There’s a reason why WaterBear – The College of Music decided to base its music college in Sheffield. Aside from the beautiful views, the great football, and Hendo’s. Sheffield is renowned for its utterly fantastic music scene. It is historic. From hard rock to indie, electronica to bass line, Sheffield has been home to some of the most important artists from the UK. Here are just some of Sheffield's famous musicians.

Richard Hawley 

Mr. Sheffield himself. Part-Rockabilly, part-Baroque Pop, Richard Hawley’s beautiful music is the informal soundtrack of the city of Sheffield. First coming to fame due to his role as the guitarist in Sheffield-based Britpop group Longpigs, then as a touring guitarist with Pulp, then finally with his solo recordings, Richard Hawley has set the standard for musicians in Sheffield. His seminal third solo album, Coles Corner, was nominated for a Mercury Award. Even the name of the album, a reference to a famous meeting place for couples in Sheffield, highlights the inherent importance of the steel city to Richard Hawley. The city is as much of an instrument for Hawley as a guitar, and Hawley plays it all too well. Hawley’s music has recently reached a new level of fame thanks to Standing at the Sky’s Edge, a music set in Sheffield’s Park Hill Flats which uses Hawley’s music. 

Arctic Monkeys 

I don’t think you’re allowed to talk about British music, let alone Sheffield music, without mentioning Arctic Monkeys. They are the biggest band in the world. Their debut album is still the fastest selling debut album in British history. They are, really, Sheffield's most famous musicians. And yet, to all this worldwide success, there is a backdrop of four lads from High Green. Arctic Monkeys are still intertwined with the city to this day. You can still go to the pub where they had their first gig. You can go to Yellow Arch Studios, where they recorded part of the first album. At WaterBear, we even work with venue where Arctic Monkeys cemented their popularity, The Leadmill. Just as with their idol, Richard Hawley, the city of Sheffield has had a tremendous effect on the Arctic Monkeys, from their influences, to their lyrics.  

Pulp 

Whilst both Arctic Monkeys and Richard Hawley are both inextricably linked to the city of Sheffield, I don’t think any musicians have ever captured the general vibe of the city as well as Pulp have. I mean, they have a song called ‘Sheffield: Sex City’ for goodness sake! Their first gig was at The Leadmill! Nick Banks used to own The Washington! Pulp’s variation in their music, best seen in their evolution from His n Hers, to Common People, to This Is Hardcore, represent the immense variation at the heart of the Sheffield music scene. Plus, Jarvis Cocker is really cool. Like, really cool. He’s a corduroy king. What is not to love ?! 

Self Esteem

Self Esteem (real name Rebecca Lucy Taylor) is one of the best Pop acts of the last 5 years. Seriously. Prioritise Pleasure, the singer's seminal, Mercury-Award-nominated, second album, was released to critical acclaim in 2021. And she is also the coolest Sheffield singer. Genuinely. I mean, who else could perform in a Meadowhall-inspired outfit? Taylor is one of the most talented acts to come out of South Yorkshire, where her experimental pop music has paved the way to her being chosen to play Cabaret's Sally Bowles on the West End. I mean, come on. A Mercury-nominated album and having a successful West End career? A vocal Sheffield Wednesday fan (like most people on this list... sorry Blades!) and having received an honorary doctorate from the University of Sheffield, Self Esteem seems to embody the modern Steel City better than anyone.

Def Leppard 

The kings of Glam Metal, Def Leppard were one of the first Sheffield acts to really achieve international success. One of the best-selling artists of all time, Def Leppard formed whilst their members were attending school in Crosspool. They soon left the dizzying heights of Sheffield for worldwide stardom, producing 12 studio albums, including the uber-successful Pyromania, and Hysteria, which reached No.1 on the charts. Hysteria remains the 51^st best-selling album in the US of all time. Def Leppard even returned to Sheffield in 2023 to play a sell-out show at The Leadmill. See, even world-famous, international rockstars still wanna come back and play at The Leadmill! 

Bring Me The Horizon 

Bring Me The Horizon, known for their dynamic fusion of metalcore, alternative rock, and electronic elements, are one of Sheffield’s more recent successes. Hailing from Stocksbridge, the band quickly gained prominence in the metal scene. The city's industrial history and gritty atmosphere have influenced their music, reflecting a raw and intense sound. Over the years, Bring Me The Horizon has evolved their style, incorporating experimental elements and pushing boundaries within the rock genre. Lead singer Ollie Sykes even owns a cool restaurant in Kelham Island. How cool, how Sheffield! 

Sheffield has a foundation of truly incredible acts, and that’s part of what makes it such an incredible city for aspiring musicians. That, and the amazing venues in Sheffield, such as The Leadmill. For any aspiring musicians, surely studying in Sheffield presents an amazing opportunity. WaterBear’s Sheffield campus is in the centre of the city, and we are able to work with some incredible venues to ensure the development of our aspiring musicians. 

WaterBear – The College of Music 

WaterBear offers BA (Hons) degree and master’s courses made for today’s musicians, artists and industry professionals. Our colleges are based in the heart of Brighton and Sheffield, two amazing UK cities with incredible musical roots and heritage. We also have a range of online distance learning courses too. 

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WaterBear is a College of Falmouth University, a pioneer in creative industries education, entrepreneurship and innovation. Run by musicians, for musicians we are about smaller class sizes, flexible course delivery, bespoke one-to-one mentoring and exclusive work experience and career development opportunities.