The Tivoli vs Piece Hall

Pictures-Gary Numan-Piece Hall-2026

I have to preface this review with a confession, I am a massive Gary Numan fan. Have been ever since I first heard him on John Peel in 1979.

Since then I have plagued my family and friends with albums, singles, gigs and a few t-shirts.

This week I got to see him twice in two very different situations. Once as a fan, armed with only my iphone and once as a professional(?) photographer at Piece Hall.

As a music fan I will happily enter into the debate, best gigs, best venues, perfect combination and can talk about it for a considerable length of time.

For example in my Top Five:

James - Piece Hall (2023)

Fat Dog - Leeds Stylus (2025)

Slow Club - Brudenell (2014/2015)

However the pinnacle of any fan is to see a big band in a Small venue. Gary Numan in an 800-1,000 capacity venue falls into that category!

So I was interested to compare the two.

I have been to many live venues but have to admit that I had never heard of The Tivoli, which is, not quite, but nearly in the middle of nowhere. Just over the border in Wales it is about 2 hours drive from Leeds. These tickets have been booked forever and unlike the hardcore fans, I was only able to go to one of the four consecutive nights.

Initially planned as a warm up for Piece Hall it seems to have become part of a much bigger tour which again added to it’s “Golden Ticket” status.

Everything about the venue was fantastic, friendly staff, tiny stage, everyone was there to enjoy the music, respect the band and not talk all the way through the gig (pet peeve).

Devine Shade were the great support band - French - Neo Industrial Rock. Got the crowd warmed up brilliantly.

Then it was time for the main event. It was very interesting watching three animated front men negotiating the space. It did guarantee that there was not a still moment throughout the whole set. The sound was amazing, the crowd was loud and seriously up for it and Steve Harris the guitarist could easily pick you out in the crowd if he was not happy with you. The proximity of band and fan was emphasised when Steve handed his guitar to one of the crowd members between songs.

And it was small differences like this that added to the intimacy of the gig. Everyone was in agreement, it was a brilliant night, everything you want from a gig, sweaty, noisy, friendly great setlist and a crowd singing their lungs out.

Now to Piece Hall… If you have never been to a gig there, add it to your bucket-list but preferably choose a sunny night.

So that was the first request ticked, it was a beautiful blue sky night. The open courtyard has a capacity of 6,000 and it was full, second tick and again everyone was there for a good time.

There had been some subtle changes to the set list from the Tivoli, same songs, jut not necessarily in the same order. This worked, the band started with power and pace which just continued and grew throughout the evening. It is very hard to look like a professional photographer when you are jumping up and down to “Me! I Disconnect From You” but I tried.

As for the gig gauges, all boxes were ticked again. Though I have to give a special shout out to the sound engineers! Every time I go to the Piece Hall, no matter where you stand, what type of music is playing, considering it’s outside and Halifax can be windy/wet/sunny or all three at the same time, the sound is always fantastic.