What We Do In Leeds: Inspiral Carpets reveal their go-to Leeds haunts ahead of O2 Academy show
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Where will you find Inspiral Carpets before and after their shows in Leeds? We grill the band on their favourite haunts.
- The incomparable Inspiral Carpets are set to land in the city later this week, performing at the O2 Academy on December 12.
- But before then, the Yorkshire Evening Post asked them the most important questions - what do you do when you come to Leeds to perform?
- We spoke to Stephen Holt about food, crate digging and where he’d take tourists if he became a Leeds City tour guide in an alternative life.
As one of the defining bands of the Madchester era, with instantly recognisable hits like ‘This Is How It Feels’ and ‘Saturn 5,’ Inspiral Carpets carry a significant musical legacy wherever they go.
This week, the band brings their iconic organ-driven sound and high-energy live show to the O2 Academy on Friday (December 12), ready to remind the city why they are one of the most beloved groups from that golden age of indie - and from the sounds of things, the feeling is very much mutual.
Before they hit the stage, we caught up with original vocalist Stephen Holt to dig into his pre-gig routine; from his choice of driving song upon arrival to his essential vinyl haunts, the band’s favourite pub, and his thoughts on Elland Road, we found out exactly what Inspiral Carpets do while in Leeds.
What we do in Leeds: Inspiral Carpets
You’re making that final approach into Leeds city centre - the song of choice you have for your arrival is what, and why?
For me, Stephen, it would have to be ‘I Found that Essence Rare’ by one of the best bands to come out of Leeds, Gang of Four.
Not only is it an excellent tune, but it’s also great for getting you fired up for a gig in a city that loves its music and has such a rich musical history. The album, Entertainment, is up there in my top five favourites of all time, and I’d be happy to play any of the tracks on my approach to any city.
But honestly, what is the algorithm suggesting that you have lined up to play instead?
It all depends on who has control over the Bluetooth speaker.
We recently compiled some playlists of what we were currently listening to and you can check these out below:
To kill time in Leeds before or after soundchecks, we can mostly find you…
We have a variety of routines that include perusing the local record shops, finding a local pub with football on the TV if it’s the weekend, followed by eating, drinking and sleeping, probably in that order.
You’re looking for some food before taking to the stage - what is the essential eatery in Leeds you’ll be ordering food from?
We tend not to eat too much before the gig as the repercussions can be quite messy. So we’ll probably check out a local takeaway or curry house after the gig. Any recommendations?
Breakfast rolls around the next day, though - will you be returning to an establishment or is there an ‘essential’ breakfast place in Leeds you’ll be heading to?
As we’re on the sleeper bus, we tend to arrive in the city very early in the morning after the gig the night before, so we’ll have breakfast in Leeds on the day of the gig. Full English and Veggie breakfasts are usually the order of the day.
I can’t come to Leeds without bringing with me my…
Band mates. It would be a weird gig without them.
Every time I am in Leeds, I always end up taking home with me….
Definitely some vinyl. We tend to check out Jumbo Records, The Vinyl Whistle and any nearby second-hand shops for bargains.
You’ve suddenly had a career change and become a Tourist Guide for Leeds - what are the three landmarks or activities you would suggest people visit in Leeds based on your own experiences/enjoyment?
I’d definitely take people on a trip to Elland Road first to visit the home of Leeds. We’d then move on to Jumbo and Vinyl Whistle before ending our day at The Duck and Drake for a pint or two with some pie and peas.
What a day!
What local artists would you recommend to your closest friends to check out, and where can they be found?
I’ve heard good things about Hockney, Moore and Hepworth. I think people should definitely check them out.
If you’ve played here before: What is it about Leeds that brings you back to perform time and time again
The crowds are always great in Leeds, and we always get a brilliant reception.
The fans have a rich knowledge and deep appreciation of musical history and always turn up in force to show their appreciation.
Tickets to see Inspiral Carpets at the O2 Academy this week are still available - for more information or to pick up a last-minute ticket, visit Ticketmaster to avoid missing out!