In yet another absolutely random moment from the ever-ubiquitous Gary Neville, the former footballer turned businessman looks like he ‘might’ be joining Yorkshire band The Reytons on their upcoming tour.
Surely not?…
Yes, as per an announcement from this week, it appears Gary Neville could be set to head out on the road with Rotherham’s The Reytons as part of their ‘Right Back At It Tour’ next year.
As if the supposed reveal was random and amusing enough as it is, the unsigned and unapologetic Northerners confirmed the news with a hilarious promotional video that we’ve now watched multiple times – even if only for that final reveal and to try and convince ourselves it might actually happen.
Comments like that say it all: quality content and a genuinely funny way to unveil an already comical bit of music PR that goes on a long list of G Nev saying yes to pretty much anything. First Dragon’s Den and now a UK tour.
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Although the full press release itself opens with the Manchester United legend, pundit and local entrepreneur declaring, “I’m in The Reytons”, it does also caveat this with the disclaimer: “*Gary Neville may or may not be actually joining The Reytons”.
We presume this means it’s highly unlikely that the 49-year-old will actually be surprising fans on tour – maybe his various media commitments and other projects could also see him pull out – but until they say otherwise, or the four-piece finds someone else to fill in for bassist Lee Holland and his broken arm, we’re holding out a glimmer of hope, however small.
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To be honest, we don’t know what to think; however, given that Neville has already played guitar live with The Charlatans and then went on to do a b2b set with Tim Burgess himself at Kendal Calling 2024, this wouldn’t be so unbelievable.
Set to play a run of nine gigs including London’s O2 Academy in Brixton, Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom and Aviva Studios – the now permanent home of Factory International – in Manchester on Saturday, 8 March, The Reytons are sure to get a warm reception regardless.
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After forming back in 2017 and years at slogging away, record deal or no, the band made it to number one in the Official UK Album Charts with What’s Rock And Roll? last year and played a sold-out hometown date at Clifton Park to 20,000 fans. It’s some journey they’ve gone on.
That one might be sold out but if you want to be in the crowd when the ex-England international and Monday Night Football star walks out on stage with a bass strapped around his neck, you can get ready to grab your tickets for their Manc gig when they go live this Friday (20 September) HERE.
No backing, no label, all Reytons – with a little bit of Gary Neville now too, hopefully. Hey, we can dream, can’t we?…
Chase and Status are coming to Co-op Live on their massive UK arena tour
Danny Jones
Drum and bass giants Chase and Status are officially coming back to Manchester, announcing a massive gig at Co-op Live as part of their huge new tour.
Set to play a series of massive arena dates all over the UK, the kings of all things dance and electronic were only in Manchester this past March for a sell-out show at O2 Victoria Warehouse but they’re already confirmed they’ll be coming back next spring for more.
Not only will this be Chase and Status’ Co-op Live debut but they’ll be the first big act from within the EDM space to play the state-of-the-art arena which has already crossed some frankly gigantic names.
With recent releases like ‘Badadan’, the ‘Gunfinger (Salute)’ collab with IRAH and the latest single with Stormzy ‘BACKBONE’ – an unreal banger and return to their D’n’B roots – we’re more excited than ever to get our raving shoes on.
The London-born and bred duo, real names Saul Milton and Will Kennard, are arguably one of the most influential electronic artists to come out of the UK in the past two decades.
Even in speaking with fellow industry veterans like DJ Fabio, he described them as a “staple” of the scene who have helped bring electronic dance music back to the forefront and get “drum and bass tracks back in the top 40.”
With that in mind, the UK’s largest music-first indoor entertainment arena frankly just isn’t ready for the calibre of live performance these lot are about to drop but we have pure blind faith that it’ll be one of the gigs of the entire year.
Kicking off the huge 2025 tour in Glasgow before coming to Co-op Live on 1 May, with other noteworthy shows including the O2 in London, as well as Birmingham and Cardiff’s Utilita Arenas, these tickets are going to absolutely fly.
Chase & Status have today announced a major UK arena tour, coming to Co-op Live on 1 May 2025https://t.co/fzU6sqRZkU@CoopUK Members get first in line access to tickets
If any of you were at that Victoria Warehouse then you already know how much Chase and Status shows go off, so we won’t dilly-dally any longer.
Pre-sale for official Co-op Members goes live at 10am on Tuesday, 24 September, with general admission available from the same time the following Thursday (Thurs, 26 Sep).
You can be ready to grab yours HERE and if you don’t think we’re ready to fight you over them until we’re left ‘Blk & Blu’, then you’ve got another thing coming.
Featured Images — Press Images (supplied)/The Manc Group
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The Bridgewater Hall is hosting a free dementia-friendly music festival this week
Thomas Melia
A festival which is all about being dementia-friendly is happening at a renowned Manchester music venue this week.
The So Many Beauties Festival – which is presented by and titled after charity organisation, So Many Beauties – has been curated for the Bridgewater Hall, and will see 30 organisations, all of which offer support to people living with dementia across Greater Manchester, descend on the international concert venue for the special music event.
So Many Beauties was founded in 2016 with the goal of championing creativity and helping to make people living with dementia’s voices be heard.
Throughout the duration of the festival, visitors can enjoy many interactive opportunities.
There’ll be live performances, workshops, arts activities, and more – with the event even having support and advice provided by professional organisations who work in dementia care.
The main aim of this musical experience is to use music to better connections, creativity, and wellbeing for people living with dementia.
Visitors can try their hand at screen printing festival tote bags and making themselves a lovely flower crown, while there are also workshops and performances giving people the chance to sing, dance, and make their own music, or just sit back and enjoy some great live shows from professional musicians.
There’ll even be a showcase of new music composed by people living with dementia on the day too.
Outside The Bridgewater Hall at night / Credit: The Bridgewater Hall
Speaking ahead of the event this week, Andrew Nesbitt, who is the Community Engagement Manager at The Bridgewater Hall, said: “Showcasing and celebrating the amazing creativity and music of dementia groups from across Greater Manchester is really special for us.
“We can’t wait to welcome So Many Beauties and the hundreds of participants, performers and festival-goers to The Bridgewater Hall”