The sound of the city: April’s live music highlights
CELEBRATED VOICE: Alfie Boe
Bigger nights and busier calendars, by Rose Barker
April in Hull is a bit of a tug-of-war between false starts and fresh momentum. One minute it’s beer garden optimism, the next you’re dodging a downpour on the way to a gig.
But as the days stretch out, the city’s venues are leaning into that energy. From nostalgic dancefloor fillers to boundary-pushing indie, here is your roadmap to live music this month.
It kicks off early on Friday, April 3, as the Utah Saints take over Social (£18). Known for their string of 90s chart-toppers and a legendary reputation for packing dancefloors worldwide, this is a must-see for anyone after a high-impact, nostalgic fix.
The momentum continues on Friday, April 10, as Manchester indie-rockers The Guest List head to Polar Bear (£14). This feels like the right moment to catch them, up close and full of momentum, right as things start to take off.
The Adelphi Club welcomes London’s Y on Friday, April 17 (£11.50), an act rapidly gaining a reputation for fierce independence. Truly genre-defying, expect something raw, restless and hard to pin down, with all the hallmarks of a classic, unpredictable Adelphi night.
Saturday, April 18 brings a full-throttle night courtesy of Slam Dunk Presents, as Leicester trio Mouth Culture play Polar Bear (£16). Currently on a sharp upward trajectory, their take on modern alt-rock feels tailor-made for a packed room.
Things really ramp up for the month’s final stretch. On Friday, April 24, Alfie Boe brings a full-scale headline show to Hull City Hall (£37.50), joined by special guest Jessica Sweetman. Armed with an iconic catalogue, brand-new material and one of the country’s most celebrated voices, Boe’s performance promises a polished and powerful evening.
Saturday, April 25 is one of those classic Hull clashes, with three very different routes, all worth your time.
If you’re after something loud and direct, The Welly hosts Massive Wagons (£23) for a masterclass in straight-ahead rock. The Lancaster outfit has built a strong reputation on no-frills, high-impact live shows.
Over at The Adelphi, Fiona-Lee (£11) offers a more intimate counterpoint to the weekend’s noise. Proudly flying the flag as a ‘Northern Lass,’ she’s already turning heads with a songwriting style that balances heavy, heartfelt themes with wide appeal. It’s a set that promises to hit just as hard as the louder gigs, just in a very different way.
For the electronic purists, Mark Jenkins brings a full live recreation of Oxygène to Wrecking Ball Arts Centre (£12.50). Celebrating 50 years of the album that redefined the genre, this synth-heavy performance offers a deep, hypnotic journey for those seeking a more immersive alternative.
Finally, the month’s momentum leads to O’Rileys on Thursday, April 30, for Under-Volt (£7). Hailing from Edinburgh, the two-piece brings a sound defined by bluesy grunge and heavy riffs. Exactly the kind of late-month gig that sneaks up on you and ends up being a highlight.
April feels like things are opening up again. Bigger nights, busier calendars, and plenty of reasons to get back into the habit of heading out.
I’ll see you down the front!