NIRVANA, U2, and Elton John once rocked the stage at a university campus.
The University of Bradford has revealed that these music legends and many more performed on campus, as part of a 60-artist playlist created to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
The playlist features artists who played at the university before achieving global fame, including Fleetwood Mac, The Stranglers, The Pretenders, Billy Bragg, Primal Scream, and Stormzy.
Compiled from the university’s archives, the playlist charts six decades of live music and student life.
Professor Gillian Murray, vice-chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: "This playlist celebrates the rich cultural life that has been part of the University of Bradford for decades.
"From future global superstars to emerging talent, these performers helped create the vibrant campus experience enjoyed by generations of students.
"As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, it is a reminder that diversity, creativity and a strong sense of community have always been at the heart of the university life in Bradford."
Fleetwood Mac ticket from Alumnus Bob Follen (Image: University of Bradford, Special Collections, ALUM/017 Bob Follen)
The playlist includes performances by Fleetwood Mac in 1971, Elton John during his Winter 1971 tour, and U2 at the Students' Union in 1980 while touring their debut album Boy.
Nirvana also played at the university in 1991, just months after the release of Nevermind.
An article from the university archives reveals that a student representative travelled to Reading in 1991 to persuade Nirvana to perform at the university.
Research uncovered details from Students' Union ledgers, newspapers, and magazines, including what artists were paid.
Slade and Mud each earned £1,000 for performances in 1976, while The Nashville Teens were paid £100.
Entertainments poster from October 1978 (Image: University of Bradford, Special Collections UNI X1767 – UBU Ents booking ledger)
Mike Oldfield was one of the highest earners, receiving £3,000 plus a share of ticket sales for his 1980 appearance—equivalent to more than £13,000 today.
The playlist spans genres from folk and punk to hip hop and grime, reflecting changing musical tastes over the decades.
Other featured artists include Fairport Convention, Lindisfarne, Iron Maiden, UB40, The Undertones, The Cure, Stereolab, Dream Warriors, and J Hus.
The playlist is part of a wider programme marking the university’s 60th year, which also includes a new campus mural and a special anniversary lecture by Professor Murray.
The University of Bradford’s 60th anniversary playlist will be available on the University’s Spotify account from October 14.
Some of the tracks featured include Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, Your Song by Elton John, I Will Follow by U2, and Blinded By Your Grace, Pt. 2 by Stormzy.