Leeds Gig Guide: What's happening in the city this weekend, including Peter Capaldi and Cruz Beckham

As we move into March, the city’s schedule is already beginning to swell, promising everything from the high-concept virtual spectacle of Gorillaz to the more low-key stylings of Jens Lekman.

But before we look too far down the road, the next three days offer a final February flurry that feels both eclectic and intimate.

While the Saturday evening clash at Elland Road against Manchester City will undoubtedly dictate the city's pulse, the venues are providing plenty of reasons to get out early and often.

From the psych-rock chaos at the University to a rare musical appearance from a screen icon and a debut turn from one of pop's most talked-about scions, there’s a distinct ‘calm before the storm’ energy to the weekend.

Here’s what’s taking place in the city over the weekend - and our picks of the weekend ahead.

Our picks of the weekend

Peter Capaldi (Brudenell Social Club, Sunday)

While most know him as the Doctor or the formidable Malcolm Tucker, Peter Capaldi’s first love was always music.

He’s currently on his first-ever live musical tour, showcasing a sound that blends "noirish romanticism" with dark synths and fuzzy art-rock. This isn't a "celebrity vanity project"—Capaldi was in punk bands long before he hit the screen, and his recent albums St. Christopher and Sweet Illusions have earned genuine critical respect.

Joined by Zoe Graham, this sold-out show at the Brudenell is easily the most intriguing must-see of the weekend.

Cruz Beckham (Hyde Park Book Club, Sunday)

Stepping away from the heavy weight of his surname, Cruz Beckham is carving out a space in the indie-pop world with a surprisingly gritty, guitar-led sound. With support from Reece Bibby, this 16+ show has been one of the most talked-about bookings in the city this month.

It’s a chance to see a high-profile artist in one of Leeds’ most intimate basement settings before the venues inevitably get much larger.

Psychedelic Porn Crumpets (Stylus, Saturday)

If the name hasn't already given it away, expect a night of high-octane, trippy chaos.

Hailing from Perth, Australia, this outfit is known for dizzying guitar riffs and an intense live energy that borders on the kaleidoscopic. They are currently touring their latest material, bringing a wall of sound to Stylus that is as technically impressive as it is loud.

Support comes from Waldo’s Gift, making this the go-to ticket for anyone looking for a heavy, immersive Saturday night.

Leeds gig guide - February 27 - March 1

Friday

• The JB Conspiracy + Call Me Malcolm: Brudenell Social Club
• Calum Bowie: The Wardrobe
• Theo Vandenhoff + Slick Cage + Cellar Messiah: Hyde Park Book Club (HPBC)
• Creeping Jean: Royal Park Cellars
• Scott Bennett: City Varieties Music Hall
• The Nightswimmers: Oporto

Saturday

• Psychedelic Porn Crumpets + Waldo's Gift: Leeds University Stylus
• Lisa O'Neill: City Varieties Music Hall
• The JB Conspiracy + Call Me Malcolm + King Prawn + Fidget and the Twitchers + Guillotines: Brudenell Social Club
• Dead Pioneers + Yakkie: The Key Club
• Rosie Doonan + Kindelan + Henry Parker: Brudenell Social Club
• Petrol Bastard + Karkasaurus: Santiago's Bar
• Lp Rhythm: Mint Warehouse
• Pat Fulgoni Blues Experience: Northern Guitars
• David Broad: Howard Assembly Room
• The Dead Medicine Band + Dead Sea Apes + Yutaniii: Royal Park Cellars
• Gentlemens Club: The Warehouse
• Day Fever: Project House (Daytime Event)

Sunday

• Boy & Bear + Dustin Tebbutt: The Wardrobe
• Pem: Hyde Park Book Club (HPBC)
• Peter Capaldi + Zoe Graham: Brudenell Social Club
• Junk Drawer: Headrow House
• Andy Zaltzman: City Varieties Music Hall
• Sleuth Gang + Hitlist: Oporto
• Cruz Beckham + Reece Bibby: Hyde Park Book Club (HPBC)
• Lp Rhythm: Mint Warehouse
• Aurie Styla: The Glee Club