Leeds Weekend Gig Guide: Happy Mondays, Sub Focus, Jens Lekman and the rest of this weekend's concerts

While Friday the 13th is creeping up on us, the real ‘bad luck’ for Leeds businesses lately hasn't been the weather itself, but how it’s being reported.

You might have seen that major UK tourism attractions are currently calling for an overhaul of weather apps, arguing that those ‘doom and gloom’ rain cloud icons are scaring people away from perfectly good days out.

So, why not show them that not everyone believes what the weatherman - or the weather app, on this occasion - has to say?

Looking at the lineup this weekend, it’s easy to see why it's worth ignoring the pessimistic icons; from Madchester legends and warehouse raves to some much-needed Mother’s Day sophistication, there are plenty of reasons to brave the elements.

Here’s your guide to what concerts are taking place across the weekend in the city.

This weekend’s pick of the gigs in Leeds

Happy Mondays (Saturday - O2 Academy Leeds)

This is the big one. Shaun Ryder and Bez are back to celebrate 35 years of Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches.

It’s a full-circle moment for the city; the support acts, The Farm and Northside, were both on the bill for the band's legendary 1991 Elland Road show. Expect the raw energy of 90s Manchester baggy meeting the high-production glamour of the O2 Academy Leeds.

Jens Lekman (Friday - Howard Assembly Room)

For something more sophisticated, the Swedish indie-pop master is bringing his Songs for Other People’s Weddings tour to one of the most beautiful rooms in the North.

Lekman is a world-class storyteller, and the show is the perfect ‘anti-Friday the 13th’ show - witty, orchestral, and deeply charming.

Support comes from Family Stereo.

Sub Focus (Saturday - TESTBED)

If the Mondays are for the parents, Sub Focus is for the rave generation.

This is a massive 10-hour daytime-to-night Drum & Bass takeover at the industrial TESTBED warehouse with a powerhouse bill featuring Sota, 1991, GLXY, and Licia.

Note that the last entry is strictly 3:30pm, so don't leave it late.

Your Leeds Weekend Gig Guide - March 13 - 15

Friday

• Jens Lekman – Howard Assembly Room
• Jim Bob – Brudenell Social Club
• Crucast / CruClash – The Warehouse
• Smoove & Turrell – Brudenell Social Club
• Cam Cole – Boom Leeds
• Kolter – TESTBED
• Pleiades – Santiago Bar

Saturday

• Happy Mondays – O2 Academy Leeds
• Sub Focus – TESTBED
• Armand Hammer – Project House
• Lime Garden – Hyde Park Book Club
• The Orielles (In-store) – Jumbo Records (6:30pm)
• Billy Gillies – O2 Academy (Late show, 11:00pm)
• Howling Bells – Brudenell Social Club
• A Day To Remember UK (Tribute) – Eiger Studios
• Alternative 80s – The Key Club

Sunday

• All Folk’d Up – Leeds Irish Centre
• Jugalbandi (Sitar & Flute) – Howard Assembly Room
• Decades Night – The Pack Horse
• Corporation Pop – The Grove Inn