With Autumn looming, it’s easy to feel down in the dumps about almost everything after such a luckily warm and beautiful summer but leave it to your favourite artists to put some light back into your life when most return to tour at this time of year. Whether you’re an indie enthusiast or crave the rave scene, there’s something for you this Autumn in Manchester to get your teeth stuck into (musically, not literally)! Without further ado, here’s a preview of the live music Manchester has to offer in the upcoming months:
Arctic Monkeys at Manchester Arena – 8th-9th September
For those who managed to get tickets, these Arctic Monkeys gigs are going to be special. Having only played 1 UK festival this summer (TRNSMT in Glasgow) the band put on such a performance especially in their home country, which means that after 4-5 years of silence since their last tour and release of their album AM the anticipation from both them and their fans is at its peak, setting this tour up to be the best yet. Arctic Monkeys will be touring the UK with their new album Tranquillity Base Hotel + Casino throughout September, visiting the likes of London, Birmingham, and Sheffield after Manchester, all of which are sold out – looking for tickets? You may have to follow them to America.
Clairo at Gorilla – 14th September
For the modest price of £10 why not pop down to Gorilla to see rising electro pop star Clairo whilst she’s playing small venues? Many will recall their favourite gigs being in venues such as Gorilla and Sound Control (RIP) due to their sheer size and the intimacy that it creates. A great one to see on a Friday night – bring your friends along!
Biffy Clyro at Manchester Opera House – 22nd September
Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro make a return to the North amidst a tour of mainly theatres and music halls, which promises to be something unique and spectacular. This tour follows the release of their recording of an unplugged show for MTV at London’s Roundhouse earlier this year and promises to be in keeping with that theme, making it a must for any super fans out there especially those in the North as this Manchester show will be the only one in the North of England!
Honourable mention: The Warehouse Project – End of Store Street events – 22nd September – 1st January
WHP has been a staple of the house and dance scene in Manchester for years now, and with its legendary Store Street location coming to a close it only seemed right to have a 4 month long series of incredible events with the hottest DJs around to go out with a bang. The line up features the likes of Annie Mac, Patrick Topping, The Black Madonna, Disciples, and Denis Sulta making appearances and with many of these having performed at WHP before these events promise to be something to remember – most of which are already sold out due to such love and high demand. So for those who can’t resist an underground rave, the WHP End of Store Street nights are definitely for you!
Rex Orange County at Manchester Albert Hall – 26th September
Rising star Rex Orange County (AKA Alexander O’Connor) will be embarking on his tour of the UK and Europe starting in Manchester and working his way through to London’s Hammersmith Apollo via Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. His stripped back sound has drawn in audiences from all over the world and seems to be taking success in his stride, so watch out for this star in the making as much of his tour has already sold out.
Neighbourhood Festival at Various Manchester Venues – 6th October
Neighbourhood Festival is now in its third year, and going strong. With headliners such as Sundara Karma and Everything Everything performing at Manchester’s favourite venues including The Ritz and Albert Hall, it’s not hard to see why. The atmosphere is always electric and always something to be part of so head down if you can.
Jorja Smith at Manchester Albert Hall – 10th-11th October
Winner of the Critics’ Choice Brit Award 2018 Jorja Smith has gone from strength to strength with her debut album Lost & Found. Her contemporary R&B sound brings a breath of fresh air to the UK charts and her raw, incredible voice makes for a treat of a live show, demonstrated perfectly in her performance with Rag’n’Bone Man and his song “Skin” at the Brit Awards this year. Her UK tour starts in October during which she will certainly blow away audiences and cement her place in the British music industry – Jorja Smith is here to stay.
Words by Emmeline Banks (@EmmTBanks)
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