In what we know is already set to be another show to remember, UK artist Frank Carter is bringing members of the original Sex Pistols lineup back to Manchester to play their legendary debut album, Never Mind the Bollocks, in full and it’s happening sooner than you think.
The former Gallows member turned frontman for his self-titled outfit, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, is at the forefront of the contemporary punk genre and is about as close to an old-school rockstar as you’ll find on the modern scene.
However, following the massive success of these shows, the band have now decided to book a few more gigs and now, with the help of Frank (minus his snakes), will be playing one of the most iconic records of all time from start to finish – well, sort of…
Credit: Supplied
With original bassist Glen Matlock – who was replaced by Sid Vicious and then returned after his death – drummer Paul Cook and guitarist Steve Jones all returning to the lineup, 40-year-old musician and tattooist isn’t just filling in, he’s helped get them back on tour and in the public consciousness.
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Up there with The Rolling Stones, Ramones, The Clash; Sonic Youth, The Velvet Underground, The Who and others who would be considered amongst the most influential rock bands in history, the significance of their return to Manchester, in particular, isn’t lost on us audiophiles and lovers of music history either.
In case you were unaware, Manchester was the site of the Sex Pistols‘ very first gig outside of London back in 1976, when the frenetic four-piece played what was then known as the Lesser Free Trade Hall on Peter Street right here in the city centre, now The Edwardian Hotel and Peter St Kitchen.
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Considered by many as ‘the gig that changed the world‘ and resulting in the famous claim and muso phrase ‘I was there’, a line that even went on to serve as the title of the book by David Nolan, it helped influence countless artists to come.
For example, other people who were in the crowd that night included Ian Curtis, Peter Hook and Bernard Summer of Joy Division and New Order, Morrissey of The Smiths; Manchester music and nightlife mogul Tony Wilson, Manc punk icon John the Postman, as well as members of The Buzzcocks and The Fall.
Despite there only being a rumoured 40 or so people in the room that night, the noise they made and the impact it had makes it one of the most important moments in music history, so how big a deal it is having them back out on stage isn’t lost on anyone – certainly not a lifelong fan like Frank Carter.
As for Rotten, 68, he has remained in a feud with the existing members for years, namely around the rights to the music, and is said to be “furious” over this latest reunion.
But that’s a big part of what punk was always about, isn’t it? Doing what you want and p*ssing a few people off along the way.
Speaking on the announcement, Jones said: “There was an overwhelming response on social media from fans asking to play different parts of the country. So guess what? It will be done. We will be tighter than a rat’s a*** by the time we get to Kentish Town.”
Frank Carter and the three Sex Pistols members are set to play Manchester Academy 1 on Tuesday, 24 September and while they won’t necessarily be doing NMTB in order, they will be playing it in full. What a time to be alive.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, 23 August at 9am and saying they’re going to absolutely fly is the understatement of the century. You can grab yours HERE. This is going to be a night to remember and then some.
The global super glam party legends have announced a fully-flamboyant, flamingo-esque festival of disco starring a truly show-stopping lineup.
Famed for throwing immersive disco and house parties, and normally a resident over at the equally iconic – but much smaller and more intimate – Albert Hall, you can expect La Discothèque to be just as heavy on the confetti, feathers, and sequins as it usually is when it takes over Manchester‘s massive AO Arena in June.
If the hugely-popular club night wasn’t already known for its unrivalled production as it is, The Disco Arena will be even bigger and better than ever before.
The legendary La Discothèque 22-piece orchestra will perform at the AO Arena live for the first time, featuring Barbara Tucker and Anita Ward, alongside other major acts such as the former ladies of The Supremes and Norman Jay’s Good Times Band.
Manchester’s epic club night La Discothèque is taking over AO Arena this summer / Credit: Supplied
You can also expect to catch the House Gospel Choir, and Disco Voix featuring Jenna G, as well as a tribute to legend Donna Summer by The Feel Good Choir.
A very special guest is also soon to be announced, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled.
La Discothèque is taking to the AO Arena stage on Friday 6 June 2025, and tickets are ready to go on sale from this week.
The mega lineup includes some huge names / Credit: Supplied
There’ll first be two separate pre-sales, a Three pre-sale on Thursday 20 March from 10am, followed by the AO Arena’s own venue pre-sale this Friday (21 March) also from 10am, before general sale tickets go live next Monday 24 March, again from 10am.
A horror, rock and wrestle festival is coming to Manchester this month
Thomas Melia
Manchester is known for hosting all kinds of celebrations from Parklife to Pride, and now the city is obsessing over horror and rock.
The always wonderful Bowlers Exhibition Centre, one of Greater Manchester’s biggest and busiest event spaces, will be hosting a brand-new event this weekend.
This new ‘Horror, Rock and Wrestle festival’ will boast an unmissable line-up boasting faces from the Scream, A Nightmare on Elm Street and Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchises.
Expect to see David Arquette, Joseph Whipp, Jsu Garcia, Caroline Williams and more actors who have contributed to horror cult classics.
But it’s not just horror that’s taking centre stage at this convention, there’s also chance to spotlight both the rock and wrestling world.
Musicians and professional wrestlers Joe Hendry and Chris Jericho will also be making an appearance with Robert Maillet getting in on the action too.
With so many celebrities of film and screen all popping up in one building, any attendees might think they’ve entered a mini Hollywood.
Taking place at BEC Arena, also known as Bowlers Exhibition Centre, this event will bring together not just film stars and legends, but lots of fun activities and interactive workshops too.
There’s no confirmation of who’s taking the wheel for the rock scene but there is a chance that guests will see live performances from ‘renowned rock bands’ at this mighty ‘Horror, Rock and Wrestle festival’.
You’ll also be able to grab a tattoo, with previous years seeing many fans getting the actor’s signature tatted on them for life, all done by on-site professional artists.
An insight into past events similar to Horror, Rock and Wrestle Festival.With the Horror, Rock and Wrestle Festival could we see Chucky paying another visit to Manchester?Credit: Supplied
Attendees are encouraged to show off your creativity by cosplaying as your favourite character, wrestling icon or rock legend.
Across these two dates there will also be live wrestling matches, circus acts and stunt performers, and even monster trucks.
Collectors get ready as the Exhibitor Hall will be packed with all things comics, collectables, merchandise, apparel and more.
Where else can you meet one of your movie idols then shortly after get a tattoo, watch some wrestling and weave your way through a scare maze?
There will be plenty of guest talks and live performances too.Some of the crazy outfits we might be seeing at Horror, Rock and Wrestle Festival.Credit: Supplied
Taking place on 22 and 23 March ‘Horror, Rock and Wrestle festival’ is coming to Bowlers Exhibition Centre and you can find out everything you need to know and bag yourself some tickets HERE.
Danny Jones -
22nd August 2024 
