O2 Academy Leeds is a spectacular building situated at the site of the former Town and Country Club and in more recent years, Creation nightclub (2001-2004), AMG has restored the Grade I listed building to its former glory as one of the City's most historic music venues.
Originally the Coliseum building on Cookridge Street, the venue was opened in 1885 by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Designed by William Bakewell, in Gothic style, it featured an ornate stone frontage and a hall described as 'one of the finest in the North of England' (Kelly's Directory - 1914).
In its early years, it was used for circus and Variety shows of the day, through to political meetings and religious gatherings. Changing hands between various theatre and property developers, the Coliseum converted to a cinema in 1938 and was renamed the Gaumont. It closed in March 1961 and re-opened as a Bingo Hall and Social club, through to use as a television studio in the 1980s until 1991.
From 1992 to 2000, it was home to the legendary Town and Country Club, playing host to many high profile acts including Blur, INXS, Mark Knopfler and The Stones Roses.
Following a £4,500,000 refurbishment the venue opened with an outstanding show by local favourites, Kaiser Chiefs on Wednesday 8th October 2008. Since opening, the venue was an instant hit with artists and promoters and sell-out performances by Last Shadow Puppets, James, Razorlight, Duffy and Pendulum. Its club residency Pet Sounds, packing in over 1,500 clubbers to the finest indie, alternative and electro beats each and every Saturday with additional student night Vodka Nationwide on Wednesdays.
Designed to the highest technical specification, the auditorium is theatre style and has a capacity of 2,300 with original brick features and exposed beams and perfectly combines its magnificent heritage with a modern development.
The venue also has a 400 capacity second room downstairs called Underground. An intimate club space, it marks a contemporary twist to AMG's venue portfolio, with minimal design and multiple screens, top of the range PA and lighting specification to host the perfect club events and pre and post bar trade.
O2 Academy Leeds is nominated for 'Favourite Venue' at the industry's Total Production Awards in February 2009.
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