Sheffield live venue The Leadmill has responded to reports that they have been offering £40 vouchers to the general public to attend a rally in support of the music locale. The venue’s ownership has been allegedly attempting to evict the site, eliciting strong criticism and shows of support from the around the UK music scene.
We’ve been a part of the Sheffield community for 43 years and we are not ready to say goodbye. Support us by turning up on Mon 18th September at 9am, Sheffield Town Hall. #wecantloseleadmill pic.twitter.com/7IU6yDBTUJ
— The Leadmill (@Leadmill) September 4, 2023
In March of last year, The Leadmill announced via their website that the landlords of the venue were trying to close them down by serving an eviction notice. Since then, artists throughout the UK, members of the local community and even Labour MPs have voiced their alarm and displeasure at the news.
Although the current owners The Electric Group have stated that they do not intend to close the venue down, management has claimed that they are, indeed, being forced out and that the venue’s future is in serious doubt. In response, The Leadmill has staged a rally to take place next week (18 September) called the Battle For The Soul Of Sheffield and the BBC have uncovered that the music spot has offered £40 vouchers for people who attend and post about it on social media.
The BBC has learned those running the Leadmill in Sheffield are proposing to pay people to demonstrate against the owners of the building “Electric Group” getting a licence. They’ve teamed up with a promotions company ahead of the council’s licensing hearing later this month. pic.twitter.com/WSkS8Zaox2 — BBC Radio Sheffield (@BBCSheffield) September 8, 2023
BBC News was in touch with the venue for a comment with management commenting, “we don’t know how many people will turn up and as The Leadmill staff will likely be in the hearing itself, we have teamed up with Gosh to ensure the rally is professionally and safely managed by some of their team outside. Gosh are a company that we use regularly and we have a strong relationship with. They are obviously being paid for their time to do so.”
The Electric Group have pointed to what they label a contemptuous move to curry undue support for a cause that they claim is very far from reality. Responding to the rally, The Electric Group CEO Dominic Madden said, “paying people £40 to stand outside of the hall is a move that reeks of cynicism, as it attempts to manipulate the licensing process and unduly influence Sheffield Council.
We’ve consistently maintained that we will invest in the Leadmill to ensure it remains an inclusive, vibrant music and arts venue of which Sheffield can be rightly proud for years to come.”
Such a brilliant venue. Let’s do all we can to stop The @Leadmill from closing https://t.co/0VeUfeBdMz
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) March 31, 2022
#WeCantLoseTheLeadmill No way!!!!! The staple of many a night out. Closing the Leadnmill is unthinkable!!!!!! @ArcticMonkeys @KasabianHQ @oasis @coldplay @LewisCapaldi all played here. Save The Leadmill!!!!!
— Paul (@PaulH_THFC) March 31, 2022
If this is correct it would seem strange that they are “closing down” the Leadmill. Perhaps something more behind the scenes we don’t know about
— Andy (@muarh00) April 1, 2022
Very interesting, so Leadmill operators lease ends next year, they’ve been given standard notice, the owners have not yet commented on plans but are likely to refub & run themselves as a music venue, so “The Leadmill” may not be closing but under new day to day management…?
— E Hacky (@Ehacky) April 1, 2022
Madden also highlighted that the group has a genuine interest in the venue’s future and that exploiting a legal loophole, as The Leadmill management have claimed, is very far from the truth. Madden has stated that the lease is approaching its natural conclusion and that attempts to purchase the freehold were ignored by current operator Phil Mills.
Artists from the local Sheffield scene have, in the past, voiced support for The Leadmill. Oli Sykes of Bring Me The Horizon, Jarvis Cocker of Pulp and The Arctic Monkeys have all shared their feelings and have helped raise funds and awareness for the venue.
