When it comes to live performers, Brandon Flowers is on his way to legend status – and The Killers last night proved why they’ve deserved to reign supreme for nearly two decades.
The band, who are celebrating 20 years since the release of their iconic debut album Hot Fuss, have just played the first of four nights at the Co-op Live arena.
From the moment the first notes of Read My Mind echo through the venue, it’s clear that this night will be special. The crowd erupts with energy that will last throughout the 21-song setlist.
With tracks like Somebody Told Me and Spaceman following swiftly, the atmosphere inside the enormous new arena is electric, each song greeted with roars of approval and the audience singing every lyric back to the band.
The nostalgia is high with hits like Jenny Was a Friend of Mine and Smile Like You Mean It transporting us back to the early 2000s and reminding us why we fell in love with The Killers in the first place.
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They seamlessly mix these indie rock classics with newer hits like Running Towards a Place and Caution.
One of the night’s highlights is undoubtedly All These Things That I’ve Done. The collective euphoria reaches its peak during the anthemic chorus, with the crowd chanting “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier” in unison.
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It’s moments like these that make live music so magical – the shared experience, the connection between band and audience.
Brandon Flowers, ever the charismatic frontman, is in his element. His interaction with the crowd, his commanding stage presence, and his flawless vocals make for an unforgettable performance.
As the main set wraps up with When You Were Young, the crowd’s applause reaches deafening levels, demanding more. The Killers oblige with a five-song encore that includes a surprising, yet brilliant cover of Erasure’s A Little Respect.
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But it’s Mr Brightside, the final song of the night, that truly brings the house down. The entire venue is a chorus, singing along to what has become an anthem for a generation.
The Killers’ ability to blend new material with beloved classics, all while maintaining an electric stage presence, is what sets them apart.
For those fortunate enough to have tickets for the next shows, you’re in for an absolute treat.
An over-30s club night with an early bedtime returns to Manchester this week
Daisy Jackson
Sod your 18-30 holidays – we’re all about the new 30+ club night that’s taking the UK by storm, and returns to Manchester in July.
Day Fever will be bringing its hugely popular daytime disco back to New Century on 6 July for a big old knees-up (even if your knees are a bit creaky).
The events usually sell out way in advance, but at the time of writing there are still a handful of tickets available for this next event.
There’s overwhelming demand for Day Fever events here in Manchester, the city where our over-30s were the ones at the forefront the Hacienda heyday – aka, people who know how to party.
Created by Line of Duty and This Is England star Vicky McClure, Day Fever comes with a strict age limit and promises to have you in bed by your normal time.
It’s also co-founded by Reverend and the Makers frontman Jon McClure (no relation), who you’ll often spot behind the DJ decks.
It’s described as ‘the daytime disco that doesn’t ruin your Sunday.’
Unlike most club nights, where you’re not even walking in until 10pm and bracing yourself to throw your usual sleep routine out the window, this one kicks off at 3pm. How civilised!
It also wraps up by 8pm, so you have a plethora of post-clubbing meals on your doorstep instead of being lumped with a late-night kebab.
Since its launch, Day Fever has been selling out in cities across the UK, including here in Manchester over the past weekend.
There are nostalgic TV shows, films and adverts shown on a big screen during the events.
Tickets for Day Fever’s Manchester event on 6 July are on sale now priced at £12.06 – you can get yours through Dice.
Liberty X, Chesney Hawkes, and more to play ‘throwback’ festival in Stockport this summer
Emily Sergeant
Liberty X, Chesney Hawkes, and D:Rream are just a few of the famous names set to play at a “throwback” festival over in Stockport this summer.
Fancy a bit of a blast from the past? One of Greater Manchester‘s favourite retro music festivals, Hits On The Pitch, is back in a couple of weeks time, and organisers are promising it’ll be “bigger and better than ever” this year.
The epic one-day throwback festival will be happening at Stockport Rugby Club, in the Stockport suburb of Bramhall, on Saturday 13 July.
Music lovers from across the region can expect a “celebration” of the “golden age” of music.
Hits On The Pitch is back in Stockport with a “blast from the past” this summer (Credit: Supplied/Hits On The Pitch via Facebook)
Hits On The Pitch’s star-studded lineup is tipped to be a stand-out in the North’s 2024 summer festival season – with massive chart-topping icons such as D:Ream (yeah, the one Brian Cox was in), Damage, The Fizz, and Toyah taking to the stage.
The legendary Leroy Lurve will be bursting back onto the pitch to get the crowd pumped up for performances from the 80s, 90s and 2000s, and will be introducing the likes of Liberty X, Sweet Female Attitude, and Baby D, as well as the much-anticipated return of Haircut One Hundred, who’ll be performing for the first time in over 40 years, after their UK arena tour sold out in under 20 minutes.
Festivalgoers can take a breather from the music and make the most of the multiple on-site bars and street food traders across the venue – with something to satisfy every craving on offer.
Plus, for those looking to add an extra touch of luxury to their day, there are two indulgent VIP packages available this year that come complete with fast-track entry and indulgent extras to give you the ultimate premium festival experience.
Speaking ahead of the festival’s return next month, Simon Taylor from Strawberry Radio, who is one of the organisers of Hits On The Pitch, commented: “It’s time to dust off your neon leg warmers, flannel shirts, and low-rise jeans because Hits On The Pitch is back for another throwback summer party to transport all back to the good old glory days.
“We have an epic musical lineup of guilty pleased and forgotten treasures spanning across three unforgettable decades.”