Watching the Jonas Brothers at the Co-op Live Arena was like stepping into a time machine that none of us ever wanted to get out of.
Although the tour was literally called ‘Five Albums, One Night’, we still somehow had our doubts as we walked up to the ever-impressive Co-op Live that we’d actually get the full spectrum of hits we were hoping for (mainly due to my disbelief that they’d actually play Camp Rock songs…)
But sometimes you have to hold your hands up and say ‘fair play’, because the Jonas Brothers delivered nothing non-stop hits, from nostalgic classics to the modern-day stuff.
What a venue, what a night. (Credit: The Manc Group)
Jonas Brothers at Co-op Live, Manchester – Review
Special mentions from the off
Before I really get into the bulk of the review though, I’d just like to shout out Mimi Webb, who opened the show brilliantly at the Co-op Live. From the moment she walked on stage you could have genuinely been fooled into thinking she was the one headlining.
Delivering many of her hits such as ‘Erase You’, ‘House on Fire’, ‘Good Without’ and more, she was the perfect support act for a crowd that was ready to party the night away.
Special mention also goes out to the actual venue: last night was admittedly my first time stepping foot into the Co-op Live and I was absolutely blown away, not only by the sheer size of the place but by how smoothly everything ran.
I know it may sound like a moot point but the best venues are the ones where you barely even notice all the effort that goes into the operation of ensuring customers have the best experience possible.
There’s nothing worse than paying good money for a ticket only to be held up in queues for the bar, toilet, or even just to get in; Co-op Live certainly ensures those problems don’t occur. It genuinely filled me with a little bit of Manc pride knowing that we have a music venue that good, right on our doorstep.
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Let’s go, Jo’ Bros
Anyway, onto the actual concert and can I first of all just start by saying, or rather screaming, AHHHHH!…
I’ll be the first to hold my hands up and admit Camp Rock was a seminal part of my early teenage years and that I’ve had a burning love for the Jonas Brothers ever since.
One thing that I really respected about their show is how they didn’t try to hide from their roots. There’s many a ‘child actor turned superstar’ out there who would love nothing more than to eradicate the memory of them ever being a plucky Disney channel regular.
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Not these lads, however. The Jo’ Bros seem to fully own their pre-teen and small screen past, wearing that reputation not with any adolescent cringe but instead like a badge of honour.
The show truly did span their entire discography, from ‘Gotta Find You’ (Camp Rock), all the way through to their latest record – fittingly called, The Album. It was two and a half hours of banger after banger… after banger, after BANGER, (I could go on—actually, I might…); after banger, after banger.
Okay, I’m done. Seriously though, the crowd were absolutely loving every moment of it. Every time one song ended and another began, within the first three notes being played, all you could hear was 23,000 simultaneous screams from adoring fans, ourselves firmly included.
In summary, the vibes were immaculate, the songs were stunning, the audience had the times of their lives and for one very special evening with inhibition left at the front door, a trio of siblings from across the pond made it felt like all might be well in the world once again.
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Hyperbole? Maybe, but that’s what pop music’s all about.
For future reference, we’ll fight anyone who dares to mock the Jonas Brothers as just some guilty pleasure.
That anyone should show shame for enjoying because last night they completely rocked (‘Camp Rock!’) the show, in an arena already heralded by many music legends.
You just have to be grateful for moments like these. Thank you, Jonas Brothers.
We know this write-up is 40% ‘review’ and about 60% Jonas Brothers fanboying — deal with it. (Credit: The Manc Group)
Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics is returning to Manchester next year
Clementine Hall
IconicDJ and radio presenter Pete Tong MBE is making his way back to Manchester with a whole host of guests ready to help you dance the night away.
Known for his live radio shows such as the ‘Essential Mix’ on BBC Radio 1, Tong is bringing back his widely successful Ibiza Classics club night to Manchester with an equally impressive roster of guests.
The ‘Ibiza Classics’ concept originated and debuted back in 2015 with Tong and co. taking on Royal Albert Hall as part of BBC Radio 1’s Proms schedule, paying homage to the island’s infectious anthems.
Since then, the English DJ has built a music event bigger than he could have ever imagined, and after a milestone year marking the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed Ibiza Classics show, Pete Tong has announced a brand-new run of UK arena dates for 2026.
Some of Tong’s notable releases include ‘Where’s The Music Gone’ and ‘Apocolypse’, alongside some very respectable dance music artists.
Other tracks to his name include ‘You Got The Love’ and ‘Time’, both collaborations with Jules Buckley, one of the famous faces you’ll get to see on this special Ibiza Classics tour.
The seven-date arena tour kicks off in Glasgow’s before heading to Manchester’s AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
He will also be playing in Leeds, Birmingham, and Nottingham, culminating the tour with two huge nights at The O2 London.
Ibiza Classics Live 2026
Thursday 3 December – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Friday 4 December – Manchester, AO Arena
Saturday 5 December – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
Wednesday 9 December – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Thursday 10 December – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December – London, The O2
He will be joined by long-standing collaborators Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra.
This night is expected to be filled with pure dance hits, and based on recent shows, there might even be appearances from even more musical talents and special guests.
Pete Tong, Jules Buckley, and The Essential Orchestra are bringing Ibiza Classics to AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
Tickets go on sale next Monday 15 December, and you can get them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Indiana Jones, live in concert, is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
An all-time Hollywood favourite is being brought to Manchester audiences like never before, as a special showing of the first Indiana Jones film is coming to the city centrein concert.
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ action-adventure series is one we all know and love – and if you haven’t seen it before, what are you playing at?
Having said that, the original beloved blockbuster still stands up as the most fondly remembered of the series to this day; put simply, the ‘best’ film in the ‘Indy’ franchise is Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Whether you agree with us or not, you can’t deny that the idea of hearing a live concert version of that iconic Indiana Jones score being played in the flesh by a proper orchestra sounds mega. Case in point:
The legendary John Williams score has been played in some of the most prestigious rooms in the world.
Now, how about hearing those incredible trumpets and French horns over the audio of the film itself, soundtracking each scene as it plays on the big screen in front of you?
Yes, we are nerding out, and so should you be.
After a globe-trotting trek that Indy himself would be proud of, the Disney Concerts production is now gearing up for its UK tour, with just a handful of lucky cities selected for the privilege.
You can see the full list of tour dates down below (we’ve highlighted other Northern shows for you, too):
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark: Live In Concert – UK tour dates | 2026
Sunday 31 May – Manchester Bridgewater Hall Monday 1 June – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Tuesday 2 June – Edinburgh Usher Hall Wednesday 3 June – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Thursday 4 June – Birmingham Symphony Hall Friday 5 June – Sheffield City Hall Sunday 7 June – London Eventim Apollo
As you can see, not only will the run of live shows be kicking off on home turf, but they have selected the one and only Bridgewater Hall for the movie concert experience – a more than fitting venue.
Released back in 1981, it’s unbelievable how timeless and instantly recognisable the iconic Indy theme and film score still is to this day.
Disney’s early access window and the presale via the venue both open from 10am this Thursday, 11 December, with general admission going live at the same time the following Friday (12 Dec).
You can get ready to grab your tickets to the Manchester screening and live orchestral performance next May right HERE.
Be it movies, TV or even games, we’re loving how many of these kinds of shows are coming to our city now, from all-time classics like Indiana Jones to cult favourite bits of British kids’ telly…
Oli Lowe -
13th September 2024 
