Liam Gallagher and John Squire have finally dropped their first track off their upcoming collaboration and it’s even more nostalgically Manc-sounding than we could have hoped for.
Being two of the biggest music legends to have ever come out of the UK, let alone just Manchester, there were a lot of eyes (and ears) on this project and Gallagher himself didn’t exactly play it down by declaring that “it’s going to be the best record since Revolver” by The Beatles.
Now, while we’re not going to vouch for such a bold claim after just one track, we have now heard ‘Just Another Rainbow’ for the very first time and are now feeling pretty confident that fans are going to get the exact kind of vibe they were hoping for.
From the familiar sonics of that thick, distorted, almost drowning and quintessentially John Squire guitar sound and the low but steady bassline in the background, you’d genuinely be forgiven for mistaking this for a Stone Roses tune.
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Then the instantly recognisable vocals of LG come in, who sings in arguably the best register we’ve heard him in post-Oasis times, and it feels like a marriage of some of the most unmistakable Manc music signatures that you can’t help but reminisce to and enjoy for what it is.
For balance, Squire is undoubtedly the star of the show, not only with the groove that scores the song throughout but also an interesting breakdown down in the bridge that allows for snare-driven drums to break through but an old-school solo that you’d expect from one of the best leads Britian’s ever seen.
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Meanwhile, it’s fair to say that Liam’s lyricism still isn’t on a par with Noel and this certainly isn’t his strongest effort — hearing him literally recite the colours of the rainbow on first listen was a bit surreal, to say the least — but it’s by no means bad and the simplicity almost highlights shine.
Although the Gallagher brothers made no secret of their love for The Beatles and the influence they had on their own music (pretty much like everyone else), we don’t think you’ll find much in the way of Revolver-esque similarities but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t go on to be just as succinct a record.
Having already proclaimed Squire as “the best guitarist of his generation and in the world in my opinion”, it looks fairly likely that he’s going to let his songwriting skills and psychedelic guitar-playing breathe as much as possible on this new album, whatever it ends up sounding like in full.
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There’s no release date for this joint album as yet, nor is there a title, but all we will say is that we like what we’ve heard so far.
We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves but this pseudo-‘Stone Rosasis’ project could end up being very, very good.
Elbow at Manchester’s Co-op Live – support act, stage times, setlist and everything you need to know
Danny Jones
Just a few weeks on from when it was initially due to open, Co-op Live is finally set to live up to its name and welcome Manc music legends Elbow as their first-ever gigthis Tuesday.
The brand-new arena has had a turbulent start to life shouldering the reputation as the largest indoor entertainment venue in Europe, but after weathering a series of unfortunate setbacks, it actually feels rather fitting to have such a renowned local name kicking off their freshman calendar of events.
Led by award-winning songwriter, producer and frontman Guy Garvey, Elbow have enjoyed an incredible three-decade-long career, cementing themselves as one of the most influential British rock bands ever and now they’re set to help start a whole new chapter for live music in Manchester at the Co-op.
Here’s all the important information you need to know ahead of a momentous night.
We’re sorry to kick things off with the bad news first but, unfortunately, tickets for Elbow and Co-op Live‘s opening night have completely sold out. No surprises there, really – it is their first tour since 2018 after all.
You can obviously keep your fingers crossed that a few spares will pop up on trusted resale sites like Twickets and TicketSwap, but please do your research when it comes to dealing with any resellers.
And, as always, we strongly urge you to avoid illegal ticket touts altogether. No gig is worth the risk of being stung over and simply ignoring them is the only to help stop them from continuing to be a problem in the industry.
Made up of singer-songwriter and Blur guitarist, Graham Coxon, and former Pipettes member-turned-Mark Ronson collaborator and solo artist, Rose Elinor Dougall.
The pair released their debut self-titled album back in February 2023, receiving strong reviews for their unpredictable mix of folk rock, post-punk and even psychedelic moments. Confidently dipping their toes into so many genres, they’re the perfect complement to Elbow’s often sprawling sound.
Co-op Live’s new opening night kicks off with the doors opening from 6:30pm and support act The Waeve taking the stage an hour later.
Elbow themselves are due to start their headline set at 9pm and with all main bowl events set to the same curfew, you can expect to be leaving the venue around 11pm.
But don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time between the acts to grab another drink, nip to the loo and just take in the surroundings as the very first gig-goers to attend the brand-new arena.
Setlist
Now, with Elbow having released their 10th studio album Audio Vertigo back in March, the four-piece who’ve been playing together since 1990 and under that moniker since 1997 will naturally be playing a selection of songs from the latest record, as well as a sprinkling of the hits.
Now, as for how you’ll get to shows at Co-op Live, luckily it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
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Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
If you want to take another new and improved arm of Manc public transport system, not only is there a whole host of routes that drop you off close to the venue but there’ll also be a free shuttle bus from the city centre to and from events between 20 April-30 June 2024.
You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live. You also get free Bee Network travel with any valid event ticket.
Getting there by car and parking
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If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue but this must be pre-booked ahead of time and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide come event day – though estimates will obviously vary:
Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
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Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the boke all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
And that should be just about everything you need to know about Elbow’s Manchester gig this week and Co-op Live’s inaugural night of live music.
We always recommend keeping your eye on socials to find out more info on stage times which can always be subject to change, you might want to be even more on the ball in case there are any last-minute announcements.
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That being said, at present, there have been no indications of any further hiccups at the arena from either Co-op Live or the band themselves, so (touch wood) we should be all good.
Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse cancels PVRIS gig at last minute as water pours through ceiling
Daisy Jackson
The O2 Victoria Warehouse has had to turn away PVRIS gig-goers as doors opened after the thunderstorms across Manchester proved too much for the venue’s roof.
Thousands were excitedly heading to the huge music venue to see American pop-rockers PVRIS perform.
But the band’s gig has now been postponed, with the news announced after the official door opening time.
PVRIS said that the cancellation was caused by a ‘massive leak in the venue’s ceiling’ and shared a video of the hall with pools of water on the floor.
Fans who were already inside the O2 Victoria Warehouse have shared videos of water pouring through the roof inside.
Many said that they were being turned away before either the band or the venue had issued an update.
O2 Victoria Warehouse posted: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, tonight’s performance at O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester with #PVRIS – Sun 12 May 2024 – is postponed.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and all customers are advised to retain tickets until further notice.”
PVRIS has said: “We are so sorry to have to cancel the show tonight due to a massive leak in the venue’s ceiling causing flooding right before doors.
“We’ve tried everything we could to find an alternative to still perform for you all tonight but due to circumstances beyond our control there is unfortunately no options for the show to go ahead.
“We were looking forward to our first gig back in the UK and to spend it with you & we are just as disappointed but everyone’s safety is #1 priority.
“We are doing our best to find a way to reschedule this show ASAP.
“More info coming as soon we know more, we are in the dark just as much you are about the situation.”