The Sheffield music scene has come a long way from producing music legends such as Def Leppard and Pulp. The independent music scene is big here. The so called Devonshire Quarter, on the North West side of the city centre,  supports the insatiable market for alternative trends with shops, boutiques and independent music stores such as ‘Fopp’ and the gothic inspired ‘Rocky Horrors’.

But it is live music which makes Sheffield special. Around this area you will find Corporation, a large live music venue that spans over three floors dedicated to different music tastes. Whilst the somewhat dingy décor may not impress you, the different nights of the week cater for the Alternative Scene’s diverse tastes. These include EBM, Hardcore, Emo as well as Classic Legends and Drum and Bass. The venue is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays. It also has a successful Sunday night event ‘Fat Lip’ for the under 18s, which I’m assured has an average age of 15 and a great turn out.

Monday hosts Oddball, a mix of Ska and Punk, while in the Pit you can hear mainly Drum and Bass; the A-Train plays Ghetto, Funk, Hip Hop and Electro. Wednesday is School Disco where entrance is free if you come dressed as a school girl/boy. Don’t hold your breath for free milk though, and I wouldn’t bother bringing an apple.

Friday is Drop, a mix of Ska and Metal, Mystery Machine, a blend of Madchester and Britpop, and Fracture, a mix of Hardcore and Emo.

Saturday nights are quieter. The club holds Reservoir Rocks - generally Classic Rock, Hardside, Metal, Nu, Old and Hard, and Syn-Goth and a mixture of oddities. Pretty much all tastes are considered. But Friday and Monday nights are the most popular with the local scene kids. The drinks lure in the student population, with the formidable Yazoo (strawberry milkshake and vodka) at only £1.80 a pint as well as cheap drink offers and entry prices before 11.

Corporation aims at a young audience and has proved its status as a leading club for alternative music fans in Sheffield. But if the bands that you like aren’t playing there, then check out The Leadmill. A former flour mill, the building became a club in 1982, and has succeeded in attracting generations of the best bands and DJs. High points include the recent success of the North, the Arctic Monkeys. The hype around the guys saw tickets for their Leadmill gig selling at £500 on eBay.

Another Sheffield great in terms of live music is the unforgettable ‘Boardwalk’, made famous by the Arctic Monkeys’ demo album, Beneath the Boardwalk. Located at the other end of town near Castle Markets, The Boardwalk allows its stage to be shared by both local acts and big name bands. Killing Joke, AC/DC, The Clash and The Sex Pistols have all come through its doors over time. It is close to The Dove and Rainbow, a pub dedicated to alternative music, where you are guaranteed to see insanely whacky haircuts and piercings. It can look a tad intimidating to outsiders but you are assured of a warm welcome.

 The Casbah on Cambridge Street is a long running venue for live acts, and the basement club hosts alternating nights of DJs and live music. Recently it has seen the Human League, and it often hosts after-parties from big name acts who play at the City Hall.

The City Hall itself has just had an estimated 12.4 million pound refurbishment, allowing it to present the very best in live music, be it opera or classic rock.

The newcomer for Sheffield in terms of clubs is ‘Plug’. With a capacity of 1200, it has been seen as a massive success already, especially the aptly named ‘Club NME’ night on a Monday. This night has its roots and interests firmly placed in live music, concentrating on mainstream Indie, although it also plays New Wave, Electro and Rock. There are two live bands which often play before 10.30; so get in early if you want to see them. Otherwise it’s club standard, with cheap drinks and the usual student crowds.