Retro-soul rock and powerhouse hits: Miles Kane at The Leadmill

Originally planned for the end of January this year, it seems like Miles Kane’s rescheduled date couldn’t have come at a more fitting time. With such a strong connection to Sheffield via The Last Shadow Puppets and Arctic Monkeys, the Wirral Riddler knows a thing or two about the city: from how it's evolved since the early days of his career, to how its people have welcomed him with open arms like an honorary citizen.

As expected, from the moment Miles stepped onto the stage to start ‘Don't Let It Get You Down’, there was palpable excitement around the venue, especially from the eager fans lining the front. There’s nothing better than being in a sold-out Leadmill, and it’s even better when it’s bouncing. Miles Kane and his band followed up with ‘Rearrange’ – a Saturday night staple at Leadmill’s Sonic. With the crowd already hoisting friends up on shoulders, everyone was ready to start their weekend in the best possible way.

Slowing it down with a fan favourite from Kane’s 2018 record Coup de Grace, ‘Loaded’ brought out the retro-soul rock that the singer executes so well. Accompanied by his band, featuring a few familiar faces such as artist Josh McClorey on guitar, it was obvious that they were having just as much of a good time as everyone on the other side of the barrier.

Miles soaked it all in as he took his videographer’s camera to record the crowd himself as he sang ‘Don't Forget Who You Are’.

Although there was no Alex Turner present during ‘Aviation’ and ‘Standing Next To Me’, the crowd did a fantastic job of filling in for The Last Shadow Puppets singer. On the topic of The Last Shadow Puppets, another of Kane’s side projects made an appearance via his mesmerising cover of ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ by The Beatles. Not only is his time taken up by his solo work and TLSP, but also by The Jaded Hearts Club – a Beatles-inspired band featuring Kane, Graham Coxon and Matt Bellamy, among others.

The encore paid an emotional tribute to The Leadmill. Just before powerhouse hits ‘Inhaler’ and ‘Come Closer’, Miles said: “Without a venue like this, I wouldn’t be here, and you wouldn’t be here, so let’s fucking show them that they can’t close it down.”