The owners of Sheffield's iconic Leadmill music venue, Electric Group, returned to find the building in a state of 'wanton destruction' after taking possession following a legal eviction battle.

The Leadmill, which closed at the end of June after a final gig by Miles Kane, has been a cultural landmark for 45 years, hosting famous bands like Pulp, Coldplay, Oasis, and The White Stripes.

The destruction includes the removal of the stage, sprung dancefloor, bars, lighting, and the frieze sculpture of Mike Disley, with materials dumped rather than recycled or donated.

The legal battle involved disputes over fixtures and belongings, with The Leadmill's general manager Ian Lawlor asserting their right to take their property as per the lease agreement and rejecting claims of misconduct.

The general manager of Leadmill Ltd stated they had been transparent about their plans to remove belongings, countering claims of misconduct by Electric Group.

Electric Group's co-founder, Dominic Madden, expressed devastation at the damage and emphasized their commitment to reopening the venue as Electric Sheffield in February 2026.

Madden criticized the destruction and highlighted the venue's importance to the community, reaffirming their determination to reopen it next year.

Electric Group criticized the disposal of reusable materials and efforts to remove a notable sculpture, indicating a sense of loss and disrespect for the site.