Roundhay Park is set for a renaissance, as the home of some of Leeds’ biggest shows in history has been granted a license allowing more fans to attend events in the space. It means larger shows are back on the horizon for those in the city and slightly further afield.
With names including Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull some of the first acts to take advantage of the new capacity rules, it led us to ask our readers about some of their favourite concerts that have passed through our city over the years. More importantly than that, we also asked them how much it cost to see the likes of Madonna, U2 and The Rolling Stones ‘back in the day’.
The response was huge, with hundreds of you sharing your stories - with some recalling seeing punk legends Ramones performing at Leeds University, while other ‘90s kids remembered seeing Nirvana perform at the Student Union at Leeds Polytechnic back in 1990.
We looked over your comments on Facebook and pulled 11 concerts that were frequently mentioned as some of your fondest gig-going moments, coupled with the prices it cost you to attend.
Were you at any of these shows yourself, and how much did you spend to see some of music’s finest in Leeds?
7. Whitesnake and Samson (Queens Hall, 1982)
Just two months later, another hard rock line-up at Queens Hall was available for a similar low price. Tim Wilkinson recalled paying "a fiver to see Whitesnake and Samson." This consistent £5 price point proves that rock royalty was highly accessible in the city in the early 80s. | kpa/United Archives via Getty Images
8. Bruce Springsteen (Roundhay Park, 1985)
When The Boss came to Roundhay Park, his ticket price was around £15. Reader Paul Cameron provided a great comparison for this show: "Bruce Springsteen at Roundhay Park in 1985, ticket was £15... A bit dearer to see him again in 2023 in Edinburgh £90!!" | YEP
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9. Simple Minds (Roundhay Park, 1989)
Multiple fans remembered the exact cost for the Simple Minds gig, with the band pictured here at one of their Belgian concerts. Jason Beardsall stated: "Simple Minds in ‘89…cost £16.50 and, to this day, still the best gig I have ever been to." | Gie Knaeps/Getty Images
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10. Madonna (Roundhay Park, 1987)
The Queen of Pop's 'Who's That Girl' tour saw ticket prices firmly in the teens. Zoey Jayne Heneachon provided an exact number: "I was there. £19.50, it was fab," while Karen Bairstow remembered paying "£15 for a ticket!!" And for some, the deal was even sweeter: Iain Whapham got a ticket "for £7.50 on the day!" | YEP
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11. Michael Jackson at Roundhay Park, 1988
The King of Pop's legendary 'Bad' tour came to Roundhay Park, and the ticket prices averaged out in the high teens. Darran Sykes confirmed that their tickets "cost £20", and Helen Parker kept the receipt for her 1988 show: "Ticket £17.50 - still have the ticket." This concert remains one of the most talked-about Roundhay Park gigs. | YEP
12. U2 (Roundhay Park, 1993)
As we entered the 90s, the ticket price for a major act like U2 on their Zooropa Tour climbed slightly to £22 for the ticket alone. Carole Kendell, however, highlighted the rising cost of extras, recalling her total price: "U2 at Roundhay Park in 1993 ticket was £75 including coach travel." It marked the beginning of rising secondary costs in concert attendance. | YEP