Live at Leeds: the Musical History of Leeds Poly, Met and Beckett Uni

The goal is to cast light on a hidden history, and illuminate the contribution that the University has made to the musical life of the city of Leeds since 1970. To that end speakers include key figures from the Leeds music scene such as promoter John Keenan, founder member of Leeds post-punk legends the Mekons Kevin Lycett, former Ents Secretaries such as Stephen Green, who booked the Sex Pistols in 1976, and former Head of the SU Andy Murray who is kindly allowing us to exhibit some of his work produced in his role as poster designer for gigs at the Student Union. Simon Bell, a central figure in the story of Leeds' gig scene as well as being a Senior academic at LBU will be here. George Clark, current Events and Media Sales Manager at Leeds Beckett Students’ Union will also be contributing as will Gary Cavanagh who has compiled CD collections of music from Leeds bands from the 70s-to the 21st century. The day hopes to foster a renewed sense of the contribution the SU and the University has made to the musical culture of the city of Leeds both inside the institution, by way of a planned permanent record in the SU, and across the city at large.

Speakers include John Keenan (legendary Leeds promoter), Kevin Lycett (The Mekons), Stephen Green (former Leeds Poly Ents Secretary), Simon Bell (Course Director for the MSc International Events Management, LBU and instrumental in the development of Leeds as a musical centre) and more.

Organised by Dr Peter Mills (Senior Lecturer in Media and Popular Culture, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University.)