This region has produced some of the greatest songwriters of all time; it’s just straight-up facts, and now the brand-new digital docuseries entitled Manchester:Unplugged is set to spotlight that treasured truth online.
Created by StreamGM – the non-profit digital streaming service dedicated to showcasing and supporting the music, nightlife, and culture of Greater Manchester, which evolved from the all-important ‘United We Stream’ project back in lockdown – this is just as much a hometown celebration as it is a show.
They’re the same team behind the Spill The Sound series presented by Louise Schofield, and given they’re now a few seasons deep into old-school music telly, we’d wager this new programme is going to be a similar success.
Getting underway on Thursday, 4 September, the very first episode of Manchester:Unplugged is nearly here. Keep reading to find out more.
The new show is filmed at various familiar venues, such as The Freemount and Bay Horse Tavern in NQ. (Credit: StreamGM)
Put in the simplest terms, this new series is all about our many marvellous Manc lyricists and the best of local and contemporary songwriting.
The new free-to-watch online documentary series uncovers the stories behind the songs that make Manchester one of the world’s greatest cities for music.
Available via the streaming platform itself as well as uploaded directly to YouTube, each 10-minute episode follows the journey of one song born in the region, from the spark of an idea to the creative process of writing, recording, release and its eventual impact on us listeners.
Better yet, the show is filmed in iconic and grassroots local venues, rehearsal rooms, pubs and creative spaces and more, all portrayed at their cinematic best, blending stripped-back performances with intimate interviews from the artists reflecting on their work.
With a focus on both the city’s rising stars and its more established names,Manchester: Unplugged captures the energy of the city’s diverse and constantly evolving scene, while staying rooted in its ever-growing history and heritage.
The Covasettes after their performance at New Century Hall. (Credit: Supplied)
Speaking on the new project, producer Laura Graham told The Manc: “Manchester: Unplugged is about more than music, it’s about memory, place, and the moment and reason why a song was brought to life.
“Each episode is a personal narrative by the songwriter. At its core, it’s about meaning and connection: between artist and audience, song and place, past and present.
Country star Tyler Childers is coming to town for his biggest Manchester show to date
Danny Jones
US country music star Tyler Childers is returning to Manchester for his biggest ever show in this city, and tickets go on sale very soon.
Fresh off the back of his new album, Snipe Hunter – which was only just dropped back in July – the 34-year-old singer-songwriter is riding a fresh wave of excitement after years of hard work within the genre, mixing in plenty of classic bluegrass and folk into his modern take on the classic American sound.
As one of the most-streamed and well-respected contemporary country musicians on the scene right now, the Kentucky-born solo star and understated acoustic guitarist often falls into that category of your favourite artist’s favourite artist.
Now Tyler Childers is coming to our most legendary arena as part of his UK and European tour early next year, and we’ll certainly be queuing online for tickets.
As far as AO Arena shows booked in for the new year go, we’re very excited about this one.
His seventh studio album has been well-received by his die-hard followers and newcomers alike, delivering that same traditional Appalachian storytelling and hard-bitten humour, as well as plenty of attitude and anecdotal idiosyncrasies, not to mention plenty of vocal range as always.
Having not long come back from a pilgrimage to India, Lawrence County king teamed up with legendary producer Rick Rubin (along with some help from Sylvan Esso’s Nick Sanborn) to create one of his most eye-opening, broad and best records yet.
Post-release, the Associated Press went on to label him “one of country music’s most compelling and unpredictable artists”, and we tend to agree.
The LP immediately spawned plenty of fan favourites, and we certainly have ours – and the video has definitely had a hand in it:
It may just be his best work yet.
Experimenting with his current unique take on country rock sound more than ever, you couldn’t ask for a better time to go and see him live.
Once again, Tyler Childers comes to the AO Arena in Manchester on Sunday, 8 March 2026, with an official pre-sale available via Three+ from 9am on Wednesday, 10 September.
As for general admission, tickets go live at the same time on the following Friday (12 Sep); you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
We don’t know about you, but we’re very much enjoying our country moment at the minute…
Lil Baby cancels entire European tour including Manchester Co-op Live date
Daisy Jackson
A major act at Co-op Live has cancelled their gig today, just weeks ahead of their scheduled appearance.
Rapper Lil Baby has called off his entire European tour, which included a massive gig here in Manchester.
Fans have been notified via email that the shows will no longer be going ahead.
The Grammy award-winning artist was set to play the Co-op Live on Friday 26 September as part of his WHAM World Tour.
But Lil Baby will no longer be performing in Manchester – along with cancelled shows in London and across Europe – due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
A statement from AXS sent to fans said: “The event organisers have been in touch to let us know that due to unforeseen circumstances, Lil Baby’s performance has now been cancelled.
“We will be automatically refunding your tickets to the method of payment you used to buy your tickets, so you don’t need to do anything further.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
Lil Baby has released four chart-topping albums, with his seminal album My Turn going seven-time Platinum.
Fans have been voicing their dismay at the cancellation of the tour, with one writing on X: “All rappers do is cancel SMH. Lilbaby cancelled tour cba.”
Another wrote: “Why the hell has lil baby cancelled his show.”
Someone on TikTok said: “I woke up to this email now my day is ruined cos Wdymm.”
And someone else posted: “I PURPOSELY TOLD MY PEOPLE NOT GOING ON HOLIDAY FOR MY BDAY BECAUSE LIL BABY PERFORMING IN LONDON ON 27 THE NEXT DAY! FOR HIM TO CANNNNCEEELLLLL 2 WEEKS BEFORE.”
Danny Jones -
3rd September 2025 
