2018 gigs to check out in Manchester

Here's our pick of the best gigs to see this year in the city...

By Manchester's Finest | 3 January 2018

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Sam Fender | 23 February | Jimmy’s
Newcastle’s next Indie Rockstar. The 21 year old singer songwriter is about to hit the big time. Releasing his debut single last month, “Play God” is an instant indie-rock anthem that you won’t be able to stop listening to. The newcomer is set to play a gig at the wonderful Jimmy’s in the Northern Quarter. Grab a ticket here.

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Rex Orange County | 24 February | Gorilla
Surrey singer songwriter Alex O’Connor better known by his stage name Rex Orange County is one to watch out for this year. The music industry seem pretty excited about him and for good reason. He has recently released debut LP Apricot Princess. Orange County has been swiftly climbing the ranks as a Next Big Thing, clocking up performances with Skepta and Frank Ocean. Rex gig was originally to be held at Deaf Institute; but due to how many people love him/ wanna see him, he will now be playing at Gorilla! This gig is sold out so keep a lookout for face value tickets and see him live while he is hot.

 

Elbow | 04 March | Arena
The Bury band Elbow are on a UK Arena tour this spring playing Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, coinciding with the release of a special re recorded version of Kindling, taken from last year’s highly acclaimed seventh studio album ‘Little Fictions’. Kindling (Fickle Flame) features John Grant, who will also be the very special guests on their upcoming tour. Get yourself over to the Arena on the 4th. Tickets here.

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Paul Weller | 01 March | Arena
Godfather of Brit Rock Paul Weller, last year marked the 40th anniversary of his first album ‘In The City’ which he released with The Jam in May 1977. He also released his eagerly awaited 13th studio album ‘A Kind Revolution’ AND announced a UK Arena tour for this year, with a hefty live schedule Paul Weller will play the Arena in March. Still tickets available.

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Jake Bugg | 05 March | Albert Hall
Bugg is back! He is out on a huge acoustic tour of the UK this year. The singer, who released fourth album ‘Hearts That Strain’ earlier this month, will play across the UK and Ireland in February and March including an intimate show at the Albert Hall. It’s a sold out show so have a look out for face value resale.

 

Jade Bird | 10 March | The Eagle
Jade Bird is a British singer, songwriter and musician. Her debut EP Something American was released in July 2017. Rolling Stone described her vocals as raw and robust and named her as a new country artist to watch in 2017. Check her out while she plays the smaller venues, grab a ticket for just £6.95 now.

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The Courteeners | 07 April | Arena
The Courteeners mark the 10th anniversary of debut album St. Jude with two very special live shows in London and Manchester. The show will see the band performing St Jude in its entirety, the show will take place at Manchester’s Arena on Saturday 7th April. There are very few seated tickets still available.

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The Streets | 21 April | Apollo
The Streets are set to reunite for for a greatest hits tour this year. The Streets last toured in 2011 in support of their fifth album ‘Computers and Blues’. Mike Skinner and co have announced details of their one-off UK for 2018. ‘Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light tour’ is named after a recent track from Skinner, they will perform songs from their classic albums ‘Original Pirate’ and ‘A Grand Don’t Come For Free’. It will certainly be a gig of the year if you were lucky enough to get your hands on a ticket. If not keep your eyes out or get yourself over to Gorilla for the official aftershow which Skinner will be hosting, last time he played gorilla he brought out friend Kano as a special guest.

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Noel Gallagher High Flying Birds | 04 May | Arena
‘Who Built The Moon’ is Noel’s third solo album and will be accompanied by a huge tour in Spring this year. This is the third solo album from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and features collaborations with David Holmes, Paul Weller and Johnny Marr. Noel Gallagher’s Who Built The Moon tour will be playing 12 different venues across the UK and Ireland. There are very few tickets left.

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LCD Soundsystem | 06 June | Apollo
LCD Soundsystem have just been touring North America behind their comeback album ‘American Dream’. They have announced more concerts behind the chart-topping record. For spring this year, They will be playing shows in London, Dublin, Berlin, and Manchester on 6th June. Buy tickets for an upcoming LCD Soundsystem at Manchester Apollo.

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Foo Fighters | 19 June | Etihad Stadium
Foo Fighters have announced three massive UK shows for 2018 their three date run starts at our very own cities Etihad Stadium. Foo’s have a massive line up for support acts for the tour, at the Manchester’s show we have Wolf Alice and The Cribs. It’s a total sell out but you can join the waiting list.

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Katy Perry | 22 June | Arena
Katy will be returning to the UK in 2018 for a full arena tour, celebrating the release of her new album ‘Witness’. The tour marks her first run since the sold-out, 151-date Prismatic World Tour which concluded in 2015. You can buy tickets for her show here.

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Roger Waters | 03 July | Arena
Pink Floyd legend Roger Waters is bringing his critically-lauded US + Them tour to Manchester this summer. The UK shows in Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham will see Roger perform songs from Pink Floyd’s timeless albums ‘The Dark Side of The Moon’, ‘The Wall’, ‘Animals’ and ‘Wish You Were Here’ together with material from his brilliant solo album ‘Is This the Life We Really Want?’ There are still tickets available.

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Liam Gallagher | 18 Aug | Lancashire Cricket Ground
Following his intimate run of launch shows and huge festival slots at the likes of Glastonbury and Reading & Leeds 2017, the former Oasis frontman will now play his biggest solo headline gigs to date – taking in massive venues including Manchester Arena and London’s Alexandra Palace. As well as tracks from his upcoming solo album ‘As You Were’ Gallagher has also been playing a number of Oasis classics during his shows – recently including ‘Wonderwall’.The Manchester Lancashire Cricket Ground gig is a massive sell out. Keep a look out for resale face value tickets.

 

Fat Freddy’s Drop | 3 Nov | Manchester Academy
The New Zealanders Fat Freddy’s Drop return to Manchester, they last played Manchester early last year at Victoria Warehouse. Internationally regarded as one of the world’s finest live draws, seven piece band Fat Freddy’s Drop is on fire with fourth studio album BAYS. If you haven’t heard them before, check them out, It’s a sound that demands to be heard live, a potent mixture of jazz and reggae with a psychedelia swerve.

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