Famous Sheffield Artists
From gritty riffs to polished pop, Sheffield artists have been making waves for decades, and the city shows no signs of slowing down.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most famous Sheffield music artists, from global superstars to modern trailblazers. Let’s celebrate music from Sheffield!
Contents
1. Why WaterBear Chose Sheffield
Why WaterBear Chose Sheffield
Sheffield is more than just beautiful views and great football; it’s one of the UK’s most important music cities.
From hard rock to indie, electronica to bassline. Some of the most influential music artists from Sheffield are celebrated across the world.
This is why WaterBear chose to base one of our campuses here.
Studying in Sheffield means living in the same city that shaped legendary artists and gave the world unforgettable music.
Legendary Sheffield Music Artists
Richard Hawley – Sheffield’s Baroque Pop Icon
Richard Hawley, often called “Mr Sheffield”, is a singer-songwriter whose work blends rockabilly, baroque pop, and a deep love for the Steel City.
Starting out as guitarist for Sheffield Britpop band Longpigs, and later playing with Pulp, Hawley’s solo career cemented him as a Sheffield artist of real significance.
His Mercury Prize-nominated album Coles Corner takes its name from a famous Sheffield meeting place, showing how deeply the city inspires his music.
His work reached new audiences through Standing at the Sky’s Edge, a musical set in Sheffield’s Park Hill Flats. For Hawley, the city isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of his sound.
Arctic Monkeys – Sheffield’s Most Famous Band
When it comes to Sheffield music artists, you can’t skip Arctic Monkeys.
Their debut album remains the fastest-selling in UK history, and they’ve become one of the biggest bands in the world.
Yet their roots are firmly in Sheffield.
From their first gig in a local pub to recording at Yellow Arch (part of our Keeping Music Live Tour), their connection to the city is unshakable.
At WaterBear, we even collaborate with The Leadmill – the venue where Arctic Monkeys built their early fanbase.
Sheffield isn’t just where they’re from, it’s part of who they are.
Pulp – Capturing the Spirit of Sheffield
Pulp are perhaps the band that best captured Sheffield’s character – witty, raw, and unapologetically real.
From their debut gig at The Leadmill to songs like Sheffield: Sex City, their music reflects the city’s diversity and creative edge.
Frontman Jarvis Cocker remains an icon, his style and lyrics representing a unique Sheffield artist’s voice in British pop culture.
Self Esteem – Modern Sheffield Pop Star
Rebecca Lucy Taylor, known as Self Esteem, is one of the most exciting Sheffield music artists of recent years.
Her Mercury Prize-nominated album Prioritise Pleasure combined bold pop production with fearless storytelling.
A proud Sheffield Wednesday supporter and honorary doctorate holder from the University of Sheffield, Self Esteem embodies the modern Sheffield spirit – innovative, confident, and unafraid to stand out.
Def Leppard – Glam Metal Giants from Sheffield
Def Leppard brought Sheffield to the global stage in the 1980s, selling over 100 million albums worldwide.
Hits like Pour Some Sugar on Me and Hysteria made them international rock icons, yet they still return to Sheffield, including a sold-out 2023 show at The Leadmill.
They remain proof that music artists from Sheffield can dominate the world without forgetting their roots.
Bring Me The Horizon – Sheffield’s Modern Rock Innovators
One of Sheffield’s more recent global successes, Bring Me the Horizon have transformed from local metalcore band to genre-bending innovators.
Their sound reflects Sheffield’s grit and creativity, blending heavy riffs with electronic textures.
Frontman Oli Sykes even runs a Kelham Island restaurant, because being a Sheffield artist means staying connected to the city’s culture.
Why Sheffield Is Perfect for Aspiring Artists
From the legendary to the cutting-edge, Sheffield is a city built on music.
Its venues, like The Leadmill and Yellow Arch Studios, offer real opportunities for performance, collaboration, and growth.
At WaterBear’s Sheffield campus, you can study music in the heart of this thriving scene.
Our Music Industries Team works closely with local venues to give you real-world experience alongside your degree.
Ready to join the next generation of Sheffield artists? Apply to study at WaterBear or order your prospectus today.
WaterBear – The College of Music
WaterBear offers BA (Hons) degree and master’s courses made for today’s musicians, artists and industry professionals. Its colleges are based in the heart of Brighton and Sheffield, two amazing UK cities with incredible musical roots and heritage. The college also has a range of online distance learning courses.
WaterBear is a College of Falmouth University, a pioneer in creative industries education, entrepreneurship and innovation. Run by musicians for musicians WaterBear is about smaller class sizes, flexible course delivery, bespoke one-to-one mentoring and exclusive work experience and career development opportunities.