Leeds Festival Ends

Nothing But Thieves appeared to be at a crossroads in their career and to have reached a turning point: the fresh tracks off the new album Dead Club City are more melodic and mature than previous recordings, as if trying to gain a bigger audience and wider acceptance.

Their opening number, Welcome to the DCC, was accompanied by pyrotechnics and blew away any misconceptions you may have about the band; they were there to make a bold statement. Tomorrow is Closed was one of their strongest new songs showcased, but contrastingly, tomorrow seems to be open to them—in more ways than one.

Standing in for Lewis Capaldi, The 1975’s lead singer Matty Healy asked for the biggest cheer of the night for Capaldi, "who couldn’t be here this evening," adding, "love you, bro."

With the band deciding to perform their debut album in full, the big hits were saved for a seven-song encore, leaving many to concur that The 1975 were worthy headliners on the Main Stage West.

Over at Main Stage East, a touch of Las Vegas glamour was on show as The Killers ended the festival in style. If ever there was one band to close the weekend, The Killers would have been the band at the top of the festival goers list.

Looking smart but cool in a glitzy jacket, Brandon Flowers seemed to be the consummate frontman; his stage presence was a valuable lesson to many of the other acts performing over the weekend in how to put on a show, which comes after years of experience entertaining.

"If you came here looking for rock ‘n’ roll, you have come to the right place," he affirmed, adding, "Can I get an amen?"

Drawing heavily from their 2004 debut album, Hot Fuss, their set drew not just younger fans but older ones too, who probably would not have been at the Leeds Festival had The Killers not been appearing.

The synth-heavy new single Your Side of Town was accompanied by subtitles on the video screens, though the song seemed to be more directed at your feet, begging you to dance rather than read the lyric.

Ending with Human and Mr Brightside, the latter accompanied by mass communal singing, The Killers had given a masterclass in style, presentation, and pure class.

A brilliant ending to an excellent weekend of music.