Photo: WENN
Fans and gig-goers have spoken of their sadness and disappointment as Leeds' legendary venue The Cockpit announces its closure.
The iconic Yorkshire venue and nightclub has been a favourite among bands and fans for years, due to its great sound, sweaty shows and intimate atmosphere.
Now, the venue has today released the following statement:
"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.
"Slam Dunk have some exciting news. They will be opening a new live music venue bringing you the best in rock, pop punk and metal. The Key Club 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."
Fans and bands have taken online to pay tribute to The Cockpit:
This hurts me! - http://t.co/ejUwkgtIo9 Good bye and god bless @CockpitLeeds. You leave me with fond memories.
— Gavin Pape (@papeylad) September 10, 2014
Proper gutted to hear that Leeds Cockpit is closing. Our show there on the last headline tour is in my top 5 we've done. Sad news!
— Joe Savins (@joesavins) September 10, 2014
Big shame that Leeds cockpit has closed down. Played some amazing shows there over the years!
— Jim Thomas (@JimNatives) September 10, 2014
Such a shame The Cockpit in Leeds is shutting down. Only got to play there a couple of times but it was always fun! RIP
— JAWS (@JAWSJAWSJAWSSS) September 10, 2014
So gutted about Leeds Cockpit closing, the last show we played there was one of my favourites by far. I'll miss it for sure 😔
— Alex Sears (@alexsears_) September 10, 2014
RIP Leeds Cockpit. Had some amazing shows there and some drunken sicky times as well. Long may you live on in our hearts ❤️
— Decade (@decadeofficial) September 10, 2014
Shame to read about The Cockpit in Leeds closing, been part of some amazing shows and drunk all of their alcohol many nights. #ripcockpit.
— David Brady (@davebrady81) September 10, 2014
Leeds Cockpit has closed? One of my favourite venues :(
— Ollie McPherson (@olliemacattack) September 10, 2014
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