Nearly 50 years later and heavy metal legends Iron Maiden are still going strong and despite having only just finished playing a whopping run of 139 gigs back in October, they’re at it again with another world tour and arrive in Manchester on Friday, 30 June.
The legendary Leyton rock band formed all the way back in 1975 might have tweaked their lineup over the years but they’re still one of the biggest musical names on the planet and their current ‘The Future Past Tour‘ has been a sellout across the globe.
Kicking the latest shows off in Arena Stožice, Slovenia this past May, the Irons have now made their way back to Britain and the AO Arena, specifically, and it’s set to be one spectacular show.
With their classic shredding guitars, explosive pyros and Bruce Dickinson still on vocals, you can expect a night of music you’ll never forget. For those of you going along, here’s everything you need to know about Iron Maiden’s return to Manchester‘s AO Arena.
If you we’re hoping to get tickets for Iron Maiden at the AO Arena on Friday, then we’ve got some bad news: you never stood a chance of getting these bad boys.
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Given that not they are not only one of the most iconic bands of all time but this will be their first Manchester show since 2018 (yes, it’s been that long), they were always going to sell out fast and we’re afraid to say that even the most luxurious VIP packages aren’t available for this one.
There’s always next time.
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Of course, you can obviously keep your eyes out for spares going on trusted resellers like TicketSwap and Twickets but, as always we advise caution and avoid ticket touts at all costs — there’s no point in getting stung for a large sum and still potentially not getting in.
Credit: Iron Maiden (via Instagram)
Supports
Now, as for those chosen to help warm the crowd up ahead of the mighty Maiden — not that they’ll even need it — that responsibility falls on a single support acts in German rock band, Lord of the Lost.
Trusted with playing a pretty decent set, the Hamburg-based gothic and industrial metal outfit ar ealso playing their first Manchester gig since 2018 when they played The Ruby Lounge, may she rest in peace.
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Fronted and formed by singer Chris ‘Lord’ Harms back in 2007, their sound is the perfect accompaniment for a band like Iron Maiden and have a die-hard following of their own, with the five-piece also set to play Manchester Academy 3 late this year.
We expect they’ll carry over a fair few converts from Friday night’s gig come their return to 0161 on 29 September.
So, what time is all kicking off? Well, according to the information on Ticketmaster and AO’s website, doors are set to open around 6pm with opening act Lord of the Lost starting at 7.30pm.
Given they are the only support, you can hopefully expect a set of anywhere between 30 mins to a full hour. There’ll obviously be an interval before the main event and with that in mind, you should see the headliners step out on stage at 9pm.
AO Arena usually has a curfew of around 11pm as well, we imagine Iron Maiden will be beating you over the head with two hours of non-stop bangers, which still leaves you plenty of time to heard over to the after-party at Rebellion.
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Sounds like a dream Friday night, to be honest.
The Future Past Tour setlist
Now, last but not least we have our predicted setlist and while we can go off the previous tracks played thus far, bands can always switch things up on the night, so take this with a pinch of salt.
Nevertheless, Iron Maiden have stuck to a fairly rigid 15-song format since the start of the tour in Slovenia and as well as the obvious classics, we think we have a rough idea of what you can expect.
IDLES frontman Joe Talbot set for ’10 Songs That Made Me’ interview at AO Arena
Danny Jones
Cult favourite frontman Joe Talbot of IDLES fame is set to for an eye-opening sit-down interview as part of AO Arena’s ’10 Songs That Made Me’ series.
The lead singer of the politically-charged post-punk band will be joining the in-conversation event opposite BBC 6 Music host and popular radio host, full stop, Chris Hawkins.
Having often drifted into hardcore, art rock and even spoken word at times, Joe Talbot and co. have become known for the cutting lyricism and insightful songwriting in general, so we can only assume that diving into his own musical influences will be just as riveting.
Joining his fellow audophile on stage at the city’s legendary live music and entertainment venue this November, Talbot and Hawkins will be running through the tracks that quite literally helped create the musician we know today.
According to the AO, the arena will host an in-depth chat with the provocative 41-year-old artist as he walks Chris Hawkins through “the most important musical chapters of his life, his stunning musical journey from resident DJ at one of Bristol’s hottest clubs, through to headlining Glastonbury festival.”
It is quite the career he’s had when you break it down.
They go on to promise “raw honesty and trademark wit” as Joe reflects on the record, acts and cultural moments that shaped him as a young performer before breaking onto the scene with IDLES.
As for the ’10 Songs That Made Me’ series itself, it may be what it says on the tin, but most interestingly, being in the crowd and hearing it from each different group/individual changes the experience entirely.
“More than a story of success—it’s a journey of resilience, passion, and community”, they go on to add. “Expect an evening of candid conversation, unexpected anecdotes, and deep dives into the music that has not only defined Joe’s career but also resonated with millions around the world.
If you’re fans of the band or Talbot, in particular, you’ll already know they’re great orators; plus, if you caught even a small clip from his own fledgling Oh Gatekeeper podcast, you’ll know he loves nothing more than diving deep into tunes that shape not just the audio landscape but people at their core.
Just casually getting the lead singer of The Strokes on for in the first season, as you do…
On a personal note, we’ve watched the IDLES x Grammy Museum interview on multiple ocassions at this point, and know how much artistry there is behind everything they do.
The same goes for Talbot, specifically – there’s no doubt about that.
If you’re interested in being part of the audience for Joe Talbot’s in conversation event with Chris Hawkins as part of ’10 Songs That Made Me’, tickets for the date at AO Arena on Tuesday, 25 November are live now, and you can grab yours via Skiddle right HERE.
Last but not least, special mention goes to the interviewing expert himself, whose recent chat with Tim Burgess about The Charlatans getting back into the studio is also well worth a listen.
Tune in to 6 Music from 1pm today, @Tim_Burgess is my very special guest and rumour has it that we might get to hear a brand new Charlatans track… pic.twitter.com/vzoGDnvS7G
Wet Leg announce huge outdoor gig in Manchester as part of landmark live dates
Clementine Hall
Isle of Wight five-piece Wet Leg have announced their biggest headline shows to date, announcing a trio of huge outdoor gigs, including one right here in Manchester at Castlefield Bowl.
The multi-award-winning indie and alt outfit rose to fame back in 2022 with iconic tracks like Chaise Longue and Wet Dream, packing out stages at Glastonbury not long after releasing their critically acclaimed debut album.
Becoming their second consecutive number one in just as many attempts, moisturizer, is equally as fun and fabulous as the first – we cannot wait to hear it live in these.
Comprised of two lead singers in Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, Ellis Durand on bass, drummer Henry Holmes and guitarist Joshua Mobaraki, this lot can make plenty of noise.
And as you can see, to make things even better, they’ll be joined by Leeds’ very own English Teacher as the main support act at each one of the landmarks shows.
As for their down south show, they’ll also be playing Alexandra Palace Park down in the capital to round out this run of live dates next summer.
It goes without saying that we’re obviously buzzing to see them become the latest name on the lineup for the 2026 Sounds of the City series, with a hometown hero also joining the ranks as of this month:
Wet Leg are in good company when they rock up to Castlefield Bowl.
Set to play the Bowl on Wednesday, 8 July, before heading to Leeds and then London for consecutive nights, we’re sure you’ll see them playing tonnes more big stages throughout festival season.
Tickets for all three of Wet Leg’s confirmed dates for 2026 go on sale this Friday, 31 October from 9:30am, and you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
We reckon this one will be a real ticket scramble, so we wouldn’t mess about if you want to bag yourself a ticket; in fact, given that all of their live shows this year sold out, we know it will…
Danny Jones -
30th June 2023 
