About Us | O2 Academy Sheffield

About us

The history of O2 Academy Sheffield is synonymous with the city’s music scene and a landmark venue that was built as an entertainment space. Originally opened in 1968 as the infamous Top Rank Suite, it hosted some iconic and now legendary gigs from The Police, The Clash, Joy Division, The Jam and David Bowie. Having established itself on the entertainment circuit as a premier live music and nightclub and with local celebrity Barry Noble at the helm, it rebranded as dance institution the Roxy Disco which dominated the club scene and became the region’s biggest nightspot in the eighties and nineties. The Roxy was a big part of Sheffield’s culture throughout this period bringing pop acts including Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, as well as Sheffield legends Heaven 17 and The Human League, to the stage.

The venue was acquired by Academy Music Group and reopened in 2008 following an extensive refurbishment and an opening programme that highlighted the great and the good of the city. Shining a spotlight on some of the most notable artists from Sheffield whose music was influenced by their hometown, Reverend & The Makers headlined the launch night on Wednesday 11 April 2008 closely followed by a show from Synth-Pop legends The Human League on Sunday 20 April 2008.  

The venue quickly became a much-loved destination for live music once again with many notable performances taking place; from sell-out shows featuring some of the biggest names in music and “I was there” moments with breaking talent, to club nights that would make the Roxy crowd proud. O2 Academy Sheffield has hosted a diverse line-up of artists spanning generations and genres, with highlights including intimate sets from the likes of Kasabian and Bullet For My Valentine, multiple nights with Sheffield favourites Milburn and The Everley Pregnant Brothers and shows from world famous acts including The Prodigy, Elbow, Stereophonics, The Libertines, Stormzy, Wolf Alice, IDLES, Fontaines D.C., Charli XCX and Self Esteem. O2 Academy2 Sheffield has also played an important role in showcasing emerging artists, with early shows from acts including Ellie Goulding, Bring Me The Horizon, You Me At Six and Two Door Cinema Club.

Sheffield has produced some of the most influential artists in British music and O2 Academy Sheffield is an integral part of the touring circuit, providing a stage for established artists and emerging local talent alike and playing an important role in the city’s ever-evolving live music culture.