Gracie Abrams’ ‘The Secret of Us’ tour is more than just a concert – it’s a raw, emotive journey through the heart of her music.
From the moment she steps onto the Co-op Live stage in Manchester, Gracie Abrams commands the room with an aura of vulnerability, wearing a shimmering silver sequined dress that mirrors her own luminous energy.
The simplicity of the stage setup – just her, her band, and a microphone – lets the music take centre stage, free from distractions.
The UK leg of the tour is a testament to Gracie’s growth as an artist. Each song feels like an intimate conversation, with Gracie sharing her innermost thoughts through poetic lyrics and hauntingly beautiful vocals.
In an era when pop music can feel superficial, Gracie’s authenticity stands out, making her more than just another pop star – she’s an artist with a story to tell.
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As the crowd sings along, it’s impossible to ignore the sea of teenage girls, many of them wearing bows in their hair, all passionately shouting and singing along to lyrics about heartbreak and longing.
It’s as if the collective voice of the crowd is woven into Gracie’s own, amplifying the depth of each song’s emotion.
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The connection between Gracie and her fans is palpable – her music serves as a soundtrack to their shared experiences, a bond that makes every lyric feel personal and every note resonate deep within.
Gracie’s candid performance style draws the audience in even further, as she opens up about her songwriting process and the emotions behind her music.
This transparency transforms the show from a performance into a shared experience. It feels less like you’re watching an artist perform and more like you’re navigating life’s highs and lows together.
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Gracie Abrams at the Co-op Live in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
When she takes a seat at the piano for ‘I Gave You I Gave You’, the emotion in her voice is undeniable. The stripped-back setting only amplifies the intensity, making the moment feel incredibly intimate. The crowd is spellbound, feeling like they’re witnessing something deeply personal.
Gracie’s influences are clear, particularly from pop sensation Taylor Swift. Like Swift, Gracie has cultivated a deeply personal connection with her fans. During the show, she delighted the crowd by performing ‘Block Me Out’, a song she wrote years ago, offering a glimpse into her evolution as an artist.
Gracie also pays tribute to Taylor Swift by performing ‘Us’, a track on which Swift herself features.
This moment of homage sparks an intriguing question: has Taylor Swift become the “godmother” of this new wave of pop artists, like Gracie and Sabrina Carpenter? Whether by design or not, it’s undeniable that Taylor’s influence has shaped their artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the way they create and connect with their audiences.
One of the night’s highlights is Gracie’s connection with the audience. She FaceTimes a fan’s friend, Monica, during the show, adding a personal touch that makes the concert feel like an intimate gathering.
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Her playful sense of humor shines through as she jokes with fans about bows, showcasing her warmth and relatability.
While the night is emotionally anchored by slower, melancholic tracks, a shift in tone could’ve provided a welcome break.
Nevertheless, Gracie’s ability to hold the audience’s attention with her heartfelt delivery is unmatched.
Her upbeat songs, like ‘That’s so true’ bring the crowd to life, but it’s the slower, introspective moments that truly define the night.
The tour had its challenges, with the cancellation of shows in Leeds and Nottingham, leaving some fans disappointed. However, Gracie and her team ensured the spirit of the tour remained intact.
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In both cities, the opening act, Dora Jar, performed intimate gigs, giving fans a chance to experience something special. This thoughtful gesture reinforced the strong connection Gracie fosters with her audience.
Despite a few setbacks, it’s clear that Gracie Abrams and her team are fully dedicated to their craft.
Her authenticity, charm, and emotional depth make this tour an unforgettable experience – one that will resonate long after the final note fades.
With a passionate fan base and a future filled with promise, Gracie Abrams is an artist whose music will continue to speak to the soul for years to come.
Dave at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
Highly-acclaimed rapper-songwriter Dave is heading to Co-op Live for two nights, in support of his recent release The Boy Who Played The Harp.
Manchester is gearing up for two nights of high-energy rap with a sprinkle of prose courtesy of rapper and songwriter Dave, taking place at Co-op Live.
The rapper has been cultivating an audience of dedicated fans through his impressive solo work and some pretty huge collaborations with acts like Central Cee, AJ Tracey, Fredo and more.
The Brit-Nigerian star has three albums to his name and an even bigger number of chart-toppers, recently earning his fourth, a collaboration with Afrobeats artist Tems titled ‘Raindance’.
Now, Dave is compiling a 10-year discography, creating a setlist perfect to be played at 23,500 seater venue Co-op Live right here in Manchester.
Gig guide | Dave at Co-op Live, Manchester – all you need to know
Dave is playing two shows at Co-op Live Manchester in March as part of his UK tour / Credit: supplied via Wikimedia Commons
Dave UK tour dates
Fri 13 March – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
Mon 16 March – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Tue 17 March – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Sat 29 August – Little John’s Farm – Reading, UK
Sun 30 August – Bramham Park – Leeds, UK
Are there tickets left for Dave at Co-op Live?
You ‘Wanna Know’ if there’s any Dave tickets going spare? Well guess what, you’re in luck as you can still find a handful of tickets to both dates.
It might not be a ‘Funky Friday’, but Dave is coming to Co-op Live in Manchester on Monday 16 March with tickets HERE.
There’s two chances to witness some of the best ‘UK Rap’ so grab your ‘Trojan Horse’ and get ready to watch him live on Tuesday 17 March – tickets HERE.
Dave setlist for 2026 tour
History
No Weapons
Verdansk
Clash
System
Both Sides of a Smile
Screwface Capital
Location
Thiago Silva
No Words
Professor X
Funky Friday
Kat Slater
Titanium
Victory Lap Freestyle
Trojan Horse
UK Rap
Selfish
Chapter 16
The Boy Who Played the Harp
Sprinter
Starlight
Stage times for Dave and support act at Co-op Live, Manchester
Doors for the ‘Money Talks’ hitmaker are set to open from 6.30pm with no official starting time listed although the rapper has taken to the stage around 9pm at previous dates.
The show officially begins at 7.30pm, with Lost Boys performing as support.
You’re guaranteed to get swept away by Dave’s songs and the storytelling weaved throughout his lyrics.
How to get to Co-op Live
Tram
For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus, which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live. You also get free Bee Network travel with any valid event.
Getting there by car and parking
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue, but this must be pre-booked ahead of time, and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU, and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide on event day, though estimates will obviously vary:
Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live, but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly, and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes on the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
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For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
Featured Images – Press shot via supplied / Wikimedia Commons via supplied
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Korn announce massive Manchester gig on first UK tour in a decade
Daisy Jackson
Korn have announced a major Manchester gig as part of a new UK tour – their first in more than a decade.
The nu metal legends will be heading to the AO Arena later this year, making a monumental return to British shores.
And they’ve announced very special guests will be joining them on the tour too – support will come from Architects, as well as Youth Code.
Korn burst onto the scene back in 1991 with their seminal self-titled debut album, and have gone on to release a whopping 14 studio albums.
The Californian group have sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, collected two Grammy Awards, and headed out on countless world tours.
They’re often cited by newer bands as a major influence and have pushed the limits of the rock, alternative and metal genres.
The Ringer has described Korn as ‘a genuine movement in a way bands cannot be now’.
As well as performing in Manchester, Korn will play at venues across the UK including in Leeds, Birmingham, Newcastle, and London.
They’ll be joined by Architects, a British metalcore band who have continued to top the charts even after the tragic death of founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter Tom Searle.
Korn will be at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 31 October, with pre-sale tickets available from Tuesday 17 March at 8am, before a general on-sale from Friday 20 March at 8am HERE.
Dec Kelly -
8th March 2025 
