know best: belting out their own infectious brand of feelgood pop-punk.
Over the last 40 years they might not have packed out out stadiums but have been credited as a huge influence on alt rock acts from Sonic Youth to Nirvana
Despite years on the road, their enthusiasm for live performances remains a joy to see as they delve into an extensive back catalogue ranging from solid thrash rock through to hit parade melodies.
But key to their success has been a disarming, often slightly surreal, take on their punk and rock influences – and with songs titled Tortoise Brand Pot Cleaner could they ever be accused of taking themselves too seriously? **
– MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
More Events
The Veils
3rd December 2026 - 3rd December 2026
Following the critically acclaimed release of Asphodels in 2025, The Veils return with a bold and invigorated new album, Fragile World, out June 19 on…
Young Knives
27th November 2026 - 27th November 2026
Young Knives is an English indie rock band hailing from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. Formed in 1998, the band consists of Henry Dartnall on guitar and vocals,…
Shabaka
10th November 2026 - 10th November 2026
Shabaka Hutchings is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most influential musicians and a defining figure in contemporary British culture. A bandleader, multi-instrumentalist, and…
Hayden Thorpe performing the songs of Wild Beasts
17th November 2026 - 17th November 2026
Hayden Thorpe performs the Wild Beasts songbook for the first time in almost 9 years. Playing entirely solo, the shows will be an exploration of…
Widowspeak
12th November 2026 - 12th November 2026
An album called “Roses” would be concerned with romantic gestures. Across the ten tracks that make up the seventh and newest Widowspeak record, intimate spaces…
Amelia Coburn
3rd December 2026 - 3rd December 2026
Amelia Coburn has a knack for making the unusual sound timeless. Her honest, occasionally hilarious and quintessentially north-eastern persona disarms and beguiles in equal measure.…
Explore The Neighbourhood
Aurie Styla: Maverick
Aurie Styla is one of the most naturally charismatic and hilarious comedians around. Following his acclaimed 100+ date worldwide tour, he’s back on the road…
Learn MoreA Night Out with Award-winning Restaurant Critic Jay Rayner
We are absolutely delighted that alongside his new theatre tour, Masterchef favourite Jay Rayner is returning to Leeds where he studied at university. It will…
Learn MoreSecret Screenings with Beau Miles
For the first time, Beau Miles is taking his Secret Screenings on the road in the UK, bringing new, unreleased films to intimate venues in…
Learn MoreCount Arthur Strong: And It’s Goodnight From Me!
The second part of Count Arthur Strong’s Farewell Tour of the World (Including the North East). Count Arthur Strong continues on for one last time,…
Learn MoreZoe Rahman
Zoe Rahman with her world-class jazz trio, featuring drummer Gene Calderazzo (Pharoah Sanders, Randy Brecker) and bassist Alec Dankworth (Abdullah Ibrahim, Dave Brubeck) presents music…
Learn MoreSongs and Stories: An Intimate Evening with Paul Young
Paul Young broke into the big time 40 years ago when No Parlez went to number one and spawned iconic hits like Wherever I Lay…
Learn MoreLa Bottega Milanese
For any Milanese the espresso bar is more than a place where you feed your caffeine needs. Like a pair of shoes, it’s a detail…
Learn MoreCarousel
Eat, Drink & Play at Carousel. A bar, restaurant and social gaming venue, jam packed with classic arcade games and edgy new additions. Situated in…
Learn MorePieminister Leeds
Step inside for the ultimate pie experience courtesy of Pieminister – the independent family pie makers. Choose your fave from their legendary award winning range,…
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 Lost & Found – Greek Street
Pushing the boundaries of discovery, lose yourself in a whimsical world of molecular mixology and seasonal cuisine at The Lost & Found – a collection…
Learn MoreNyla’s
Nyla’s is a vibrant social space offering great food, drinks, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable spot to catch up, enjoy a meal,…
Learn MoreLeeds Civic Trust
Stimulate interest in and care for the history and character of the city. Encourage high standards of design, architecture and town planning. Encourage the improvement…
Learn MoreKirkstall Educational Cricket Club
The Field of Dreams and the home of Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club!
Learn MoreRoundhay Parochial Hall
We are a community Hall in north Leeds, providing space for a wide range of classes, groups and clubs. Roundhay Parochial Hall is a charitable…
Learn MoreCity Exchange
Situated at the very heart of the Trinity Quarter, towering above the spectacular new shopping centre is City Exchange; Leeds’ only Grade A office building…
Learn MoreGarforth 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 MoreQuaker Meeting House
Visitors of all faiths or none are welcome at any of our meetings. If you are looking for somewhere to worship in the Leeds area…
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 MoreLeeds Mind
Leeds Mind hosts various events over the year across a number of locations. For the specific location of your event, please visit the link provided…
Learn MoreGotts Park Golf Course
Gotts Park Mansion House and home of Gotts Park Golf Club is situated 3 miles west of Leeds City centre and was formally known as…
Learn MoreThe Grove Centre
The Grove (as we usually call it) is located in the centre of Horsforth set just back from Town Street. For the past 150 years…
Learn MoreNorthlight Arts Centre
Northlight Arts Centre is a welcoming, independent arts centre in Leeds 7, offering creative workshops, exhibitions and events in a friendly gallery and café environment.
Learn More