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The Killers at Co-op Live Manchester – still going strong after 20 years
Brandon Flowers is well on his way to legend status
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Featured image: The Manc Group
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Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic returns this summer with ‘iconic’ headliners
Emily Sergeant
Boney M, The Cheeky Girls, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK stars are all on the lineup at Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic this summer.
As this summer marks 15 years of Pride in Salford, Salford Pride has announced a whole host of exciting events to celebrate – including the return of The Pink Picnic, its biggest family-friendly celebration yet, with headliners like 90s and 00s music icons, community talent, and even a ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone for 2026.
Returning to Peel Park once again, The Pink Picnic brings together LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and friends for a day built around community, joy, and belonging.
For 2026, Salford Pride is expanding the experience further with even more to do across the park than ever before.
The Pink Picnic has been part of Salford’s Pride story since 2011, but this year’s 15th anniversary addition is set to be one for the history books, as alongside a headline lineup featuring Boney M, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Kyran Thrax and Paige Three, The Cheeky Girls, Big Brovaz, Booty Luv, and Baby D, a strong programme of community acts will also be spotlighted.
Some of the exceptional community acts already named on the lineup so far include Tallulah Guard, Fear of Marko, and John Tucker.
Across the day, visitors can also shop from dozens of community stalls and market traders, take part in or watch the much-loved annual dog show, and visit the ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone that’s designed to help young people feel seen and celebrated.
“Celebrating 15 years of Pride in Salford feels really special, and we wanted 2026 to feel like a proper thank you to the community that’s built this with us” said Scott Turzański, who is the Head of Marketing and Brand at Salford Pride.
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“The Pink Picnic is a family event – it’s welcoming, it’s joyful, and it’s about making space for everyone.”
The Pink Picnic returns to Peel Park in Salford next month on Saturday 13 June, and you can find out more and book tickets online here.
Featured Image – Salford Pride (via Facebook)
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Donny Osmond books biggest-ever Manchester gig
Danny Jones
Iconic American singer and actor Donny Osmond has announced his biggest-ever Manchester concert as part of his upcoming ‘VIVA UK’ tour dates.
Bringing his famous Las Vegas residency show to Great Britain, where he has always had a fervent following, the younger Osmond brother will be making a venue debut over six decades into his career.
Famously part of the musical family who not only sang together but also saw multiple TV shows created in their name – including his very own spin-off, Donny and Marie – he’s been around longer than most in showbiz, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Confirming a whole new run of live dates across the country, Donny Osmond will be returning to Manchester early next year.
Writing on social media, the veteran entertainer said: “I’m so pleased to finally share the official 2027 UK tour dates with you.
“It always means so much to return to the UK – the audiences there have given me some of the most unforgettable moments of my career.”
As for here in our city, he last played Manchester back just a few short years ago at the AO Arena, selling out the 20,000-seater space on 29 November 2023.
Now, though, he’s upgrading to approximately 23k this time, with die-hard fans being encouraged to download his very own ‘Donny App’ to secure the earliest possible access.
Set to play Co-op Live for the very first time, we’d expect this one to sell equally well; you can see the rest of the shows listed so far down below.
Donny Osmond VIVA UK live tour dates 2027
We’ve highlighted all the Northern dates for you:
- Wed, 20 Jan – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
- Thurs, 21 Jan – Newcastle, Utilita Arena
- Sat, 23 Jan – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
- Sun, 24 Jan 24 – Manchester, Co-op Live
- Tue, 26 Jan 26 – Hull, Connexin Live
- Wed, 27 Jan 27 – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
- Fri, 29 Jan 29 – Leeds, first direct arena
- Sat, 30 Jan 30 – Birmingham, BP Pulse Live
- Mon, 1 Feb – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
- Wed, 3 Feb – Bournemouth BIC
- Friday and Saturday, 5-6 February – London, Eventim Apollo
Early access tickets for Donny Osmond’s VIVA UK tour will be available both via the app and the venue’s official Co-op membership, with the presale window opening at 10am on Wednesday, 20 May.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets will go live at the same time the following Friday (22 May), with VIP and hospitaity packages also on offer.
You can get ready to grab yours right HERE.
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Featured Images — Heinrich Klaffs (via Flickr)/Publicity pictures (supplied via Co-op Live)
Emily Johnson -
19th June 2024 
