Wire, a popular music venue in Leeds, has announced that it will be permanently closing its doors in June. This marks the latest tragedy to hit the grassroots live music industry, which is currently facing significant pressure. Wire includes a 300-capacity live music space in its basement and has been a mainstay of the Leeds music scene for many years.
Wire took to Instagram to confirm the news of its closure, stating: “Since re-opening after the pandemic, the UK nightlife industry has been under immense pressure which we have not been immune to…the cost-of-living crisis & changing lifestyle choices coinciding with other looming commercial challenges unique to the venue has gradually led to the unavoidable outcome that the club can no longer operate as a viable business.”
The venue has been running for over 18 years, playing host to many electronic dance music acts in its time. The venue achieved its mission of creating an underground electronic music space dedicated to drum and bass, house, and techno in Leeds.
Despite the tragedy of Wire’s closure, the venue will still hold parties until the doors close in June. Furthermore, the Music Venue Trust has argued for a £1 ticket levy for all arena-sized gigs and above during a recent UK parliamentary session. This is in response to the spate of venue closures across the UK of which Wire is just one example
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