Leeds Academy

Been a number of times. Easy to find — centre of Leeds, surrounded by good bars, close to train station, OK parking places nearby. Nice size — Medium hall and a medium/​small stage with an ok sound and average drinks selection. Nothing really bad to say apart from the fact that the gig listings aren’t as varied as places in say Manchester or Sheffield. Occasionally a favourite band will play here but I haven’t been for a while. Though that’s just me.

It’s an ok venue, but the sound is bad often, the security are arseholes, the place lacks soul and the drinks are crap. Maybe it’s an OK place for gigs but not for club nights, but I guess thats how they make money. Again I was not very happy with my treatment I experienced by the security staff. They shoud take a few tips from the guys who do security at Sela Bar and Smokestack. Would not come here again unless an artist I was REALLY desperate to see live played here. The place just sucks.
I have attended a gig and while I was in a conversation with the artist the security staff were really pushing and annoying me to get out and when I attended their Propaganda night the security are just so rude. It’s basically just a pile in as much as possible like cattle job.
For students who don’t give a toss this place is acceptable, but not for the rest of us.

Don’t like lining up to get in a place, and the prices are way too expensive. Mission would be a better venue for these acts. Ticket prices appallingly high, especially when all the hidden extras are added. Why the paranoia about bags? I can take mine into all the clubs and bars.

I’ve been to a few great gigs here, and as a venue its pretty good.
My only issue is that they do tend to over fill the place so that you can’t move or see the stageunless you happen to be the 7ft man who always stands in front of meI swear its the same dude! Also I wish they’d clean the floors — my pumps actually stuck fast last time I went! lol!

This is probably the best venue I have been to in terms of disabled access. We were plucked from the queue, taken up in the lift, and then shown to a roped off area right above the stage, next to the VIP area.
The view was excellent, and the staff were all friendly and helpful. We also got the ticket for the carer for free, which doesn’t always happen at gigs, and means it’s often expensive to go.
The only issue is parking — if you’re not from the area, you might be confused about where you can park nearby with a blue badge.

Brilliant venue, very like the old Town and Country club used to be, only a little more modern. It has kept the atmosphere of the old place whilst being cleaned up and there are few remnants of the Creation nightclub there. A good small venue ideal for gigs, only grumble is that the toilets are way down on the bottom floor.

Great Venue finally back to its old self. After the last 7 or 8 years as dodgy nightclubs its finally back as live music venue.
Been a couple of times since its reopening to MGMT and Hot Chip and its been brilliant both times. The sound is great even when your stood right at the back. The drinks are reasonably priced but there is not much on offer if you like your ales. Didn’t have to queue long for a drink as there is about 6 bars. If there is an act on you would like to see id definitely recommend going as its a great venue.

I had the pleasure of seeing Razorlight here on Monday, it was my first visit since it has been changed into Leeds Academy. As others have said its a pretty much similar layout to when it was Town & Country yeas ago. For those who didn’t have the pleasure of seeing it in its former glory, its big venue with balcony and standing option. If you go for standing, the floor isn’t sloped so if you’re vertically challenged you may struggle to see so try and get a balcony ticket if you don’t like being stuck behind huge tall people. There are a couple of bars as well so you aren’t queuing too long for a drink although the toilets are all the way down a few flight of stairs so don’t leave it too long!
All in all its a great venue and its brilliant to have bands such as Razorlight, Enemy, Basement Jaxx etc playing in a venue just on our doorstep!

fab venue, every band you could wish to see! easy access by car, train, foot, bus

This is a good music venue, with a lot of space and everywhere gives a good view of the stage. The bar isn’t too expensive, with free water after a gig, and there’s also a dressing room for bags and coats, costing £1. You’ll have to queue, but that’s what a gig’s for! Good sound, and good mixing, making for a really great time!

Great venue to add to Leeds’ music scene. This used to be the Town & Country Club back in the day and the layout is similar but with a facelift and a few alterations, it all adds up to a brilliant venue. Great sound with the high roof and a large balcony all round the room give a great view for the lucky ones with a balcony ticket.
All in all, a great place to see your favourite band!

What used to be Town and Country in Leeds has had a facelift and is now part of the Acedemy chain which can found all over the country.
I saw Spiritualized here recently and thought the place was well set out and there were enough bars to prevent major queues. The beer was Ok too although real ale fans won’t have too much to choose from — typically high music venue prices. The sound was pretty good but when the volume went up it felt rather muddy. The Ducth venues have this sewn up as they are so well designed — in the UK we like a box shaped room with a stage at one end so the acoustics are rarely right.
All in all for a larger sized venue this is a good place and if your favourite band are playing here you’ll find the experience satisfying.