On 13 December, Bradford proudly celebrated the strength and legacy of the Yorkshire heavy music scene with Wool City Rockers, staged at the city’s newly refurbished Bradford Live.
The line-up brought together three iconic bands with deep local roots — Paradise Lost from Halifax, Terrorvision from Keighley, and Bradford’s own New Model Army — each delivering a distinct take on heaviness, atmosphere, and performance.
Opening the night, Paradise Lost set a brooding tone with their trademark slow-burning gothic weight. Cloaked in moody lighting, their set felt immersive and deliberate, pulling the audience into dense riffs and melancholic grooves. Frontman Nick Holmes paused to thank Bradford for hosting the event, joking that Paradise Lost were “the youngest band on the bill — despite not being that young,” drawing a warm response from the crowd. The band also showcased material from their latest album, seamlessly blending newer tracks with the established sound that has defined them for decades.
The mood shifted dramatically as Terrorvision took the stage. Where Paradise Lost were dark and hypnotic, Terrorvision were bright, loud, and relentlessly fun. Bursting with colour and energy, their set acted like a jolt of adrenaline through the room. Frontman Tony Wright’s infectious charisma had the crowd smiling, bouncing, and fully engaged, transforming Bradford Live into a moving, dancing mass from front to back. The contrast between the two bands couldn’t have worked better, highlighting the diversity within Yorkshire’s heavy music lineage.
By the time New Model Army emerged as headliners, the venue was packed to capacity. The crowd, fully warmed up, greeted them with unmistakable hometown pride. Delivering their blend of powerful, melodic, old-school rock, the band commanded the room with confidence and purpose. Frontman Justin Sullivan repeatedly thanked the audience for their support — not just of the band, but of Bradford’s wider music scene — maintaining a strong connection throughout the set as fans sang along and moved in unison.
Wool City Rockers felt like more than just a gig. It was a statement — a celebration of heritage, resilience, and community within the Yorkshire music scene. By uniting three bands with shared roots but distinct identities, the event honoured both past achievements and the living culture that continues to thrive in the region. If this night is any indication, Wool City Rockers should be just the beginning of a new chapter for Bradford as a major live music destination.
Be the first to comment