Arctic Monkeys have looked ahead to this weekend’s epic shows in Don Valley Stadium.
There is something enticing about a hometown show. Oasis made their bow at Maine Road, while The Verve returned to Wigan to celebrate with friends and family after finally conquering the mainstream.
Now Arctic Monkeys are preparing for an epic pair of Sheffield shows. The group announced two concerts at the Don Valley Bowl earlier this year, with tickets snapped up by fans almost instantly.
Support acts include Miles Kane, with the shows set to rank as highlights of the band’s career so far. Currently building up to the release of their fourth album ‘Suck It And See’ the group are anticipating something special at this weekend’s shows.
“Definitely. They’ll feel a bit more special. A bit more personal” drummer Matt Helders told the NME. “Don Valley is coming right at the start of the cycle for the album, they’re what it’s all kicking off with.”
Continuing, bass player Nick O’Malley explained that Arctic Monkeys have always liked the idea of a massive Sheffield show but were unable to put the organisation in place. “It were always an idea to a big show in Sheffield. But we never really knew where it would be. Then someone suggested Don Valley and pitching a 10,000 capacity tent.”
The group are set to for a busy summer, after confirming a number of headline festival slots. Arctic Monkeys are set to perform at V Festival, and were disappointed to hear that they will not cross swords with Rihanna.
“We were under the impression that we were playing after Rihanna. That were a draw. They duped us” explained singer Alex Turner.
Continuing, Matt Helders explained that the band always choose their own support acts. “It’s always something we pick and think about wherever we go really. There’s only been a couple of times where we haven’t been able to pick or it hasn’t worked out. But that’s just because someone drops out and we end up with a stinker.”
Arctic Monkeys are set to play the following shows:
June
10 Sheffield Don Valley Bowl
11 Sheffield Don Valley Bowl