A drumming vicar will become the first Anglican Priest in 500 years to “play a gig” within the confines of Kirkstall Abbey when he rocks out with his band Re:Boot on Saturday.
The Revd Rob Denton, Vicar of Calverley, will take to a specially-erected stage amidst the historic ruins to become the first clergyman to perform on the site since the reign of Henry VIII.
Nicknamed by his bandmates “The Rockin Rev”, Rob’s band is performing as part of the Kirkstall Festival with an expected 25,000 expected to attend on the day.
He is performing on live performance music school LS18 Rocks’ stage, which will be erected within the old church’s nave.
Re:Boot are one of eight bands who form the Horsforth-based LS18 Rocks stable.
Revd Rob, who has been the Vicar of Calverley for a year, delved into the history books and concluded he is the first Anglican clergyman to perform at the Abbey since the 1500s. 
He said: “It’s going to feel so joyful.
“Making music with a band in any setting is a beautiful thing, but to be able to do it in such a special setting on Saturday will be incredible.
“It is going to be an absolutely massive tonne of fun.”
Revd Rob has been drumming for 10 years but joined Re:Boot in January when a vacancy on the drum stool arose.
The six-piece band’s aim is to “always bring the party” with a fun-filled repertoire of rock and pop hits from across the decade.
But before Saturday’s 3.30pm performance he also has another ‘gig’.
“I’ve got a wedding ceremony to conduct first,” he added. “So that will be a lovely event to oversee and then I will be making my way – rock-star-style- from Calverley down to Kirkstall to join my bandmates.
“My first Re:Boot gig was on the evening of Good Friday and lots of my parishioners came to watch.
“I think they were a tad shocked that the vicar who had been washing their feet on Maundy Thursday was bashing away with a rock band behind his kit, in a vest showing off his tattoos.
“But they were all dancing by the end and could appreciate the total joy we brought to the stage.”
Lead singer Kate Jeeves said: “Rob has been a complete breath of fresh air for the band.
“He has brought loads of energy and warmth and has all the lovely qualities you’d expect from a vicar.
“It’s going to be an amazing feeling playing inside the actual Abbey and it will be extra special having Rob drumming in his dog collar and keeping the beat behind us.”