Hollywood Vampires have announced a raft of massive UK tour dates – which means A-lister Johnny Depp will be back on stage in Manchester.
The supergroup also features Alice Cooper and Joe Perry, of Aerosmith fame.
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
They’ve now announced a massive UK tour, including a date at the AO Arena.
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Hollywood Vampires with Jimmy Kimmel. Credit: Facebook, Hollywood Vampires
Depp performed here back in June when he toured alongside musician and friend Jeff Beck.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star last appeared in Manchester shortly after winning his high-profile defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard.
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Hollywood Vampires will be joined by guitarist Tommy Henriksen on the tour next summer.
Cooper said: “I can’t wait to get back with the guys, I really love being in that band.
THE VAMPIRES RISE AGAIN! NEW UK DATES!!!
Wednesday July 5 – Scarborough Friday July 7 – Swansea⁰Saturday July 8 – Manchester⁰Sunday July 9 – London Tuesday July 11 – Birmingham Wednesday July 12 – Glasgow
“My band is great and wonderful, but playing with the Vampires is an entirely different situation.
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“I don’t necessarily do any theatrics at all, I’m just the lead singer, in a band, and the band just happens to be one of the best bands around. It’ll be great to see Johnny and Joe and Buck and Chris and all the guys.
“We’ll be rocking these places, especially the UK, I can’t wait to get to the UK. Lock your doors, put garlic all around, because the Vampires are coming.”
Wednesday 5 July – Scarborough, Open Air Theatre Friday 7 July – Swansea, Swansea Arena Saturday Saturday 8 July – Manchester, AO Arena Sunday Sunday 9 July – London, The O2 Tuesday 11 July – Birmingham, Utilita Arena Wednesday 12 July – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Featured image: Publicity picture / Ross Halfin
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Gig Review | Mika shines at the AO Arena in Manchester on the first night of his world tour
Aimee Woodcock
Mika’s Manchester stop on his ‘Spinning Out’ global tour was a vibrant, high-energy celebration of all things pop.
Not happy with just walking on stage – this is Mika we’re talking about – he made his entrance on a spinning hamster wheel, bathing the AO Arena in kaleidoscopic lights.
Opening with ‘Modern Times’ and ‘Eleven’ from his latest discography before leaning into one of the classics, ‘Relax, Take it Easy’, the atmosphere inside the packed arena felt charged.
His stamina was something that stood out from the get-go, delivering every track with that signature Mika flair, accompanied by choreography and a live band that matched his energy – no mean feat.
The production leaned heavily into colour and movement, with swirling visuals and playful stage design that mirrored the tour’s theme of motion and momentum with nods to themes of LGBTQ+ rights.
Working through this current album, and after a quick outfit change, we were treated to an a cappella intro to another classic, ‘Lollipop’ with Mika dressed in a full pink suit (and shoes).
Between songs, Mika’s easy rapport with the crowd added warmth and intimacy to the arena-sized performance.
He shared anecdotes and playful banter, encouraging the crowd to sing along, uniting the fans.
Highlights included a rendition of ‘Grace Kelly’, which sparked one of the loudest reactions of the night, and a heartfelt performance of his more reflective ‘Happy Ending’ offered a welcome contrast to the glittering pop anthems.
Robbie Williams announces intimate gig in Manchester for BRITs Week 26 for War Child
Daisy Jackson
Iconic popstar Robbie Williams has announced a surprise gig in Manchester – and it’s soon.
The British star will be performing as part of the upcoming BRITs Week 26 for War Child, a gig series which is seeing huge artists playing intimate venues all over the UK.
Robbie Williams will be taking to the stage at Aviva Studios in Manchester in just a few weeks’ time, ahead of the BRIT Awards’ northern debut at the Co-op Live.
The 18-times BRIT Award-winner be performing tracks from his debut album Life Thru A Lens and his recent number one album BRITPOP, with support from indie chart-toppers Lottery Winners.
The newly-announced gig for Robbie Williams is part of BRITs Week, which takes place around The BRIT Awards 2026, with other artists performing in Manchester including Olivia Dean, Josh Baker, and The K’s.
All proceeds from the shows will go to help War Child’s essential work providing aid, education, specialist mental health support to children whose lives are affected by war.
Robbie Williams will perform at Aviva Studios in Manchester on 27 February.
BRITs Week 26 for War Child full lineup
12 February – Fatboy Slim – Boiler Shop, Newcastle, supported by Max Jones
16 February – Lambrini Girls – The Garage, London, supported by Bimini
18 February – Spiritualized – EartH Theatre, London
20 February – The K’s – Gorilla, Manchester
24 February – Myles Smith – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, supported by Saint Raymond
25 February – Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE – Emerald Theatre, London, supported by Gabriella Cilmi
25 February – kwn – Patterns, Brighton, supported by CARI
25 February – Josh Baker – YES, Manchester, supported by Deliah and Alexandria
26 February – Rossi. – YES, Manchester, supported by Olive F
26 February – Olivia Dean – Albert Hall, Manchester
27 February – Jacob Alon – Music Hall at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, supported by Lizzie Reid
27 February – Robbie Williams – Aviva Studios, Manchester, supported by Lottery Winners
Fans can enter the prize draw and win a pair of tickets to see the artist of their choice, for just a £10 per entry donation to War Child. Available HERE.
A limited number of tickets are also available on general sale HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
24th October 2022 
