Royal Republic – Live Review – Leeds Stylus

By Graham Clark, November 2025

For a band who have been around over 15 years, Royal Republic must be the best-kept secret in rock music. The Swedish group mix rock, pop and disco into an intoxicating melting pot that probably explains why the band cannot fit easily into any genre.

Arriving on stage at Leeds University’s Stylus venue at the unexpectedly early time of shortly after 8pm, Royal Republic were out to reclaim their crown as one of the most entertaining and exciting bands around – and they achieved the task easily, with style, charm and some of the best rock songs you will hear this side of Stockholm.

Lead singer and guitarist Adam Grahn is not just the focal point of the band, he is also a true showman, using every opportunity to encourage the audience to clap, dance and sing with his exaggerated hand movements and facial expressions. The group do not take themselves too seriously, although their music is serious business.

“Sharp and direct”

Ripping through opening numbers like a knife through butter, ‘My House’, ‘LoveCop’ and ‘Getting Along’ were delivered with an infectious energy that recalled their fellow countrymen, The Hives, and, from further afield, Rocket from the Crypt.

Without pausing for breath, the aptly named’ Stop Movin’’ slowed the pace slightly with a quick drum solo from Per Andreasson, fitting in with the short, sharp and direct ethos that makes Royal Republic such an attractive prospect.

Their philosophy of never knowing what to expect next continued with a barbershop-style acoustic version of ‘Boomerang’. The opportunity wasn’t an excuse to give the band a break but to highlight that all band members are vocally strong as well as excellent musicians.

“Intense”

With Grahn coming down into the Yorkshire fans for ‘Ain’t Got Time’, the opportunity arose for one lucky fan to play a cowbell – the moment might have looked spontaneous, though this was a show that had been perfectly planned.

As the band encored with ‘Lazerlove’ and a cover of Metallica’s ‘Battery’, the atmosphere became even more intense, culminating in a frantic version of ‘RATA-TATA’.

‘You didn’t let us down,’ affirmed Grahn as the royal rulers left the Leeds stage; the respect had been mutual on a night when Royal Republic reigned supreme.

images: Graham Clark

Graham Clark( Writer )

Graham was born and raised in Keighley. A dedicated live music enthusiast, he has attended hundreds of concerts across the North and feels fortunate to have Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester within easy reach — all key stops on major touring circuits. He has also supported Bradford Live, the upcoming 4,000-capacity venue opening in autumn 2025, helping to secure backing from some of the biggest names in live entertainment. Passionate about food, Graham draws on his background in hospitality to offer honest, experience-led insights in his reviews. He’s also a keen traveller, having explored extensively throughout Europe, America and Asia.

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