Legendary Leeds venue The Cockpit announces permanent closure

A much loved staple of the circuit, Leeds’ Cockpit has announced its permanent closure.

A message on the venue’s website reads: “It is with great regret that we have to announce the permanent closure of the Cockpit. After 20 great years as an integral pillar of the Leeds music scene we have decided that it is no longer viable to deliver you the level of service you deserve with the building in it’s current condition.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of you who came to watch your favourite bands, danced, stage dived, crowd surfed, found your life partner and gave the Cockpit its reputation as one of the best live music venues in the UK.

“Futuresound Events will continue to book and promote all of your favourite artists in venues around Leeds & further afield and will have a new venue in place for 2015. Please follow them on social media for all up to date announcements and other news.”

The message goes on to explain that Slam Dunk, which held a regular night at the venue, will be opening its own venue. “The Key Club,” it says, “will be located on Merrion Street in the City Centre and is scheduled to open Saturday 20th September. Both Slam Dunk (Tuesday) and the Garage (Saturday) club nights will move to The Key Club and will take place every week.”

Forthcoming live dates scheduled at The Cockpit are being rescheduled for other Leeds venues. A full list can be found at https://thecockpit.co.uk/