It’s rare you get to see legends in real life, especially this up close and personal, but there’s still just one key word that keeps coming to mind when we think of seeing Bruce Springsteen in Manchester at the Co-op Live last night: surreal.
We still can’t quite believe that he was here in Manchester, in the flesh, for three separate nights, but we do intend to replay it in our heads over and over again until it fully sinks in.
Springsteen, ‘The Boss’, Brucey, whatever you want to call him, there really is something to be said for someone who’s been going this long and still exerts so much energy at 75.
That goes for his desperately loyal and dedicated crowds, too. The legions that marched down ‘Thunder Road’ and back down the CityLink walking route and the Ashton canal in supreme spirits after all was said and done gave as good as they got.
We can only assume Springsteen was as incredible on the first night at Co-op Live as he was on the last. (Credit: Audio North)
From singing back every chorus to the chants of “Bruuuuuuuce!” between every single song, it was more apparent than ever that being a Springsteen fan is quite literally a way of life for these people; they know every line, every call and response, every micro-dance move and regular on-stage ritual.
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Each show is roughly three hours long, by the way – he does have an absolute treasure trove of discography to work through, in fairness.
Put simply, there’s no messing about, just non-stop rock and roll of the highest order. Well, there are some brief pauses, but for good reason…
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As a passionate political and philanthropic person throughout a career which spans more than six decades, he took the time to talk about America and the turbulent times they are once again facing.
He spoke about the craven billionaire class, poverty, uniting through art and, just as he did on night one in Manchester, Springsteen railed against a particular tyrant who happens to have found himself in the seat of power yet again back over in the States. He made sure to do this every single night.
‘Born in the U.S.A.’ (which he did decide to play, along with a plethora of the other biggest hits) now feels more like a protest song than ever. The war may no longer be in Vietnam, but there is one raging back home, and he’s even more wary of it than before.
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He thanked those in the pit and the stands for indulging him, as well as the “wonderful space” of the Co-op and its “beautiful sound” for hosting him, but we have a feeling the New Jersey poet could have said just about anything and he’d still have 23,500+ in the palm of his hands.
All that being said, it wasn’t like this was a pseudo-rally or anything like that, nor was anything of this being foisted upon the audience, but there was a real sense of a congregation gathering in the church of Bruce to take in his sermon.
His followers have often been referred to in this way, and despite only previously considering ourselves a very casual Springsteen enthusiast, having now been to a sell-out arena gig with one of the biggest Boss fans we know, we can understand why millions of people around the world idolise this absolute icon.
It goes without saying that a huge amount of applause must go to The E Street Band themselves, who are just as much a part of what makes Springsteen sets so special as he is.
From the ever-charismatic Steven Van Zandt (still hard not to see him as ‘Sil’ from The Sopranos) to Jake Clemons on sax – who has been part of the group since 2012 and shared a touching embrace with Bruce as tributes to his predecessor and uncle, Clarence, played behind them – these lot are a family.
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Our only minor gripe is that we sorely missed hearing ‘Atlantic City’, but what the concert did confirm is that much like the effect the recent Bob Dylan biopic had on us, we’re now more committed than ever to working through the Springsteen back catalogue from start to finish and seeing how obsessed we get.
To end on one final thought and echo the words of the man himself: “peace, love and freedom.”
Shed Seven announce 10th anniversary of ‘Shedcember’ tour
Danny Jones
Music veterans, Shed Seven, are set to bring a special edition of their ‘Shedcember’ live shows to Manchester as they celebrate 10 years of the now annual tour.
The beloved British band has been around for more than three and a half decades at this point, and for nearly a third of those, the alternative rock group have been putting on regular winter gigs for their loyal fan base.
Having developed a fervent cult following during that time, Shed Seven‘s dedicated run of November and December dates has become a bit of a phenomenon, and since 2025 was one of their most significant 18-month periods ever, they’re toasting recent success at the end of this calendar year.
If you’re ‘Shed Head’, you’ll already know all about this event; if not, get to know…
Announcing this year’s 10th anniversary tour – fittingly dubbed ‘Shedcember X – alongside a new short film/teaser written and directed by long-serving guitarist, Paul Banks, those who have been listening since the start
Equally, thanks to this would-be trailer, even those who’ve never been to one of the shows or are yet to fully dive into their discography have had their attention caught.
Focusing on their die-hard crowds who now make sure to attend each Shedcember night, if not every single one of their gigs whenever they come to town, the mini social media movie captures just how passionate their audiences are even after all this time.
Part of the reason that the York-founded outfit has been enjoying somewhat of a resurgence of late is as a result of back-to-back number one albums
Notching the top spot for their A Matter Of Time in January 2024, a whole 29 years on from their maiden release (the longest gap between a debut and a no.1 record in UK history), they then did it again with Liquid Gold, which saw some of their biggest hits remastered and reimagined with orchestral backing.
These two massive and long-overdue moments of recognition arguably deserve a tour all of their own, but we will absolutely take Shedcember X.
Announcing an extensive run of performances for the de facto festival, the 10th anniversary edition of Shed Seven’s – we’ve also highlighted all of the Northern dates for you.
Shedcember X tour dates – 2026
Fri 13 Nov 2026 – Nottingham Rock City
Sat 14 Nov 2026 – Birmingham O2 Academy
Tue 17 Nov 2026 – Norwich The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA
Thu 19 Nov 2026 – Aberdeen Music Hall
Fri 20 Nov 2026 – Glasgow O2 Academy Glasgow
Sat 21 Nov 2026 – Edinburgh Usher Hall
Mon 23 Nov 2026 – Leicester O2 Academy
Tue 24 Nov 2026 – Brighton Dome
Thu 26 Nov 2026 – Cardiff University Great Hall
Fri 27 Nov 2026 – Sheffield Octagon
Sat 28 Nov 2026 – Newcastle O2 City Hall
Mon 30 Nov 2026 – Cambridge Corn Exchange
Tue 01 Dec 2026 – Bristol Beacon
Thu 03 Dec 2026 – Stockton Globe
Fri 04 Dec 2026 – Liverpool Uni The Mountford Hall
Sat 05 Dec 2026 – Manchester O2 Apollo
Mon 07 Dec 2026 – Lincoln Engine Shed
Tue 08 Dec 2026 – Stoke-On-Trent Victoria Hall
Thu 10 Dec 2026 – Bournemouth O2 Academy
Fri 11 Dec 2026 – London O2 Academy Brixton
Sat 12 Dec 2026 – Leeds O2 Academy
Pre-sale is now open to those signed up to the band’s mailing list, and as for general admission, tickets for Shedcember X go live 10am on Friday, 24 April; you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
We had the pleasure of speaking to lead singer and songwriter, Rick Witter, not too long ago, and it was great to hear how motivated he and the gang still are.
Featured Images — Audio North/Press shot (supplied via SJM Concerts)
Audio
A live concert version of The Muppet Christmas Carol is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
We know it’s not even the summer yet, but we’re about to drop the C word, because a live concert version of The Muppet Christmas Carol is coming to Manchester.
An all-time classic, adored by children and adults alike, Disney’s Muppet Christmas Carol is arguably one of the best seasonal watches of all time.
Set to be hosted right here in the city centre at one of the most magnificent entertainment venues, the much-loved, festive and musical will be celebrated in its true glory, courtesy of a full orchestra.
It isn’t the first time special screenings of this family-friendly favourite have been held here in Manchester – nor is it the first time the UK has been treated to this particular tour – but if you haven’t tried a Disney Concerts experience before, this is an ideal opportunity.
Announcing not one but two dates at the beautiful Bridgewater Hall, The Muppets’ twist on the legendary Charles Dickens tale, which will see the visuals brought to life with the backing of strings, brass, percussion – the whole shebang.
If you’ve ever been to see one of these ‘live in concert’ type shows, you’ll know how magical they can make rewatching even something you’ve seen countless times before.
With Disney Music Group’s regular troupe of touring players taking on the original score and well-known soundtrack, you won’t be able to help but sing back every word.
Originally composed by Miles Goodman (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Little Shop of Horrors), along with songs by Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy-winning songwriter, Paul Williams (Rainbow Connection and Evergreen), there’s a reason the sound of this film, specifically, has stuck with so many people.
Just imagine this on the big screen as all the instruments kick in right then and there, in the flesh…
Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert – 2026 UK tour dates
We’ve also highlighted some other Northern options for you:
28 November – London Eventim Apollo
29 November – Poole Lighthouse
1 December – Bradford Live
2 December – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
3 December – Edinburgh Usher Hall
4 December – Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
5 December – Southend Cliffs Pavilion
7 December – Manchester Bridgewater Hall
8 December – Birmingham Symphony Hall
9 December – Birmingham Symphony Hall
10 December – Sheffield City Hall
11 December – Bath Forum
13 December – Brighton Centre
14 December – Portsmouth Guildhall
17 December – Manchester Bridgwater Hall
With performances booked for 7pm on 7 December and the same time on 17 December, Members’ pre-sale goes live this coming Thursday, 23 April at 10am.
As for general admission, tickets will be available from the same time on Friday, 24 April; you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
It’s not the only big Christmassy concert coming to town this year.
Danny Jones -
21st May 2025 
