You can name a cockroach after your ex for Valentine’s Day

Sam Ridgway - 24th January 2020

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The Lottery Winners bring out Boy George, Bez and Jon McClure as special guests at Manchester residency

Danny Jones Lottery Winners Boy George Bez surprise guests

It’s been an absolutely unreal 12 months for The Lottery Winners and to top it all, they rounded out the year in style by bringing out not one, not two, but three UK music icons for their recent run of Manchester gigs: Boy George, Bez from Happy Mondays and the Reverend himself, Jon McClure.

The high-flying indie pop group and local legends from Leigh toasted an unbelievable 2024 with their ‘Burning House Party’ residency, playing three consecutive nights at Manchester Academy.

Better yet, with their new album KOKO (Keep On Keeping On) set to release in the new year with several tracks including some rather big feature artists once again, they decided to bring out a few of those famous faces as special guests this past weekend.

The Greater Manchester band genuinely caught everyone by surprise when guitarist Robert Lally did the classic Stars In Their Eyes walk-off and was reintroduced as Boy George himself.

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Boy George and Bez join Lottery Winners on stage

Well played indeed.

The former Culture Club lead singer went on to perform alongside the Wigan outfit as they played their track, ‘Let Me Down‘ – this being the first time they have performed it together live.

As mentioned, Boy George is just one of many impressive feature artists that The Lottery Winners have notched over the past year or so, having previously worked with Frank Turner, KT Tunstall and even fellow Manc, Shaun Ryder.

The Happy Mondays star featured in the music video for their song ‘Money’ on their last record, ART (Anxiety Replacement Therapy), and was arguably their biggest coup to date next to Turner, who has now worked on several tracks with the four-piece and played live with them on multiple occasions.

As another surprise on night two at Manchester Academy, frontman Thom Rylance might not have been able to bring out Ryder in the flesh, but he did rope in some hype-man help from long-standing band partner and best mate Bez to delight the crowd and shake his trademark maracas throughout.

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Lotter Winners Keep On collabing

But it doesn’t stop there either.

Set to release in February, their upcoming fourth LP will not only see the return of Frank Turner for his third studio collaboration with the band, but they’re adding even more names into the Northern music mix for this latest record.

As well as songs featuring Rick Witter of Shed Seven and even Chad Kroeger of Nickleback – yes, we said Nickelback – their lead single also features Sheffield favourite Jon McClure of Reverend and the Makers.

Their uplifting track ‘You Again’ has enjoyed plenty of radio play since it was released back in September and the Yorkshireman also made an appearance during their city centre residency.

You just have to love these scenes.

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These lot have such a lovely, collaborative thing going on are we are absolutely here for it.

As if things weren’t massive enough already, having supported massive bands like Nickelback and headlining festivals like Kendal Calling this year, 2025 looks set to get even bigger for the gang with a potentially game-changing support slot.

Announcing his massive UK and European tour in the wake of his new biopic being released, British pop veteran and global chart-topper Robbie Williams confirmed Lottery Winners will be his warm-up act for every single date bar Amsterdam come next summer.

Leigh’s very own and well and truly on the up and it’s a pleasure being along to watch the ride.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — John Baldwin Photography/Sam McMahon/Reverend and the Makers (via IG)

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Shayne Ward surprises Altrincham locals with a festive sing-song during Christmas karaoke

Danny Jones

Shayne Ward singing karaoke at Station Hotel pub in Altrincham

Altrincham residents were treated to an unexpected guest this year as former X-Factor winner Shayne Ward popped into a local pub to join in with some Christmas karaoke.

The singer who won the 2005 edition of the reality show and originally hails from Tameside found himself over Trafford way this holiday season and gave those enjoying a sing-song after a few pints a real surprise last week.

If you’ve spent a decent amount of time in the area, you’ll know The Station Hotel is the place for karaoke and, as it turns out, it’s also the place to see Shayne Ward singing a beloved British ballad.

Who knew when he sang ‘That’s My Goal’ he was talking about delighting crowds in a quaint market town during the festive period?

As you can see, the 40-year-old solo artist turned actor has still got it, delivering a soulful rendition of the Elton John classic ‘Sacrifice’ to a small crowd inside the cosy Alty boozer.

Obviously, the Coronation Street and Good Ship Murder star didn’t need to look at the lyrics for even one second and this is probably one of the best performances the pub has ever or will ever see.

He even manages to take a quick break during the instrumental to grab a nonchalant swig of his drink. Very casual indeed.

Let’s be honest, though: the real star of the show is that woman singing along to every word and pulling out all the stops to remind everyone that no matter who is up on the mic, this is karaoke and you’re obliged to have absolutely zero inhibitions.

Queen.

shayne ward station hotel pub alty — S̶l̶a̶y̶

shane ward spotted in altrincham — S̶l̶a̶y̶

He may not be releasing tonnes of music or claiming any Christmas number ones these days, but the Greater Manchester native is no stranger to performing.

As well as various jobs on telly and even a few movie roles here and there over the years, Ward also appeared on this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing, ultimately being voted out back in November in one of the most controversial and unpopular decisions of the 2024 season.

That being said, whatever questions may loom over his dance moves, there’s no question he’s still got a great voice and we hope to see him hopping on karaoke somewhere in town again soon.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Station Hotel (screenshot via Facebook)