13 photos of music stars at York Barbican over the years

MUSIC fans in York will have enjoyed many nights to remember at the Barbican.

The city-centre venue has welcomed many big names in the music business over the years with everyone from Pulp and Van Morrison to Elvis Costello and Paolo Nutini stepping on to its stage.

In 2022, York went wild when Hollywood star Johnny Depp turned up to join Jeff Beck for his gig at the Barbican.

On reflection, we are lucky to have the Barbican as a venue at all (and not just for music - it is a popular comedy spot as well as home to the annual UK snooker fest).

The entire leisure site was under threat when it closed in 2004 and its swimming pool was demolished.

2015: Rebecca Ferguson at York Barbican. Picture David Harrison.

But since it re-opened in 2011 with a £1.5 million refurbishment, its auditorium has been used as an entertainment venue and as a base for the annual UK Snooker Championships.

Many famous faces have taken to its stage - and we are recalling some of those today.

The archive photos we are sharing today date from 2013 and show how York has been spoilt by a wealth of music talent.

These photos were taken by York photographer and music lover David Harrison who worked at The Press for almost 20 years.

David was a regular at the Barbican, often getting a front-row view of the action when the big music acts rolled into town.

David's links with the York Barbican go back to its first gig in 1991 - which featured lots of local bands including Huge, all part of a one-day festival.

His favourite Barbican gig was Elvis Costello in 2014.

David recalled: "He came out in a top hat and tuxedo with two dancing girls and a giant roulette wheel - the idea was to spin it and whatever song title it landed on he would play next.

"He got people out of the audience to spin it and stay on stage with him while he sang the song."

Share your memories and photos of your favourite Barbican gigs with us on Facebook in our nostalgia group, Why We Love York - Memories. You will find us at: www.facebook.com/groups/yorknostalgia/.