Embrace drummer Mike Heaton will grace the stage as a special guest this Sunday, 28 May, as the renowned Old Chapel Music Studios opens its doors to the public for a series of free tours. The historic venue launched this initiative in November 2022 and plans to continue hosting monthly tours until February 2024.
Old Chapel Music Studios, situated in Holbeck, has attracted a plethora of well-known acts from the city, including the Kaiser Chiefs, Sisters of Mercy, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, and many others. Mike Heaton will be in attendance, eagerly awaiting the arrival of visitors. He will answer questions, strike poses for photographs, and even offer personal drum lessons.
Embrace, the popular band, first set foot in Old Chapel Studios during the early 1990s and cherishes their time spent on the premises. Mike Heaton fondly reminisced about those days, stating, “My memories of Old Chapel Studios are all really great; we had a lot of fun there. It’s a great place, a great community. There were so many different bands and genres of music, but I don’t remember any bad words said between the bands. Everyone got along, even though we were radically different people. It was a space where you could be creative, develop; it was always great value for money and just a fantastic place.”
Katie Hayes, Joint CEO of Old Chapel Music CIC, expressed her excitement about Mike’s return to the studios, saying, “We are thrilled to be welcoming Mike back to the studios. Places on Sunday’s tours are limited but filling up fast. I would encourage music fans to visit our website and book their slot for free. I have no doubt that it will be a day to remember.”
Old Chapel Music CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company managing the studios, actively supports young people, up-and-coming artists, and community groups by providing them with access to the same world-class facilities enjoyed by established bands.
The tours, funded by Leeds Civic Trust, offer an insightful glimpse into the facility’s relocation and rebranding from Parkside Studios in 1992, as well as its 30-year journey from a former Wesleyan chapel to the community-focused creative hub it has become. Participants will have the opportunity to explore never-before-seen artefacts, engage with instruments and recording facilities, take part in quizzes, and leave with cherished photo mementoes from their visit.
The two-hour tours will be held at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm on the last Sunday of every month. Interested individuals must book in advance by visiting the Old Chapel Music Studios website at oldchapelleeds.org and navigating to the ‘events’ page.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary chance to experience the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Old Chapel Music Studios. Book your spot now for an unforgettable day filled with music and creativity.
