Manc music legend and long-serving DJ Clint Boon has announced that he is stepping down from his role on XS Manchester and radio in general after nearly three decades on the airwaves.
Confirming the decision to bring an end to his self-titled radio show and 28-year career on Monday, 27 November, Boon informed his listeners live on air and issued a lengthy statement on social media shortly after, explaining his reasons behind the decision and his plans post-hosting.
Thanking the multiple radio stations he’s worked with — Century FM, 96.2 The Revolution, XFM Manchester, Radio X, BBC Radio Manchester and XS for the last seven years — as well as his countless listeners during that time, Booney said that radio has given him a “security and stability” like he hasn’t experienced in any other role.
Born in Oldham and now based in the Stockport area, he has remained one of the Manchester music scene’s most prominent figures for as long as most of us can remember and we’ll admit it’s going to be strange not hearing him on the dial anymore.
Clint Boon’s full statement after stepping down from XS Manchester.
The 64-year-old went on to say, “I’ve made some great friends during my time in radio. Too many to mention here. Not just people I’ve worked alongside but listeners too. Some of the greatest human beings I know.
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“I’ve also got to meet a lot of my heroes along the way. Plus, I’ve been able to help many new bands and artists get on that ladder which all of us musicians dream of getting to the top of. That bit has been particularly special”.
Insisting that being back playing with his Inspiral Carpets bandmates since their comeback earlier this year is now the biggest focus for him, the talented keyboardist and DJ veteran said the group will be carrying on touring and “maybe writing new material” in the New Year and beyond, as well as a number of other plans for the future.
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Most immediately, he said he’ll “spending more time with [his] wife, Charlie” and her beloved local event, Mrs Boon’s Tea Party, which takes place at various venues like Bask and more around Greater Manchester on a regular basis, as well as revealing that he is even working on a movie project entitled, Bickershaw — a village in the Abram part of Wigan.
Adding that he intends to get into podcasting and will carry DJing and hosting special events around the region when and where he feels like, he signed off by assuring that this was “100% my decision” and that the popular radio station is enjoying “all-time high” listening figures, insisting that he knows “it’ll carry on going from strength to strength”.
Thankfully, the former South nightclub resident didn’t rule out returning one day and we, for one, sincerely hope that we’ll get to hear that friendly and familiar voice through our car stereos again at some point in the future.
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You can watch our interview with the man himself back in May ahead of the Inspiral Carpets’ triumphant return and their incredible homecoming gig at Albert Hall down below.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Danny Jones -
27th November 2023 
