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Emotional standing ovation as son of late Inspiral Carpets drummer performs with band in Manchester
Levon did his dad proud.
The son of the late Craig Gill, drummer of Inspiral Carpets, set off a moving standing ovation in Manchester when he performed with the band.
The legendary local band performed a sold-out gig at the Albert Hall on Saturday night, their first tour since 2015.
It’s also the first time they’ve played live since the death of their drummer in 2016, leaving a huge presence to fill.
So it was a particularly touching move when Inspiral Carpets invited Levon Gill, Craig’s son, to join them behind the drum kit.
The young talent played during the encore while a video tribute of his dad was screened behind him.
His performance had the entire venue on its feet, which included Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Andy said: “What a triumphant homecoming for @inspiralsband at @Alberthallmcr last night!
“And so emotional to see Levon Gill take centre stage in memory of his dad, Craig. Manchester at its finest. Privilege to be there.”
Others described it as a ‘beautiful tribute’ to Craig, who tragically took his own life as a result of debilitating tinnitus at the age of just 44.
Another person wrote: “Not gonna lie, this broke me a bit… The energy and emotion in The Albert Hall was pretty special – Levon was epic x”
Sharing a touching video, one person wrote: “Albert Hall on their feet after Levon Gill finished drumming”
And someone replied: “A beautiful moment it was too, very emotional.Well done young man, and all the band.”
Another user Tweeted: “An amazing gig tonight by @inspiralsband. Always so good to see them live. But seeing Craig Gill’s son, Levon, drumming with them was truly special. Beautiful tribute.”
At the time of announcing the tour, Inspiral Carpets said: “Craig’s death had a profound effect on many people. The outpouring of love from around the world at the time gave some comfort to his family and friends as we all tried to come to terms with what had happened.
“We know this will be an emotional journey for a lot of people, not least Craig’s family. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate some of the music we created, and which has brought so much joy to people over the last 34 years.”
Featured image: Instagram, Inspiral Carpets
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Role Model adds Manchester arena show to world tour after huge demand
Daisy Jackson
Platinum-certified singer-songwriter Role Model has just added a huge Manchester gig to his upcoming world tour.
The star – real name Tucker Pillsbury – had previously only added one single UK date to his Chuck on Tour tour, and that was down in London.
But now Role Model is officially heading north, announcing a massive gig at the AO Arena in Manchester.
The news follows a sold-out run of dates last year, which brought him to the (much smaller) O2 Apollo here.
His star really rose after the release and viral success of his 2025 single, ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’.
And now with a third studio album to his name – Chuck Timely & The Hourglass – Role Model is ready to return to Manchester and London on his 2026-2027 global tour.
The tour will travel across North America before heading overseas, with dates across Europe early next year.
Keni Titus will support Role Model at all dates on the UK and European leg of the Chuck on Tour tour.
Role Model will perform at the AO Arena in Manchester on Sunday 28 February, with pre-sales available on 4 and 5 November before general release tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 6 November – grab yours HERE.
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Featured image: Publicity picture
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Pop icons S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Manchester gig
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back to Manchester on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the AO Arena in Manchester, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
S Club will play the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 9 October 2027.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
S Club UK tour dates in full
- Fri 08 Oct 27 Glasgow OVO Hydro
- Sat 09 Oct 27 Manchester AO Arena
- Tue 12 Oct 27 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
- Wed 13 Oct 27 Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
- Thu 14 Oct 27 Cardiff Utilita Arena
- Sat 16 Oct 27 London The O2 MATINEE
- Sat 16 Oct 27 London The O2 EVENING
- Wed 20 Oct 27 Leeds First Direct Arena
- Thu 21 Oct 27 Birmingham Utilita Arena
- Fri 22 Oct 27 Sheffield Utilita Arena
- Sat 23 Oct 27 Newcastle Utilita Arena
- Tue 25 Oct 27 Belfast SSE Arena
- Tue 26 Oct 27 Dublin 3Arena
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Featured image: Luke Dyson
Daisy Jackson -
3rd April 2023 
