Every now and again, we get invited down to see some of the best music acts.
And when the opportunity to see Christine and the Queens at Manchester Academy popped up, I jumped at the opportunity.
This is the second stop on Chris’ European and US tour for his new albumPARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE – which is inspired by Tony Kushner’s play, Angels in America – and a follow-up to the critically-acclaimed 2022 album Redcar.
There is a tense air of anticipation for the show to begin, and the stage is dotted with Angelic figures, before Chris starts the show topless – which gets a couple of gasps from the crowd.
The show is split into three parts, reflecting the three elements of the album name. The band puts on a haunting performance, a far-cry from the upbeat, pop-style music that many may have been expecting.
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Christine and the Queens / Credit: Publicity pictures
The show definitely splits the crowd, both in who was attending, and in how people were reacting.
Christine and the Queens has a broad reach and diverse audience, with a surprising number of older concert-goers. From the murmurings I could hear around me, some people were hugely-impressed with the entrancing battle on stage between love, pain, and religion, whilst others seemed to be frustrated and disappointed that they weren’t playing the classics.
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Me, on the other hand? I was captivated.
Like a moth drawn to a flame, the mesmerising light show and performance from Chris was like something I’ve never come across – and I loved it.
It’s clear that this performance, and the album, is reflective of Chris’ journey with his queerness, recently announcing his new pronouns as he/him. The band itself is named after the drag queens that Chris lived with in his younger years, and a love letter to the way they helped him explore his gender and self.
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The performance is a poetic and dramatic exploration of ones’ self, with Chris transitioning between his topless form, to an armoured warrior, and finally becoming an angel himself, and it was magical (if you like that sort of thing).
This new album and tour isn’t going to be for everyone, and if you’re expecting some pop hits, then this isn’t for you.
But, if you want to hop on board an evocative journey of self discovery and expression, then the PARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE tour is where it’s at.
Featured Image – Publicity picture
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Rochdale Feel Good Festival announces headliners with MAJOR 90s act
Thomas Melia
The highly-anticipated Rochdale Feel Good Festival is returning to Rochdale Town Hall for a night of impressive live music.
Summer is fast approaching and one way the residents of Greater Manchester town Rochdale know this is the line-up for its major outdoor festival has just been released.
The festival has been running since 2007, taking place right outside the distinctive Rochdale Town Hall , this will be the shows grand return since its massive renovation.
This town centre music celebration is known for drawing in some of music’s biggest names like Cast, Scouting For Girls, Razorlight and most recently Heather Small.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival is coming to the main stage at Rochdale Town Hall this summer / Credit: Press Shots (Supplied)
Rochdale Feel Good Festival has continued this streak of securing some big pop stars and this time is no different as they’ve bagged a major 90s act with some equally notable bands on the line-up too.
Topping the bill is legendary pop-soul artist Gabrielle, known for chart-topping hits like ‘Dreams’ and ‘Rise’ as well as ‘If You Ever’, ‘Out Of Reach’ and ‘Sunshine’.
This phenomenal UK act has seen her 1999 LP Rise and 2001 compilation album Dreams Can Come TrueVol. 1 get certified platinum not once but four times.
Gabrielle is headlining Rochdale Feel Good Festival on Saturday 8 August / Credit: Press Shot (Supplied)
Gabrielle might be more familiar with Rochdale than we think, as she recently collaborated with Middleton born singer-songwriter for his single ‘Sad Song’.
Also announced is indie-rock band Ash, who have seen similar chart success by achieving 18 UK Top 40 hits such as ‘Oh Yeah’, ‘Shining Light’ and ‘Goldfinger’.
Another act joining the main stage is critically-acclaimed rock band Starsailor and with tunes like ‘Alcoholic’ and ‘Silence Is Easy’ it’s about to be a stellar night of performances.
Recognised rock bands Ash and Starsailor are also joining the line-up for Rochdale Feel Good Festival Credit: Press Shots (Supplied)
If that wasn’t enough to tempt you, Rochdale Feel Good Festival will be announcing more acts in the next few weeks making this line-up one of the best yet.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival is coming to the main stage at Rochdale Town Hall on Saturday 8 August with Gabrielle, Ash, Starsailor and more acts to follow – tickets and more info HERE.
Featured Images – Rochdale Borough Council / Press Shots (Supplied)
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Myles Smith announces HUGE arena gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Manchester this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Manchester later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to Co-op Live, Manchester, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited the music capital of the North, bringing his high-energy hits to Manchester Academy back in February.
The star visited Manchester a second time, too, playing at the Co-op Live alongside some of music’s biggest names for Hits Radio Live back in November.
Now, Smith is ready to take to the Co-op Live stage again and is expected to raise the roof when 23,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Co-op members and fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting Co-op Live, Manchester on Sunday 15 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston -
8th September 2023 
