**Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner Might Join Miles Kane for Historic Send-Off at The Leadmill**
The celebrated Sheffield music venue, The Leadmill, is on the brink of closing its doors for good after more than four decades of live music—and speculation is mounting that Arctic Monkeys’ frontman Alex Turner could return for an emotional final performance. As the music community reels from news of The Leadmill losing its long-running battle to stay in its home, singer-songwriter Miles Kane has made it clear that an invitation is firmly open to his long-time collaborator and friend.
Miles Kane, who is best known for his solo work and as one half of The Last Shadow Puppets alongside Turner, is scheduled to headline The Leadmill’s last ever show on 27 June. Speaking during a candid interview with Radio X, Kane was quizzed about the possibility of Turner joining him on stage for this landmark event. “The door’s always open for my bro,” replied Kane, warmly referencing Turner, who shares his Sheffield roots and musical history at the venue. He went on to say, with a touch of humour, “He’s redecorating it at the minute, so he’s making it all leopard print for us, because, you know, it’s got to be done by hand.”
The potential for such a reunion has stirred excitement among fans who recognise The Leadmill’s pivotal role in the formative years of the Arctic Monkeys. Before they became a household name, the band played several early gigs at the venue, using its stage as a launchpad before the release of their critically acclaimed debut album, *Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not*.
Alex Turner, now 39, has kept a relatively low profile since Arctic Monkeys rounded off their extensive tour for the album *The Car* in 2023. It is unclear if he will make an appearance at the farewell event, but Kane’s remarks have only fuelled hopes that the famous partnership could come together for one last performance at a venue brimming with memories for both.
Reflecting on The Leadmill’s unique significance, Kane said being asked to play its final gig is nothing short of an honour. “It’s served me well, and Sheffield as a city has always had my back with gigs, that’d be one of the first to sell out or whatever,” he commented. Kane, who enjoyed UK chart-topping success with Turner as The Last Shadow Puppets, indicated he wants to give the beloved venue a send-off befitting its place in British musical history. “Let’s give it a good send-off,” he urged. “I think it’ll be a very special night, and it always pops off in there.”
The emotional closure of The Leadmill follows its defeat in a legal contest with its landlord, Electric Group, who are set to take over the premises. The fate of the site and its cherished legacy have been met with widespread disappointment from artists and fans alike, highlighting the ever-increasing pressures facing independent venues across the UK.
The Leadmill’s resonance within the British music scene cannot be overstated. Arctic Monkeys went on to become one of the most successful bands of their generation, boasting six UK number-one albums and hit singles including “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor” and “When The Sun Goes Down”—tracks which both topped the charts. The band’s impact reached international heights, with memorable performances at events such as the London 2012 Olympic Games’ opening ceremony, where they wowed viewers with their rendition of “Come Together” by The Beatles, as well as multiple headline performances at Glastonbury.
As anticipation builds ahead of 27 June, the question of whether Alex Turner will step into The Leadmill once more remains tantalisingly unanswered. For many, the possibility alone is a reminder of the doors this iconic venue has opened—both metaphorically and literally—for emerging talent and established stars alike. Whatever unfolds, the final gig promises to be a poignant chapter in Sheffield’s rich musical story, with fans and performers coming together to celebrate an institution that has left an indelible mark on the UK’s cultural landscape.