Leeds venue Boom has confirmed it has been “forced to close its doors” at the end of March 2025.

In a post on Instagram, the venue said its landlord had decided to terminate the lease in order to begin work to convert the building into apartments and shops.

In the extended statement published at bottom stackThe venue said: “Our community has always had our back and we would like to thank everyone who has been a part of Boom history. “The support our venue has received over the years from friends, fans, bands and individuals all over the world has always been noticeable and we are so grateful.

“Boom has managed to introduce a program of international, local and regional artists that we truly love in our own way, in a space we created from scratch. If you’ve ever been to a concert hosted by Boom, you know it’s a lot of fun. “Our venue has raised thousands of pounds for charities and local causes and we have hosted hundreds of concerts, parties, weddings and celebrations of life for our community.”

They continued: “In recent years we have encountered situation after situation where it would have been an easy choice to step back and shut down Boom. But we always struggled with it, losing a lot in the process – but we made it through and continued to maintain a venue dedicated to alternative music. Unfortunately, our final battle to remain on Millwright Street is unwinnable. Boom must now admit defeat and close by the end of March 2025.”

They added that they are currently sending out invitations for bands to play the venue one last time before it closes, and also confirmed that The Flex, who used the Boom as a practice space in its early days, will play its final show.

The team behind Boom will open a new location next year. “Our new field was established as a company with a social interest. “Our plan for the new space includes a live music venue, bar, community space, rehearsal and non-profit creative studios that serve the community,” he said.

“We will also be establishing a formal education arm at the venue and supporting people into the live music and media industry with live sound and light.”

A cornerstone of the vibrant Leeds hardcore scene, Boom have faced numerous threats over the last few years. Covid-19 pandemic – meanwhile placed on the Music Venue Trust’s list ‘red list’ Venues most at risk of closure, as well as rising costs, the cost of living crisis and changes in the music industry.

In January, scores of hardcore bands from the region and beyond came together for a two-day ‘Save Our Home’ concert to raise money to keep the Boom afloat. NME I’ve spoken to many of these groups, including Static Dress, Higher Power And Pest Control It’s about what the place means to them.

“For me and many others, Boom is a second home,” said Static Dress frontman Olli Appleyard. “It’s the home of so many cultures, and not just one particular genre – punk, metal, hardcore, grindcore – everything that wouldn’t normally have a place. “This is a place that allows international artists to come and perform, and it provides a safe place for all of that to exist.”

Higher Power guitarist Max Harper said: “It would be very, very sad if people didn’t experience Boom. Without Boom Leeds certainly wouldn’t have a scene like this; maybe other people wouldn’t have as much desire to travel to Leeds for shows.” “There are other smaller venues, but Boom is enduring, essential and probably an inspiration to people because it’s such an encouraging space.”

Pest Control pioneer Leah Massey-Hay added: “When I first went to Boom, I felt like I had found my niche. “It gave space and a social life to people like me who didn’t have much else at the time.”

Massey-Hay reiterates the importance of space Another recent interview with NME. “The scene wouldn’t be as amazing if it weren’t for places like Boom, but if something were to happen to Boom – which it most certainly won’t – there would be enough people willing to put in the work to make another version of this. I think that’s what makes it so great.” This.”

Boom’s closure of UK touring circuit facing “total collapse” Without immediate aid following the latest budget news and the general lack of response from the sector. The year 2023 has been a “disaster” and the worst year in history, with 125 community music venues closing their doors.