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.
Featured Images — Press Image/Dom Martin (supplied)
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Hilary Duff announces massive Manchester gig on first world tour in nearly 20 years
Danny Jones
Noughties throwback, Hilary Duff, is continuing her contemporary comeback trail by announcing a brand-new world tour, including a massive arena gig right here in Manchester.
That’s right, Lizzie McGuire herself is returning to the UK with new music.
In all seriousness, child star Hilary Duff has gone on to have quite the career, but it feels like it’s been forever since we’ve had fresh music from her, which is why her next album and huge run of tour dates around the globe feels like such a big deal.
Ahead of her sixth studio release, lucky… or something, dropping this month, the American popstar has now confirmed nearly 50 upcoming dates in support of the record; she also still managed to give us a very Disney Channel reveal video.
Yes, heading out on the road across North America, Europe, the UK and Ireland, as well as Australia and New Zealand, Hilary Duff has announced a total of 47 gigs so far.
With no other live shows confirmed in mainland Europe yet, Great British and Irish fans can be glad of the five shows locked in for the UK leg.
Having said that, with the 38-year-old enjoying a real renaissance of late, we wouldn’t be surprised to see more added to the newly confirmed ‘lucky me’ tour.
As mentioned, with her latest LP scheduled to launch on 20 February, we got her most recent track just a few short weeks ago.
Following the lead single from the project, ‘Mature’ – also released this past November 2 – you can see the music video for her ‘Roommates’ down below.
The song is also produced by her husband, Matthew Koma.
This newest outing is the first Hilary Duff album in over a decade, following 2015’s Breathe In. Breathe Out; it’ll also be nearly two of them since her last world tour, having last played Manchester all the way back in 2007.
As for her shows, following a number of performances in late 2025 and this year already, she’ll be playing throughout the calendar and well into early 2027.
You can see the rest of the European tour dates thus far down below.
Hilary Duff UK and IE tour dates – September ’26
6 – Dublin, IE – 3Arena
8 – Cardiff, UK – Utilita Arena Cardiff
10 – London, UK – The O2
Thursday, 12 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena
13 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
For tickets to see her here in Manchester at the end of this summer, early access can be enjoyed by Three mobile members from 10am on Tuesday, 17 February, or via the venue’s own presale window from the same time next Thursday, 19 Feb.
As for general admission, tickets will then go live at 10 the following Friday (20 Feb), and you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
SING TO ME PAOLO! 🎤🛵💅
Superstar @HilaryDuff brings 'the lucky me tour' to Manchester!
Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via AO Arena)
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Gig Review | Mika shines at the AO Arena in Manchester on the first night of his world tour
Aimee Woodcock
Mika’s Manchester stop on his ‘Spinning Out’ global tour was a vibrant, high-energy celebration of all things pop.
Not happy with just walking on stage – this is Mika we’re talking about – he made his entrance on a spinning hamster wheel, bathing the AO Arena in kaleidoscopic lights.
Opening with ‘Modern Times’ and ‘Eleven’ from his latest discography before leaning into one of the classics, ‘Relax, Take it Easy’, the atmosphere inside the packed arena felt charged.
His stamina was something that stood out from the get-go, delivering every track with that signature Mika flair, accompanied by choreography and a live band that matched his energy – no mean feat.
The production leaned heavily into colour and movement, with swirling visuals and playful stage design that mirrored the tour’s theme of motion and momentum with nods to themes of LGBTQ+ rights.
Working through this current album, and after a quick outfit change, we were treated to an a cappella intro to another classic, ‘Lollipop’ with Mika dressed in a full pink suit (and shoes).
Between songs, Mika’s easy rapport with the crowd added warmth and intimacy to the arena-sized performance.
He shared anecdotes and playful banter, encouraging the crowd to sing along, uniting the fans.
Highlights included a rendition of ‘Grace Kelly’, which sparked one of the loudest reactions of the night, and a heartfelt performance of his more reflective ‘Happy Ending’ offered a welcome contrast to the glittering pop anthems.
Danny Jones -
22nd August 2024 
