Sheffield is the home of some of music’s biggest acts, so it’s only to be expected that the city is full of significant landmarks big and small, with ties to music. You can expect to find locations with connections to:
- Arctic Monkeys
- Pulp
- Def Leppard
- Richard Hawley
- The Human League
- Bring Me The Horizon
- Joe Cocker
- Heaven 17
- Reverend and the Makers
- … and many more!
To this day, Sheffield has a thriving music scene, with venues spanning across the city and into the suburbs, as well as the annual music festival Tramlines.
Whether you’re coming to the city to see these sights specifically, or you’re looking for things to do in Sheffield while you’re here, we’ve assembled a list of our must-see icons of Sheffield music history.
Need somewhere to stay while you’re here? At The Home Crowd, we have a number of fully serviced apartments in Sheffield, located in the city centre. They are an ideal base for exploring, with links to trains, trams and buses nearby, and private gated parking too.
Sheffield Music History Trail
The Frog & Parrot
An ideal place to start, The Frog and Parrot has ties to most of Sheffield’s biggest acts.
In 1964, Joe Cocker signed his first recording contract here, later going on to have a successful recording career and one of the most iconic Woodstock performances of all time.
It was also a regular spot for the Arctic Monkeys boys, who’d regularly be there on a Saturday afternoon, before being turfed out by their mothers. There’s also a nod to the venue during their song ‘Cornerstone’, which references the time Chris McClure (the face of their debut album cover, ‘Whatever People Say I Am That’s What I’m Not’), accidentally set off a fire alarm there. The Frog & Parrot is also featured on the inside booklet of the aforementioned album.
Church Temple of Fun
Found in the Kelham area of Sheffield, Church is a vibrant venue, with a stunning range of food and drink available. It’s also owned by Bring Me The Horizon’s lead singer Oliver Sykes.
You can head to Church Temple of Fun for a casual visit, or attend one of their frequent events, from craft evenings to metal yoga and music sessions.
Yellow Arch Studios
Since 1997, Yellow Arch Studios has been a successful recording studio, hosting local talent as well as international superstars such as Kylie Minogue. Within these walls, some of the most iconic albums from Sheffield artists were recorded, including several Richard Hawley albums and Reverend & The Makers – ‘Is This How Happiness Feels’.
The studios are now open as a licensed venue, so while you might not be able to see the recording studios themselves, you can still head inside and attend one of their events.
Crookes Social Club
Crookes Social Club is another venue where many artists cut their teeth playing live. Rock legends Def Leppard are one such act. In 1995, they returned to the venue to unveil a plaque in their honour, commemorating one of their earliest gigs being held there in 1979. Crookes Social Club continues to host events, so it’s not hard to find something you’re interested in and head down for a visit.
Sheffield Winter Gardens
Nestled within this stunning indoor garden sits Sheffield’s Arctic Monkeys ‘AM’ Elephant. This sculpture was part of a city-wide installation of decorated elephants, known as the ‘Herd of Sheffield’.
While most of the elephants can’t be seen anymore, the AM elephant has found its home in the Winter Gardens. The design is based on the album cover for their 2013 album ‘AM’.
Fagan’s
Fagan’s is a popular pub in Sheffield that features an iconic mural by local artist Pete McKee on the side of the building, making it hard to miss. The pub is treasured by locals, so when the old landlords retired, a group of 9 locals got together to save the pub, and keep it independent.
One of those nine is Matt Helders, drummer of Arctic Monkeys. He is an investor in Fagans, and while it’s unlikely you’ll run into him there, it’s fun to say you’ve been to a pub part-owned by a star!
Plantology, Division Street
We know, we didn’t expect a florist to be on this list either, but keep with us. Above Plantology sits a window where Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker fell whilst trying to do a Spider-Man impression in 1985.
There is an unofficial plaque in the window of the shop commemorating this moment, which Cocker has credited as a pivotal moment in his songwriting, despite the fall ending with him in hospital with a fractured pelvis.
Park Hill Flats
You might recognise Park Hill Flats as being the setting for the new musical Standing At The Sky’s Edge, which started life at Sheffield Crucible before transferring to The National Theatre.
You can also see Park Hill Flats in the music video for ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ by Arctic Monkeys. It’s important to remember that these flats are private residences, but you can walk by and experience some of the local cafes and restaurants. It’s close to Sheffield train station too.
Sheffield Legends, Sheffield Town Hall
You might have heard of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but did you know there’s one in Sheffield too? Located just outside Sheffield Town Hall, you can find stars on the ground honouring famous people hailing from Sheffield.
You can find bands and musicians here such as Def Leppard and Joe Cocker, as well as other famous Sheffield-born celebrities like actor Sean Bean and athlete Jessica Ennis-Hill.
Take a trip down while you’re in the city centre, and see who you can spot.
What Else Is There To See In Sheffield?
Sheffield has way more to it than its music history. From theatres to football, shopping to crafting and everything in between, there’s something for any age, taste and ability waiting for you in Sheffield. Take a look at more of our Sheffield guides:
- Family-Friendly Activities in Sheffield
- A Shopper’s Guide to Sheffield: Markets, Boutiques and Vintage Finds
- 48 Hours in Sheffield: Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems
Where Can I Stay In Sheffield?
After a day of following in the footsteps of Sheffield’s musical greats, you’ll want somewhere central to put your feet up. At The Home Crowd, we offer a range of fully serviced apartments in Sheffield, right in the heart of the city.
Our apartments are within easy reach of many of the city’s best music landmarks, venues, bars and attractions. It’s a taste of home while you’re away, with your own apartment for sleeping, cooking and relaxing.
Book directly through our website for the lowest price, or send us a message if you’d like to find out more about our serviced apartments.
Book Now
