You just had to be there...

Were you one of the lucky ones to see David Bowie at

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

NOTTINGHAM has welcomed some of music's greatest names over the decades. Global stars have graced (or disgraced occasionally) the city's stages.

Icons Diana Ross, Dolly Parton and Lady Gaga have thrilled fans at Motorpoint Arena; the Kaiser Chiefs, Madness and Blondie had the crowds jumping at Splendour Festival; Take That went down a storm Nottingham Forest's City Ground while Rock City crowds have rocked to Charli XCX, Fontaines D.C. and Wolf Alice.

Sleaford Mods' tenth anniversary album show at The Bodega in November 2024 was a standout gig and Frank Turner at The Arboretum was a big moment for live music in September 2020 as the city's first socially-distanced outdoor show during the pandemic.

Anton Lockwood, director of live, DHP Family, said: "As a national promoter bringing some of the biggest acts in the world to Nottingham, and owner of Rock City, Rescue Rooms, Bodega, The Palais and Stealth in our hometown city, we're proud of our integral role in many iconic shows in the city over the last 45 years.

"It's even more exciting when we can work with artists through their careers from grassroots to arena tours. We saw that most recently with Lewis Capaldi playing at Motorpoint Arena. He, of course, first played to a much smaller audience in Nottingham as part of Dot To Dot.

"We're also committed to supporting the grassroots. Iconic shows don't always mean big.

"Just last year, we were delighted to have Sleaford Mods returning to The Bodega to play shows celebrating the tenth anniversary of their breakthrough album in a nod to the support they got from the venue when starting out."

Here is selection of some of the city's most memorable gigs. Were you there?

DAVID BOWIE

Music legend David Bowie captivated the crowd at Rock City in August 1997, the one and only time he played in Nottingham.