Here’s another guide but this time I want to focus on the live music aspect of Sheffield’s nightlife. From a young age I’ve enjoyed going to gigs as often as possible but I’m finding this a lot harder now that I’m trying to live off a student budget. So I’ve written this to give you all an idea about the various live music venues you can visit and what type of thing you can expect to find there, with some being a lot cheaper and more accessible than if you’re used to just seeing bands at big arenas.
The Leadmill
The place where Sheffield’s most famous band began. 
Yes the Arctic Monkeys started out by playing gigs to a few hundred people, and soon they became popular enough to have since played both the arena and stadium here in Sheffield. Leadmill is a fab venue for up and coming bands, but also some pretty well known ones such as Sheffield’s very own Reverend & The makers, The Pigeon Detectives and many more.
UP & COMING:
Bastille 19th March –
Check out my review of the gig here.
O2 Academy
I managed to see Professor Green for £5 here during freshers which was such a good night. The size is perfect, it has a brilliant atmosphere but is still small enough for you to be able to see from wherever you stand. Prices vary but the O2 quite often have well known guests at their Propaganda club night which means it’s the standard £4-5 entry and only £1 drinks.
UP & COMING:
Bowling for soup – 17th October 2013
Tom Odell – 30th October 2013
Sheffield City Hall
This venue is home to a variety of entertainment; from musicians to comedians. With a capacity of just over 2000, it’s small enough to feel involved but bigger than your average nightclub.
I will also be attending a McFly concert at the end of April so will later be telling you all about that! From front row may I add. (don’t laugh, I bet you’d all sing along if 5 colours in her hair came on.)
Check out my review here.
UP & COMING:
Leona Lewis 3rd May 2013
Bill Bailey 6th May 2013
More events at Sheffield City Hall
Sheffield Motorpoint Arena
The motorpoint arena accommodates up to 13000 people and is home to the bigger acts, having myself seen bands such as My Chemical Romance perform there in the past and they regularly host performances from the likes of Olly Murs, The Script and One Direction.
UP & COMING:
One Direction – 13th + 14th April 2013
that’s this weekend, somebody come with me PLEASE? I‘m genuinely not joking…
More events at the Motorpoint Arena
Don Valley Stadium
Sadly, Sheffield’s biggest venue has been just this week announced as closing down. Often know as the training ground for Sheffield’s Jessica Ennis, it has also had it’s fair share of major musicians performing there such as (again) the Arctic Monkeys and hosted large events like Sheffield Hallam’s Party in the park.
West Street Live
Interested in finding out about some new musicians in the area? Or you are one yourself needing somewhere to play? West Street Live is your place. They are open every night and entry is FREE and they welcome local and national musicians of every genre. They also offer a variety of unique drinks from what I’ve heard at very good prices.
More events at West Street Live
The Viper Rooms
Similarly to West Street Live, The Viper Rooms offers big opportunities for small up & coming artists, mainly on a Wednesday when they have a variety of different performers each week, from catchy pop musicians to soulful songwriters.
Plug
Plug isn’t just for the club nights, it also offers a wide range of live shows too. A few weeks back they had Chase & Status performing there and during freshers week I saw Sam & The Womp. (Who? I hear you ask, but you all remember that ‘Bom bom bom’ song…)
UP & COMING:
Gabrielle Aplin -15th march
Corporation
For the fans of heavier rock/metal/punk music, you need to get yourself down to corp and see what they have to offer.
Shuffle 
this is super duper Lucy! really interesting and inspirational, I think The leadmill, 02 academy and West street live are the best, might have to check out some of the others too!