We got the lot in Manchester this month. There’s Manc-talo madness from the Red Laser crew, a headlining show from the grime powerhouse that is Ghetts and some guy called Gerald playing at White Hotel.
STONE at Manchester Academy
Powerful guitar riffs? Check. Enigmatic front man? Check. Mix of punk, rock and a sprinkling of electronica? Check. Rising stars STONE from Liverpool really do have it all. With a plethora of headline shows and festival appearances already under their belt, the four-piece head down the M62 on Friday night.
Rick Astley at AO Arena
The Rick Roller himself Rick Astley heads to the AO Arena on Saturday. Since performing twice at last year’s Glastonbury festival (a Pyramid Stage slot and a set full of Smiths covers with Blossoms) the 80s legend has picked up a whole new generation of fans.
Chase & Status at O2 Victoria Warehouse
D&B duo Chase and Status formed when they were students in Manchester in the early noughties, so this is a homecoming. Since then, of course, they’ve gone on to release six studio albums featuring huge collaborations with the likes of Rihanna, CeeLo Green and Example.
Lady Leshurr at Band on the Wall
Oh to be as multi-talented as Lady Leshurr. An award-winning rapper, producer and broadcaster, Lady Leshurr rose to prominence with her unique blend of grime and garage whilst using her Kittian roots to create her trademark sound. She comes to town with a host of special guests for an exclusive show at Band on the Wall.
BBC Radio 6 Music Festival
The best festival to discover your new favourite artist is back in town. 6 Music Fest kicks off on Thursday 7 March with sets from the likes of Young Fathers, CMAT, Sherelle, The Smile and the mighty Gossip. There’s plenty of spin off DJ sets and takeovers to get involved with too, so we recommend checking out the full line-up here.
Pitched Black presents A Guy Called Gerald at White Hotel
Gerald Rydel Simpson is without question one of the true pioneers of British club music as we know it, first as a founding member of 808 State, and then embracing everything from minimal techno to early forays into drum & bass. The journeyman returns for an all-night feast of afro futurist electronica at the White Hotel, courtesy of Irfan Rainy’s Pitched Black – a spin-off of his long-running party Community.
Donny Benét at Band On The Wall
The magnificent beast that is Donny Benét makes a triumphant return to Manchester with a headline show at the Band On The Wall. This Australian multi-instrumental genius will be constructing his soulful, jazzual, italo-funk grooves smoother than his fabulously balding pate. Bow down in reverence.
Liam Gallagher & John Squire at O2 Apollo
Two of Manchester’s heavyweights join together for a collab straight out of the 90s. Stone Roses guitar legend John Squire and Burnage boy Liam Gallagher are home for two nights to celebrate the release of their inventively named album Liam Gallagher John Squire. Bucket hats at the ready.
Bill Ryder-Jones at New Century
Bill Ryder-Jones is without doubt one of the most talented songwriters to come out of Merseyside. After co-founding The Coral in 1996, he left to pursue a solo career in 2008. Since then, he’s enjoyed success with seven studio albums, most recently Iechyd Da (‘good health’ in Welsh) in January.
Madison Beer at O2 Victoria Warehouse
New Yorker Madison Beer rose to prominence following a shout out by Justin Bieber, who spotted her covers on YouTube. Since releasing her first foray in 2013, the singer, actor and social media star has continued on an upward trajectory. She brings her Spinnin Tour to the Victoria Warehouse this month
Ghetts at New Century
British grime artist, rapper and songwriter Ghetts arrives in Manchester on Saturday 23 March. Celebrating the release of new album On Purpose, With Purpose, Ghetts will play a headline gig at New Century. From his early years as part of East London’s NASTY crew, Ghetts went solo with a series of EPs and mixtapes before releasing debut studio album Rebel With A Cause in 2014. He’s has since gone on to work alongside the likes of Kano, Wretch 32, Stormzy and Little Simz.
Red Laser Diskoteque with Franz Scala at White Hotel
Red Laser’s first knees-up of 2024 at White Hotel will be, as ever, a hectic affair, with a headlining slot from the Italo wizz that is Berlin’s Franz Scala, alongside the Get Serious crew, aka Count Van Delicious and Harry Fitz. From midnight till morning, there shall be Italian dance, psychedelic disco, proto house and pandemonium, courtesy of Red Laser ressies Il Bosco, Pharaoh Brunson and Kickin Pigeon.
