Wolf Alice Return To Leeds For UK Headline Tour

Photo By Callum Robinson

I cannot believe it has already been two weeks ago since I attended one of THE best nights of live music in my life. Like many countless fans up and down the country, it felt like Christmas had came early and that the universe had heard all our manifestations when Wolf Alice announced there set of UK headline shows. Despite a few odd festival appearances here and there, the band’s last major tour was back in 2022, so with the release of their brand new album The Clearing it felt like the right timing for a much needed return, with the news taking many into a frenzy of excitement. 

Having been a huge admirer of the band since 2013, I have had many a cherished moment thanks to this band which goes beyond just the music - be that their music being a source of comfort during the days I was feeling low, or forming friendships due to our shared love of Wolf Alice. So when the chance to finally see Ellie, Joff, Theo and Joel on stage for the first time in 3 years, I was definitely not going to turn down a good ol road trip over to the Arena in Leeds on 5th December 2025.  

Arriving at the venue, it was just a hub of activity and excitement was well and truly in the air. Those in the stalls rushed to get a good spot to watch the show, while others headed to the bar, and of course others such as me who made a bee line for the merch stalls to take a look at some of the goods on offer. 

I had not even been in the venue for more than 10 minutes and already I felt that I was living my best life ever haha, but the true release of adrenaline kicked in when I headed into the main arena to take my seat, with my eyes fixed directly at the stage (and hey it was one awesome view I had too - nice and central to all the action). 

On support duties were firstly Canadian artist Bria Salmena (her first time in the UK) followed by the increasingly popular emerging band, Sunflower Beam. Both artists gave it their all, only added to the atmosphere and vibe of a beautiful night of music.

Photo By Callum Robinson

Having set the tone and succeeded in warming up the crowd, it was the moment we had everyone had been waiting for, the one and only Wolf Alice. Whenever those lights go down and you see one of your favourite bands take to the stage one by one, that is honestly the best feeling in the world, a sense of inertia in its purest form. As you would expect, the cheers of joy echoing around the arena, and Ellie and the band wasting no time to get this party started as they open with Thorns followed by Bloom Baby Bloom from their latest album, which was well received and appreciated by the fans. 

As long as I have known the band, they are always so stylishly dressed, with front woman Ellie Rowsell dressed in a blue leotard while Joff, Theo and Joel complimenting with their own rock and roll vibe. You may have noticed a fifth person joining them on stage, which was none other than the band’s good and long time friend Ryan Malcs (some of you will no doubt recognise him from the days of the wonderful Superfood) who was working his magic on the keys. 

Photo By Callum Robinson

Given that this was the band’s first proper tour on UK soil for quite some time, for a band who have had 13 years of experience under their belt, including 4 albums, a number of EPs, and not forgetting their recent nomination for this years Mercury Prize Award, it felt that this was a prime chance for fans to come together to show their appreciation for all those good times.

Back to the show, you may be sat here wondering what were some of the songs on offer on the night, and what I really admired that yes while all band’s may have their popular timeless hits, in the case of Wolf Alice they used it as an opportunity to showcase their much more recent material taken from the Clearing, because it is a great testimony of their every increasing growth as a band. So to witness tracks from the album performed live just help to elevate the experience for the fans a little bit more. 

Photo By Callum Robinson

Ofcourse the band were not going to come all this way without also bringing out some fan favourites, much to the joy of the crowd including Delicious Things, Yuk Foo, Play The Greatest Hits and Giant Peach. And if they hadn’t spoilt us enough, they brought out a bit of extra glitz and shimmy with a super snazzy disco ball and a rotating dance floor. 

From the way that the audience was feeding off the energy of the band, it was evident to see that Ellie, Joff, Theo, Joel and Ryan were feeling the love, with Joel especially making it known to the crowd that Leeds  and the North in general have a very special place in Wolf Alice’s heart. 

Photo By Callum Robinson

After what was a strong solid hour and a half of the greatest set, it was almost time for the band to head off but not without a much needed encore, in the form of The Last Man on The Earth and bringing the show to a close as they took as straight back to the beginning with one of the song that put Wolf Alice on the map, Don’t Delete The Kisses. 

With the crowd cheering, the four members, joined by Ryan take a bow to the audience, promising that they would be back soon. As someone who has followed their journey this past 13 years, I couldn’t help but feel emotional in a good way, and also proud of the wonderful, wholesome, and most authentic set of humans Wolf Alice are and continue to be with each and every step they take. Thank you Wolf Alice, on behalf of all fans out there, we love and appreciate you always.

Photo By Callum Robinson

Article By Thushara Chandrasiri, Photography by Callum Robinson