The Reytons Become First Unsigned Band to Headline Tramlines

The Reytons tramlines festival headline moment marked a major turning point in Sheffield’s music scene. In July 2025, The Reytons became the first unsigned band to headline Tramlines Festival, a milestone that stunned both fans and the wider music industry. From their early days performing on the Tramlines Fringe stage in 2017, just weeks after forming, to eventually selling out Sheffield Arena and drawing 20,000 fans to Clifton Park in their hometown of Rotherham, their rise has been built entirely on self-belief, grassroots support, and relentless work.

In a summer where reunion tours like Oasis are grabbing global headlines, The Reytons’ success story proves that there is still space for new bands to break through without major backing. This article explores their independent journey, their landmark shows, the significance of their Tramlines headline slot, and what their story means for the future of British indie music.

From Fringe Shows to Chart Success

The Reytons began in Rotherham in 2017. Within weeks of forming, they were performing at the Tramlines Fringe, playing pub stages and small venues across Sheffield. Their early EPs, including Slice of Lime and It Was All So Monotonous, quickly attracted a local following. They sang about relatable topics, from hangovers and lost weekends to the everyday lives of working-class people in South Yorkshire. Their storytelling style and sharp energy helped them stand out from the crowd, even without a label or radio support.

By 2021, they had released their debut album, Kids Off the Estate, which climbed to number 11 on the UK Albums Chart. Then in January 2023, their second album, What’s Rock and Roll?, debuted at number one. This was achieved without any backing from a label, making them one of the few bands in modern times to top the charts independently. These early milestones set the stage for bigger gigs and growing recognition across the country.

Sheffield Arena Triumph:

In late 2023, The Reytons sold out the Utilita Arena Sheffield, performing to over 13,000 people. This moment marked a huge step forward for a band that had started just six years earlier on small stages with no industry support. The show was a celebration of the journey so far, with fans creating a football-style atmosphere complete with flares, chants, and singalongs.

The setlist included anthems like Red Smoke, Antibiotics, Slice of Lime, and Market Street. Every lyric was met with deafening responses. The night felt like a shared victory for the band and their fans. There was no hype machine or PR spin. They earned it by touring constantly, connecting with people directly, and staying true to their roots.

How Clifton Park Become Disneyland: Rotherham’s Biggest Gig

After their Arena triumph, The Reytons announced a massive hometown show at Clifton Park in Rotherham. On 6 July 2024, around 20,000 people packed into the park to witness what would become the biggest music event in the town’s modern history. For many local fans, this was more than just a concert. It was a moment of pride and celebration for the town itself.

The Clifton Park show featured high-end production, a massive stage, and a euphoric atmosphere. Songs like Kids Off the Estate and Headache took on new power in front of the home crowd. In December 2024, the band released a live album from the show, titled Clifton Park, which charted in the UK Top 5. The performance proved that the band could pull off a festival-scale event on their own terms, without relying on any music industry infrastructure.

Headlining Tramlines Festival 2025

On Saturday 26 July 2025, The Reytons took the stage as the main headliner of Tramlines Festival at Hillsborough Park in Sheffield. This made them the first unsigned band ever to headline the festival, and it was a moment that fans had been hoping for since their earliest days on the fringe circuit.

The performance was emotional and electric. Bassist Lee Holland spoke about how far they had come and thanked the crowd for supporting a band with no label, no radio playlisting, and no shortcuts. Frontman Jonny Yerrell said simply that they were about to deliver the show of everyone’s lives. They did just that.

From the opening notes of Red Smoke to the final moments of Slice of Lime and Kids Off the Estate, the set felt like the closing of a circle. A band that had once played the side streets of Tramlines was now standing on the biggest stage of the weekend.

Community and Energy

The Tramlines headline set was more than just a gig. It was a shared event that felt personal for thousands of people in the crowd. From the moment fans boarded the tram into Hillsborough wearing Reytons t-shirts, the energy was building. By the time the band took the stage, the crowd was alive with anticipation.

The production featured striking visuals, including castle backdrops, flare bursts, and even a horse trophy wheeled on stage. But more than the theatrics, it was the connection with the crowd that stood out. At one point, Jonny told the audience, “This is what happens when we stick together. This is ours.” The band has always spoken directly to their fanbase, and the fans have responded with complete loyalty.

Key Milestones in The Reytons’ Rise

• 2017: Formed in Rotherham and played Tramlines Fringe
• 2021: Released debut album Kids Off the Estate, charting at number 11
• January 2023: Released second album What’s Rock and Roll?, reached number one
• Late 2023: Sold out Sheffield Arena
• July 2024: Headlined Clifton Park with 20,000 fans
• December 2024: Released live album Clifton Park, charted in the UK Top 5
• July 2025: Headlined Tramlines Festival as first unsigned act
• December 2025: Scheduled to headline Wembley Arena

Each of these moments represents not just steps forward in the band’s career but key milestones in modern British indie music. At a time when the industry is often controlled by streaming algorithms and corporate strategies, The Reytons have shown that there is still room for bands who take the long road.

Working-Class Stories and Indie Attitude

The Reytons’ music is rooted in working-class experience. Their lyrics are direct, honest, and often brutally familiar to anyone who has grown up in a northern town. Songs like Kids Off the Estate and Broke Boys Cartel paint vivid pictures of everyday life, from council estates and dead-end jobs to weekend chaos and pub culture.

What separates them from many of their peers is their refusal to polish those edges. Their albums are self-released, their videos are made on their own terms, and their fans are part of the process from start to finish. They are not trying to be something they are not. That authenticity is rare, and it explains why so many people feel such a strong connection to them.

While The Reytons were making history at Tramlines, Oasis were reuniting for a global stadium tour. Their return dominated headlines, filled arenas, and stirred up a wave of 90s nostalgia. But alongside that wave of celebration for the past, The Reytons provided a powerful reminder that music is still moving forward.

In a year filled with comebacks and anniversaries, The Reytons stood out as a band on the rise, not the return. Their success is a signal that new music can still break through, even in a crowded market. They are not competing with Oasis for memories. They are creating new ones.

What’s Next for The Reytons

The band is not slowing down. In December 2025, they are scheduled to headline Wembley Arena. They have also announced plans to expand their UK and European touring schedule throughout 2026. Alongside their music, they have launched the Reytons Grassroots Foundation, which supports young talent in South Yorkshire in music, sport, and the arts.

They remain completely independent and continue to control their own releases, merchandise, and tour planning. Their long-term vision is not just about selling out bigger venues but building a legacy that inspires other working-class artists to chase their ambitions without waiting for permission.

Conclusion

The Reytons tramlines festival headline set was more than just a gig. It was the realisation of a dream that began in Rotherham, on the fringes of the music world. By becoming the first unsigned band to headline Tramlines, they showed what is possible when talent, honesty, and hard work come together. Their rise from small venues to stadium-sized stages has not been driven by hype, but by connection.

In a year full of reunions and nostalgia, The Reytons are the story of something new. They are still rising, still growing, and still proving that independent bands can reach the top without selling out. If you have not seen them live yet, now is the time.

FAQs

When did The Reytons headline Tramlines Festival?
They headlined on Saturday 26 July 2025.

Are The Reytons signed to a record label?
No. They are completely independent and self-managed.

When was the Clifton Park show?
It took place on 6 July 2024 and drew around 20,000 people.

Have they played Sheffield Arena?
Yes. They sold out the venue in late 2023.

What is next for The Reytons?
They are scheduled to headline Wembley Arena in December 2025 and will tour extensively through 2026.

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