The Leadmill, one of Sheffield’s most cherished and historic music venues, has lost its legal appeal against an eviction notice served by the property’s landlord, Electric Group, and has been ordered to vacate its premises within the next three months.

In an announcement from The Leadmill on social media, they said: “Despite overwhelming public support, high-profile backing from artists and a hard fought campaign to save the Leadmill, the legal challenge was sadly unsuccessful.

“This is a heartbreaking moment not just for our team but for the entire Sheffield community.”

The venue’s proposal for permission to appeal against the February ruling was refused by the Court of Appeal on Wednesday, ending a years-long dispute between the club’s managers and Electric Group, which bought the building in 2017.

Since opening its doors in 1980, The Leadmill has played a vital role in shaping Sheffield’s artistic identity, hosting a generation of iconic artists including Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Coldplay, Oasis, and Def Leppard, while also serving as a space for comedy, theatre, grassroots activism, and community events.

Well-known figures such as Joe Lycett, Jeremy Corbyn, and The Arctic Monkeys, an iconic band formed in Sheffield, went on to pledge their backing to the club and a social media campaign – #WeCantLoseLeadmill – after the initial eviction notice.

Also in the announcement, the Leadmill team said: “We walk forward with our heads held high, knowing we gave it our all.”

The Leadmill said the decision had “ramifications for every business tenant in the country”.

Within the statement, The Leadmill said it would be hosting a series of farewell events and told those holding tickets for future gigs that there is no immediate change to their schedule, ensuring that they will be hosting their programme of later shows at venues across the city.