Launched in 2022, the Rock N’ Roll Circus is expanding with events in both Norwich and Sheffield this year, though due to other touring commitments, Queens of the Stone Age will only be playing the Sheffield leg of the festival. Their venue, the Don Valley Bowl, has a capacity of 7500, and will be the third time the venue has hosted the festival in as many years.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by QOTSA (@queensofthestoneage)

Announcing the second night on their Instagram page, Queens of the Stone Age shared an updated poster which said, “new date added due to phenomenal demand,” as well as listing their support acts across both nights. They will be joined by Viagra Boys, Jehnny Beth, Big Freedia and more across both nights, with Shame and The Murder Capital as two new acts joining them on their second date.  

Festival director Ali O’Reilly said: “The response to Queens of the Stone Age’s first show was incredible. Tickets flew out in record time, and we are excited to give fans another chance to get tickets to see this huge show. It’s an honour to bring one of the greatest rock bands of our generation to Sheffield for not just one, but two nights at Rock ‘n’ Roll Circus. With support from Viagra Boys and The Murder Capital, these shows are going to be something truly special.”

This is going to be insane. Need to get to this. — Andy McElwaine (@andymcelwaine) February 21, 2025

 Queens of the Stone Age have only played in Sheffield once before, visiting the South Yorkshire city to play the Leadmill in 2000. Their return comes as part of a wider European tour, which kicks off 12 July in Slovakia. Their Rock N’ Roll Circus appearance will be the last in the continent before they return to their native US.

The band hasn’t played live since July 2024, though they haven’t released any new music in that time either. Their 2024 setlists comprised mostly of material from three albums: 2023’s ‘In Times New Roman…’, and more classic albums ‘Songs for the Dead’ and ‘…Like Clockwork’. Fans shouldn’t expect any major changes to the setlist; however the circus atmosphere and the intimacy of the venue will make it an unmissable night still.

Though the band hasn’t played in the UK since a Download Festival appearance in June 2024, founder and frontman Josh Homme was one of many musical figures who came together in December to celebrate the life of Mark Lanegen. Lanegan played with QotSA between 2001 and 2005, and introducing the evening, Homme said, “Mark would have pretended to hate this, but he would have loved to see you all here tonight.”

Despite being a relative newcomer to the festival circuit, Rock N’ Roll Circus has drawn some major headline acts in its short history. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds headlined in 2022 and 2023, and the festival has attracted the likes of the Libertines, Natalie Imbruglia, and Gilbert O’Sullivan, as well as one of Sheffield’s finest exports, Richard Hawley, as support acts.

With its eclectic mix of live music and circus performances, Rock N’ Roll Circus has established itself as one of the most unique festivals in the UK. With their first performance selling out in record time and a festival like no other, fans wanting to see Queens of the Stone Age on their second date should act fast. Tickets can be found here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by McFly (@mcflymusic)

  Supporting act, Sam Ryder, rose to prominence during the COVID-19 lockdown by posting music covers on social media platform TikTok. He was selected to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, and his single “Space Man” peaked at no.2 on the UK charts and achieved the highest score ever by a UK contestant in the contest. He is set to go on a winter tour in the UK.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

McFly and Sam Ryder are both set to perform at Rock N Roll Circus, a festival that takes place over multiple days in summer 2025. It’s held in both Sheffield and Norwich, with McFly set to perform at the opening night in Norwich. The band have commented: “Rock N Roll Circus in Norwich sounds amazing. See you there.”

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

The director of the festival, Ali O’Reilly, commented saying: “Rock N Roll Circus is launching in Norwich with a bang,” he said… McFly is the perfect act to open the show. Their energy and iconic hits will set the tone for an unforgettable weekend.”

With McFly’s success in the UK charts, and their continued sustained position in the spotlight, proved by their various wins in reality shows, is sure to create anticipation for the show. Both music lovers and McFly fans are sure to be in for a great show.

Other headliners include Olly Murs, Courteeners, and Reverend and the Makers. Information for other shows can be found here. Ticketing information can be found here. Tickets go on sale 9am, December 13.