Sheffield bands have expressed their disappointment after a judge ruled against the tenants of a 45-year-old music venue and enforced an eviction notice.

The Turncoats, who have previously played in the 900-capacity building, said: “If The Leadmill disappears then grassroots gigs will end up in the hands of companies such as the O2 Arena which is another huge faceless chain.”

The owner and landlord of the building, Electric Group, originally served notice on tenants The Leadmill Ltd, which owns the iconic brand, back in March 2022.

A judge dismissed the tenant’s appeal last Wednesday, meaning that they will have to leave the venue within three months and 21 days of the ruling.

Joe Murphy, a bass player for Sheffield band Frogmango, said he was doubtful that new management will be able to capture the soul of place.

He said: “It is really disheartening to be honest. Switching the management means the place won’t be the same.”

The grassroots music venue has been a culturally significant institution for Sheffield which has seen notable bands nationwide such as The Stone Roses and Coldplay perform. Following the ruling, local musicians are worried about the future of the venue.

A spokesperson for the landlord has reassured the public on the future of this building. They said: “It will continue to be a cornerstone of the live music scene in Sheffield, supporting artists, fan, and community projects for the next 100 years.”

However, while some have spoken out about their concerns that the London-based landlord will ruin the spirit of the venue, Joey Pollard from the band Polat voiced his doubt about the Leadmill’s campaign to hold onto their tenancy.

Mr Pollard expressed sadness at the possibility that the band may never get to play at the iconic building, however he said: “The grassroots underdog narrative they [the tenants] have been pushing in an attempt to drum up support rubs me the wrong way.”

He said he believed members of the public had been convinced that they were saving a part of Sheffield as opposed to “the interests of a wealthy business person whose business is about to be bought out by another, richer businessman.”

Phil Mills, who has trademarked The Leadmill business and name, was given the opportunity to buy the building back in 2014 when it went to auction. The reasons for his refusal to buy the building is not public and he has not spoken out since the ruling.

Leadmill Ltd was approached for comment but did not respond. However it released a statement in which it said it will continue to liaise with their legal advisers.

The statement added: “We are in it together, doing everything we can to fight for the place that means so much to us and to so many others.”