Irish post-punk pioneers Fontaines D.C. have just announced a brand new UK and Ireland tour ahead of their new album later this year and leading new arts and live entertainment venue, Aviva Studios, has been selected for their massive Manchester date.
The Dublin powerhouses have emerged as one of the most exciting acts on the planet for our money, combining everything from new wave, alternative and often grungey guitars, to more classic rock and even indie sounds, making them one of the most instantly recognisable sounds on the modern scene.
With all that being said, we cannot wait for their return to Manchester and what will no doubt be one of the biggest and best gigs Aviva Studios has seen yet.
Fontaines D.C. roll up to 0161 in Fall 2024 and they’ll have a brand new album under their belt to boot.
Home to Factory International, which kicked off an incredible debut calendar of cultural events last year, Aviva Studios is already proving to be an impressive addition to the Manc skyline, especially now it’s coaxing names like Fontaines D.C. to come and perform there over other gig spaces.
As for the band themselves, they dropped the lead single entitled ‘Starburster’ this week and it proved to be quite the sea change for often fast, frantic and no-nonsense five-piece. If you haven’t heard it yet, strap in and get ready to be over-exhaling out loud non-stop for the next hour – you’ll see what we mean.
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With their fourth record Romance set to release on 23 August, we think it’s fair to say this new record – the first with new producer James Ford (Blur, Arctic Monkeys) – is off to a much more experimental start than their heavily acclaimed 2019 debut, Dogrel.
Set to take the stage in Aviva Studios’ Warehouse space on Friday, 29 November, Fontaines’ Manchester date is part of a new run of shows announced as part of their full European which kicks off in June.
Heading back from the continent in August and starting off the UK leg in Wolverhampton on 20 November, it’ll be a fast and furious nine-show run culminating with a homecoming concert in Dublin.
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Tickets for all headline dates go on general sale at 10am next Friday, 26 April and for first access to presale, fans can pre-order the album by 3pm on 23 April.
Black Keys at Co-op Live, Manchester – huge venue’s first taste of the blues
Charlie Watkinson
As a huge Black Keys fan, when I found out they were set to be the first band to grace the stage at Co-op Live, I just knew I had to be there.
Of course, it didn’t turn out that way.
After numerous cancellations and rescheduling, Elbow managed to nab the first spot, with the Black Keys taking to the stage the following night instead (several weeks later than their original show date).
Let me tell you though – they did not disappoint.
Having been one of the starry-eyed fans at Elbow the previous night, and been properly impressed by the sound quality inside the massive new Manchester venue, the thought of hearing Dan Auerbach’s epic bluesy riffs had me beyond excited.
Entering the stage playing the heavy-hitting I Got Mine, followed by one of their most well-known tracks, Gold on the Ceiling, it was evident we were in for a great show.
I have to admit, though, as a die-hard Black Keys fan, I couldn’t ignore how static the crowd was throughout the whole performance.
It almost seemed like the room was filled with people who didn’t know their songs, perhaps due to rescheduling and Co-op Live dishing out tickets to say ‘sorry for the inconvenience’?
The quiet stillness of the crowd did a great disservice to the electrifying talent on stage. Luckily, this didn’t matter too much.
Closing with their most popular song, Lonely Boy, I almost forgot how still the crowd had been as I watched the entire stadium howling, “DAH DAH DAH DAH DAH – DAH DAH DAH DAH DAH.”
Although I wanted more from the crowd, all in all, the Black Keys played a setlist fit for a super fan and gave Co-Op Live its first taste of the blues.
I just wished the audience had been Howlin’ for You all night, not so Tighten Up’… As you were.
Elbow at Co-op Live arena – local lads officially open troubled venue with staggering performance
Charlie Watkinson
The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. After multiple setbacks and HVAC issues wreaking havoc, the Co-op Live is open for business.
And I must admit, Elbow’s opening show last night didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
The event absolutely blew my socks off. It’s hard to believe that a venue with such teething problems could produce such a streamlined experience.
From the building itself, the layout, the lovely staff, the food, the sound, and the overall amazing organisation, it’s impossible not to fantasise about watching all your favourite artists here.
And actually, the delays have sort of worked in the troubled venue’s favour.
It feels only fitting for Mancunian legends Elbow to christen the Co-op Live (no offence, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie) with a typically evocative performance.
Hearing anthems like One Day Like This and Grounds for Divorce with the incredible acoustics that Co-op Live has crafted was truly special and constantly left me in awe.
Throughout the whole performance, you could see how much it meant to Elbow to be the opening act.
The passion and vibrancy were evident, with lead singer Guy Garvey giving constant praise to the staff and crew who worked so hard to finally get this place up and running.
After the show, Elbow took to Instagram to say: “Thank you Manchester and The Co-op Live, you were amazing.”
All in all, an ethereal blessing was cast upon Co-op Live last night – one that I hope is here to stay.
From a city with such a rich musical background, there’s no better way for Manchester to reclaim its place at the forefront of the UK music scene than this.