The Kooks Announce 2025 Stripped-Back UK Tour Focusing on Grassroots Venues

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Band's Commitment to Live Music
4. A Historical Context
5. Grassroots Venues: A Reflection of Society
6. The Stripped-Back Experience
7. The Importance of Community
8. Music in 2025: Outlook and Challenges
9. Real-World Examples of Grassroots Support
10. Conclusion
11. FAQ

Key Highlights

• The Kooks will tour in May 2025 across UK grassroots venues, emphasizing the importance of supporting local music scenes.
• The tour coincides with their upcoming album Never/Know, highlighting their commitment to live music despite government undervaluation of the sector.
• Musical and historical importance of grassroots venues is underscored by frontman Luke Pritchard's reflections on their role in the music industry.

Introduction

As the rise of online streaming services transforms the music industry, a surprising statistic emerges: the UK loses a grassroots music venue every two weeks. This alarming trend poses a threat not only to emerging artists but also to the rich tapestry of live performance culture. In a bold counter-move, British indie rock band The Kooks are stepping to the forefront with their announcement of a stripped-back tour across grassroots venues in the UK set for May 2025. This tour will not only feature songs from their upcoming album, Never/Know, but will also aim to reignite interest and appreciation for the small venues that serve as lifeblood for budding musical talent.

The Band's Commitment to Live Music

The Kooks, formed in Brighton in 2004, have long been known for their catchy melodies and relatable lyrics. Throughout their career, they have enjoyed success with hits like "She Moves In Her Own Way" and "Naive," but their commitment to supporting the grassroots music scene shines brightly in their upcoming tour. Frontman Luke Pritchard commented on the significance of these venues, emphasizing their integral role in nurturing talent and culture in the UK.

"Clubs like The Leadmill were vital for us when we started out and it breaks my heart to see these places closing down. It’ll be a sad day if we lose The Leadmill," Pritchard noted, underlining a poignant reality for many artists today.

The Kooks' upcoming tour will kick off in Sheffield at The Leadmill on May 2, followed by dates in cities like Nottingham, Liverpool, Bournemouth, and more intimate stops like The 1865 in Southampton and The Fleece in Bristol.

A Historical Context

The history of grassroots venues is often intertwined with the narratives of countless successful artists. These spaces serve not only as stages for performances but as incubators for new talent. However, in recent years, the UK government’s lack of adequate support for the live music sector has led to increased closures, with venues being replaced by commercial developments. In February 2025, The Leadmill's closure was announced following a court order, further exemplifying the fragility of these iconic establishments.

Moreover, in 2024 alone, the number of grassroots venues decreased by one in nearly every two-week span due to various pressures including financial strain exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving urban development policies. This decline threatens to erase many important cultural spaces that have shaped the identity of the UK's music scene.

Grassroots Venues: A Reflection of Society

The relationship between grassroots venues and the communities they serve goes beyond merely housing music events. They embody a spirit of creativity, rebellion, and local culture. As Pritchard stated,

"The UK government has undervalued live music for too long. They need to do more to keep this industry alive, for the benefit of the country and all future artists that risk not being heard."

The Kooks’ emphasis on these venues resonates amidst a larger movement advocating for legislative support for music and arts. The newly proposed levy on tickets for large-scale gigs, which encourages contributions to support grassroots spaces, could be a significant step towards safeguarding the music culture in the UK if implemented effectively.

The Stripped-Back Experience

The format of the Kooks' tour will be distinctly intimate—an acoustic performance featuring Pritchard alongside guitarist Hugh Harris. This approach not only highlights their new album, which has been described by Pritchard as “a guitar record" infused with modern sounds but also allows for a personal and up-close interaction with fans. This style of performance is reminiscent of previous eras in music where artists would connect directly with audiences in small, local settings.

The Importance of Community

Partnership with independent record stores in the cities they'll perform acts as both a marketing strategy and a nod to community support. By doing this, The Kooks are reiterating their pledge to bolster the music ecosystem that has become increasingly endangered.

In light of recent venue closures including Dorothy Pax and Boom Leeds, the Kooks' tour takes on additional significance. Their commitment to performing at grassroots venues presents a model for other artists to prioritize relational engagement over commercial gain.

Music in 2025: Outlook and Challenges

Looking ahead to 2025, the landscape for live music remains precarious. As grassroots venues face continued pressure, it's crucial that artists and government work in tandem to address the underlying issues stifling creativity. The Premier League-style model for gig fundraising may provide some relief, but the success of such initiatives will depend heavily on broader public support and awareness.

In an era when global streaming platforms dominate, genuine local music scenes are more vital than ever. The Kooks' stripped-back tour reflects a conscious effort to return to roots while promoting a broader discourse on the future of live music.

Real-World Examples of Grassroots Support

The industrial support for grassroots music venues in the UK has seen some recent successes, including significant contributions from major artists. Mumford & Sons, Coldplay, and others have donated portions of their tour revenues to keep these venues afloat, showcasing a cultural commitment to preserving artistic spaces. This form of solidarity among artists highlights the shared understanding of the importance of community and grassroots engagement.

“There’s a power in unity and shared purpose,” reflects Pritchard. "If we come together, artists and audiences alike, we can ensure that our music culture continues evolving and thriving."

Conclusion

As The Kooks prepare for their upcoming tour, they shine a light on not just their music but the pressing issues facing grassroots venues across the UK. This tour embodies a movement to reclaim community spaces, fueling support for each other and fostering future generations of artists. With their optimistic and romantic approach to music on their new album, Never/Know, their tour represents much more than a series of concerts—it stands as a vital cultural statement advocating for the preservation of live music.

FAQ

Why is The Kooks focusing on grassroots venues for their 2025 tour?

The Kooks believe grassroots venues are the lifeblood of the UK music scene and are vital for nurturing new talent. They aim to support these spaces in light of increasing closures.

When and where will the tour take place?

The tour kicks off on May 2, 2025, at The Leadmill in Sheffield, with additional performances scheduled across eight grassroots venues in cities including Nottingham, Liverpool, and Bristol.

What is the significance of grassroots venues?

These venues serve as pivotal spaces for local talent to perform and connect with audiences. They contribute to the cultural identity of communities, and their survival is crucial for the future of the music industry.

How are The Kooks promoting their new album?

The band will perform acoustic sets during the tour, focusing on songs from their upcoming album Never/Know, emphasizing a close and personal experience for fans.

What can be done to support grassroots venues?

Support for grassroots venues can come from various sources including legislative changes, public fundraising initiatives, and investment from established artists. Increased awareness and community engagement are essential for the survival of these spaces.