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We got to see a music legend from the best seats in the house – here’s how you can too

Because we all need spoiling sometimes.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 4th July 2025

We recently went to one of the biggest gigs of the year here in Manchester and got to see the show from the luxury of a VIP suite for less than the standard price – here’s how you can do the same.

The idea of watching not only one of the greatest musicians of all time, but doing so from hospitality or a posh box at an arena, might seem far too out of pocket for plenty of gig-goers; however, after stumbling across a criminally unknown hospitality provider, we’re here to tell you you’re wrong.

We’re talking about Sport and Music, a promotion company that specialises in corporate, hospitality and VIP tickets to some of the biggest live entertainment dates across the UK and beyond.

Heading for our first visit on one of these tickets, we went to see none other than the legend that is Bruce Springsteen, and this is what greeted us when we arrived:

sport and music VIP hospitality corporate boxes suites
Stylish and well-situated.
bruce springsteen manchester co-op live
We managed to catch a wave and some brief eye-contact from our swanky balcony spot.
Credit: Audio North

Not a bad place to watch a concert, eh?

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What you’re looking at is the view from one of Co-op Live VIP suites, where we were hosted by Sport and Music team as well as the venue’s wonderful hospitality staff.

Although there are plenty of boxes located around the arena, this particular has the advantage of not only being located nice and near to the stage – seriously, Brucey was so close we could practically smell him – but even before sitting in the luxurious seats, there was a really nice cosy atmosphere to the room.

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Perfect for getting a small to medium-sized group of mates together, you and your family, or perhaps a fun idea for a work outing, there was plenty of room, storage, and even a sofa nook tucked behind a curtain in the corner.

As well as a full TV and speaker set-up to suit all your AV needs before and after your event of choice, there was a fully stocked fridge and a designated server just for us.

In terms of the performance itself, we’d waited our entire lives to see Springsteen in Manchester and just like the space itself, he didn’t disappoint.

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Besides being greeted with a drink on arrival, you can obviously keep topping up your drinks throughout the night without ever having to leave the comfort of your seat.

That being said, the wider VIP area and the likes of the arena’s Backstage Club promise a cool and vibrant atmosphere, making this extra special experience more value for money.

Also, there is, of course, room to order yourself some food to keep you ‘Dancing In The Dark’ long into the night; offerings include stonebaked pizzas, loaded fries and plenty more.

Or, you know, if you just want a simple snack, you can always make the most of Co-op’s ironically convenient little mini-convenience stores located around the arena.

Nothing keeps you grounded like grabbing a quick sausage roll from the bakery as well.

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drinks at co-op live
Cocktails from the Backstage Club at Lionel Richie’s show.
food menu at co-op live
We had some solid slices on our next visit.
(Credit: The Manc Group)

All in all, our review of the Sport and Music hospitality experience is a glowing one: not only was it nice to spoil ourselves with some special treatment (we all deserve it from time to time), but the attractive deals available make it a genuinely viable way to make your night extra memorable.

Especially if you’re then going to split the cost of, say, a VIP suite at Co-op Live between you and even just one friend.

You can find out more information and see what events they currently have ticket availability for HERE.

Oh, and if you’re wondering if ‘The Boss’ is still up to the job at 75, we think this picture proves that his ‘Glory Days’ are far from over…

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Featured Images — The Manc Group/Audio North

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The Strokes at Co-op Live, Manchester – actually very hard to explain

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The Strokes at Co-op Live in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

Manchester has waited a long, long time for this – The Strokes back on stage in our city.

I’ve been a fan of the band for as long as I can remember, but have never managed to catch them live, partly because they’ve left it TWENTY YEARS between shows here.

But back they are, with an enormous gig at the Co-op Live on their Reality Awaits tour.

The Strokes are known as one of the most solid indie bands of the 2000s, going triple platinum with their debut album Is This It and releasing massive anthems like Last Nite, Reptilia, and Someday.

They’re also known as a bit of an unpredictable live act – some will say they’re one of the best on the circuit, others will say they’re disappointing, and it really can depend on the night.

What they’re not known for is their audience interaction, so when frontman Julian Casablancas tries to have a bit of a chat with the audience, we all sort of stare blankly back at him. He’s speaking to us? What do we do?

“Wow, tough crowd,” he says, which is the first time I’ve ever heard anyone describe a Manchester audience as tough.

Then he turns back to drummer Fabrizio Moretti and says: “This is f*cking hideous, let’s play some songs.”

The setlist seems to get a shake-up every couple of shows, which is a nice surprise for us – and apparently also Julian, who regularly pops over to ask his bandmates what’s up next.

It doesn’t really matter that he’s not done his homework, because the second that drum kicks in, along with the impeccable guitar work of Valensi, Fraiture and Hammond Jr., he snaps into action.

It’s impressive that their songs still have such singalong quality when Casablancas enunciates like a man with a dislocated jaw. For certain songs he’s so incoherent that if you weren’t a fan you’d walk in this room and wonder what the f*ck was going on.

But then, that’s sort of why us The Strokes fans love them so much. There’s a calamitous beauty to the work they put out and it’s so fun to belt out some words, even if they’re not the right ones.

I was hoping that seeing it live would sell that divisive new album, Reality Awaits, to me, but it didn’t. It’s too autotuney, too languid, and too often the victim of everyone’s toilet breaks.

Their earlier tracks still land best in a live setting, especially Reptilia, an absolute juggernaut in their back catalogue.

Rollercoaster set and tricky crowd interactions aside, we all had a great time – I’m just not sure I could say the same about Julian Casablancas.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Audio

Sam Fender describes his own ticket prices as ‘b*llocks’ and demands change for fans

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Sam Fender describes his own ticket prices as 'b*llocks' and demands change for fans

Sam Fender has kicked off about ticket prices for his own tour, ahead of his huge stadium summer next year.

The Geordie star announced his Proper Massive stadium tour last week, which will visit some of the UK’s biggest venues including The O2 in London, Etihad Stadium in Manchester, and St James’ Park in his home city of Newcastle.

But after ticket prices for the tour were announced, Sam Fender surprised us all by joining in with a moan about how expensive they were.

He described the ticketing strategy for his tour as ‘b*llocks’ and said he was ‘not happy’ with ticket prices.

And proving just how much sway an artist can have on ticket prices, Sam Fender then demanded that things be redone.

Sam first appeared in the comments on Gavin Davis’ Instagram account, which frequently shares tour leaks and ticket prices.

There, he wrote: “I’m not happy with these prices, they’re getting changed. It got inflated well more than I’d had in mind, it should only be inflated in relation to the cost of putting the show on.

“The standing will not be split as well, I had no idea about it. I have no idea how this was normalised in gigs.

“It’s bollocks and it won’t be happening on this tour.”

Then later, on his own Instagram stories, Sam Fender posted: “I’ve managed to get Front Standing tickets removed from the UK stadium tour. Whoever buys a standing ticket gets as much chance as anyone to be at the front.

“No more £120 standing tickets either.

“Costs are astronomical compared to two years ago, I can’t control the venue and ticketing fees, that’s a sad reality of today’s industry.

“This is gonna be the biggest and best show we’ve ever put on. Can’t wait to see everyone on the road next summer!”

The ticket prices for the Proper Massive tour are now confirmed by Sam Fender himself as being £85 for GA standing, and £55/£75/£95 for seats.

You can get tickets when they go on sale HERE.

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Featured image: Publicity picture

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