Every now and again, we get invited down to see some of the best music acts.
And when the opportunity to see Christine and the Queens at Manchester Academy popped up, I jumped at the opportunity.
This is the second stop on Chris’ European and US tour for his new albumPARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE – which is inspired by Tony Kushner’s play, Angels in America – and a follow-up to the critically-acclaimed 2022 album Redcar.
There is a tense air of anticipation for the show to begin, and the stage is dotted with Angelic figures, before Chris starts the show topless – which gets a couple of gasps from the crowd.
The show is split into three parts, reflecting the three elements of the album name. The band puts on a haunting performance, a far-cry from the upbeat, pop-style music that many may have been expecting.
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The show definitely splits the crowd, both in who was attending, and in how people were reacting.
Christine and the Queens has a broad reach and diverse audience, with a surprising number of older concert-goers. From the murmurings I could hear around me, some people were hugely-impressed with the entrancing battle on stage between love, pain, and religion, whilst others seemed to be frustrated and disappointed that they weren’t playing the classics.
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Me, on the other hand? I was captivated.
Like a moth drawn to a flame, the mesmerising light show and performance from Chris was like something I’ve never come across – and I loved it.
It’s clear that this performance, and the album, is reflective of Chris’ journey with his queerness, recently announcing his new pronouns as he/him. The band itself is named after the drag queens that Chris lived with in his younger years, and a love letter to the way they helped him explore his gender and self.
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The performance is a poetic and dramatic exploration of ones’ self, with Chris transitioning between his topless form, to an armoured warrior, and finally becoming an angel himself, and it was magical (if you like that sort of thing).
This new album and tour isn’t going to be for everyone, and if you’re expecting some pop hits, then this isn’t for you.
But, if you want to hop on board an evocative journey of self discovery and expression, then the PARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE tour is where it’s at.
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Donald Glover announces surprise world tour along with new Childish Gambino album out of the blue
Danny Jones
Donald Glover, a.k.a. Childish Gambino, has just announced a brand-new world tour along with releasing his latest album, all in the space of just a few hours.
With virtually no warning whatsoever, the multi-talented musician, actor, writer, filmmaker producer and comedian decided to drop the completed version of 3.15.20, the experimental record he quietly dropped four years ago, along with a brand new music video and a series of global tour dates.
Titling the ‘finished’ fourth studio LP, Atavista, and releasing a music video for ‘Little Foot Big Foot’ – which features what we’re sure will go down as an equally iconic dance routine akin to that seen in ‘This Is America’ – it seems like he’s been quietly plugging away at new music in the background.
Just hours later, Manchester’s AO Arena confirmed that they would be hosting Childish Gambino’s Manc gig this fall, with the tour itself kicking off in the US this August.
After dropping the surprise release of Atavista and music video for Little Foot Big Foot, Childish Gambino is making a return to the global stage with The New World Tour. Join us in Manchester on Tuesday 26th November. 🌍💫 Tickets go on sale on Friday 17th May at 10am. pic.twitter.com/2nMRdX7d3s
Childish Gambino is back and he’s coming to Manchester later this year.
But the surprises don’t stop there either.
As detailed in a statement on social media, in which he informed his fans that “there’s a special vinyl coming soon [with] visuals for each song” from Atavista, he also revealed that an “all new Childish Gambino album comes out in the summer.”
There’s so much information to take in right now we can barely catch our breath.
Joining him as the main support act for the newly announced world tour is Amaarae, a Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter and fellow R’nB star. Here’s what she sounds like if you’ve never come across her before:
With his gig at the AO Arena scheduled for Tuesday, 26 November, this isn’t just the first time he’s been in Manchester for a good long while but it’s also the first Childish Gambino tour since 2018/19.
Alongside his various TV and movie projects like Atlanta, the Amazon reboot of Mr. & Mrs. Smith franchise, as well as the upcoming standalone Star Wars film, Lando (just to name a few), it’s clear that Glover is still as busy as ever.
General admission for the Childish Gambino and ‘The New World Tour’ goes live at 10am on Friday, 17 May and if you think these things are going to stick around for long, think again.
You can be ready and waiting to grab your tickets HERE.
‘Manny’s Loudest’ brunch event returns this month with live performances and DJ sets
Daisy Jackson
A brunch event that showcases Manchester’s vast musical talent is returning to the city this month for its second instalment.
Manny’s Loudest, created by Loud__Mcr who provide a platform for untapped talent, will again be helping artists to kick-start their careers over the bank holiday weekend.
Alongside live performances and DJ sets, there’ll be food served up by NamFuzion, which blends Vietnamese and Jamaican grill.
The first Manny’s Loudest event in February pulled in 500 people, and organisers are hoping to push this even further for part two on 26 May.
It will all be taking place at the Manchester Recording Studios in Hulme, which has a capacity of 600.
Mervin and his team will be creating an immersive audience experience around the DJ decks, which Mervin describes as ‘a niche that can be scaled into the modern day talent show but with a party twist to it’.
Manny’s Loudest – a brunch event showcasing new talent – returns to Manchester
And every penny made from Loud__Mcr’s brunch event is put back into the process, acquiring mainstream headliners to perform and become part of their community.
It means that up-and-coming and undiscovered talent can perform on the same stage as experienced artists, providing an unparalleled platform and a chance to learn from those who have been in the industry for longer.
Loud__Mcr are proud to be providing artists with a chance to show their creative work, but also offering a supportive community.
Event organisers are also looking for any possible sponsor opportunities to help promote the event.
Manny’s Loudest will take place at Manchester Recording Studios in Hulme (3 Archway, Birley Fields, M15 5QJ) on 26 May. You can get your tickets here, and follow @Loud__mcr on Instagram for updates.