Beloved Manchester gig venue Gorilla has issued an update about the upcoming The 1975 gig.
The hugely popular band announced the intimate gig last month, with all proceeds going straight to War Child UK.
But frontman Matty Healy announced the gig way before tickets or other behind-the-scenes processes had taken place, leaving Gorilla batting away hundreds of thirsty fans trying to secure their place in the venue and even creating their own memes about it.
Getting tickets when they do eventually go on sale will be tricky – Gorilla has capacity for about 550 people, and The 1975 have sold out two nights at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena (plus a night here at the AO Arena) on their upcoming UK tour, so demand will be through the roof.
People have even been offering the venue bribes for tickets, in the form of meal deals, homemade banana bread, and a cardboard cut-out of Matty Healy, as well as ‘48p and a Wispa‘ from Cadbury superfan @softest_yellow.
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The 1975. Credit: Samuel Bradley
This week, Gorilla has finally been able to give eager fans the update and a breadcrumb of ticket information they’ve been gagging for.
The venue posted: “‘That’ gig is getting announced one day next week! So keep your eyes peeled, take some deep breaths & sign up to our newsletter. (That’s where we are going to be announcing it first, you’ll get an email on the day).”
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N E X T W E E K 👀
‘That’ gig is getting announced one day next week!
So keep your eyes peeled, take some deep breaths & sign up to our newsletter. (That’s where we are going to be announcing it first, you’ll get an email on the day)https://t.co/09WyPPNbtDpic.twitter.com/1ON8wShgSQ
They then joked: “Ps // we are no longer accepting bribes x”
You can sign up to Gorilla’s newsletter here, which is where on-sale information will be announced first. They’ve confirmed that ticket sales will be entirely online.
Gorilla has previously had to warn fans about a ticket scam that appeared to start up way before the official on-sale begins, with people flogging fake tickets for The 1975’s charity gig.
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They wrote: “TICKET WARNING. We are aware of people trying their luck and promoting tickets for sale for The 1975. This is false information. No tickets of any kind have been released. Do not buy tickets from anywhere for any show unless advertised directly by us. Stay safe X”
Gorilla had also previously posted, while being bombarded by hundreds of people on Twitter: “My god you lot are EXCITED and we love it!
We are still waiting to hear on when tickets will become available. As soon as we get the intel, you’ll be the first to know. Thank you for being so patient, we totally get how exciting/stressful this is.
“(It is kinda funny teasing you all though won’t lie. We are usually very organised, this is all Matty’s fault. Hehehehe).”
Featured image: Twitter, @thisisgorilla
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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.
Robbie Williams announces intimate gig in Manchester for BRITs Week 26 for War Child
Daisy Jackson
Iconic popstar Robbie Williams has announced a surprise gig in Manchester – and it’s soon.
The British star will be performing as part of the upcoming BRITs Week 26 for War Child, a gig series which is seeing huge artists playing intimate venues all over the UK.
Robbie Williams will be taking to the stage at Aviva Studios in Manchester in just a few weeks’ time, ahead of the BRIT Awards’ northern debut at the Co-op Live.
The 18-times BRIT Award-winner be performing tracks from his debut album Life Thru A Lens and his recent number one album BRITPOP, with support from indie chart-toppers Lottery Winners.
The newly-announced gig for Robbie Williams is part of BRITs Week, which takes place around The BRIT Awards 2026, with other artists performing in Manchester including Olivia Dean, Josh Baker, and The K’s.
All proceeds from the shows will go to help War Child’s essential work providing aid, education, specialist mental health support to children whose lives are affected by war.
Robbie Williams will perform at Aviva Studios in Manchester on 27 February.
BRITs Week 26 for War Child full lineup
12 February – Fatboy Slim – Boiler Shop, Newcastle, supported by Max Jones
16 February – Lambrini Girls – The Garage, London, supported by Bimini
18 February – Spiritualized – EartH Theatre, London
20 February – The K’s – Gorilla, Manchester
24 February – Myles Smith – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, supported by Saint Raymond
25 February – Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE – Emerald Theatre, London, supported by Gabriella Cilmi
25 February – kwn – Patterns, Brighton, supported by CARI
25 February – Josh Baker – YES, Manchester, supported by Deliah and Alexandria
26 February – Rossi. – YES, Manchester, supported by Olive F
26 February – Olivia Dean – Albert Hall, Manchester
27 February – Jacob Alon – Music Hall at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, supported by Lizzie Reid
27 February – Robbie Williams – Aviva Studios, Manchester, supported by Lottery Winners
Fans can enter the prize draw and win a pair of tickets to see the artist of their choice, for just a £10 per entry donation to War Child. Available HERE.
A limited number of tickets are also available on general sale HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
6th January 2023 
