Katy Perry is here and you’re going to know about it. Like a punch in the face she’s blasted through Manchester on her The Lifetimes Tour and has three more dates to go including at the Utilita in Sheffield.
The wonderful team at the AO Arena kindly invited us down to experience (and it was an experience…) Katy Perry, whilst enjoying their premium offering at The Mezz, which is worth a visit in itself. More on that later.
Ahead of the show beginning there’s a mega buzz in the bowl, with Perry fans dressed up in an array of outfits matching an album ‘era’. I’m surprised there are so many young fans of Katy as she’s someone I grew up with, but perhaps that’s just me showing my age.
The stage takes the shape of a huge infinity sign, with a vast number of television screens adorning the back. The ‘theme’ of the show is meant to be video games, the purpose of which goes over my head and apparently many of the gig-goers too.
We are blasted with a visual cacophony of random animations, lights, acrobatics and structures that leave half the audience bewildered. It almost felt like Katy had asked ChatGPT to design her a show and she just said yes to everything it suggested. The storyline was bizarre and so many people around me were asking each other what was going on. In Katy’s defence though, she did describe herself as crazy and odd, so perhaps the whole show is reflective of this.
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Madness aside, Perry still stuns with brilliant vocals and gets the whole crowd absolutely bopping to her classics like ‘Teenage Dream’, ‘Hot And Cold’ and ‘I Kissed A Girl’ – the audience went wild, and so did I.
There’s quite a lot of chat during the show too, which if you’re a die hard KatyCat you’d probably enjoy more than I did, who just wanted to sing and dance. Perry picked random fans from the audience to come on stage with her, and we shared some sweet moments with people who were absolutely besotted with her. One fan had even flown from Shanghai and had a custom coat with a huge train and message on for Katy.
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As the show starts to come to a conclusion, Katy rides around the bowl on a giant (ugly) butterfly which also didn’t make much sense but it was exciting when she flew so close – she might be chaotic, but she is still a superstar.
The show closes on ‘Firework’, an absolutely sensational crowd pleaser that had every single person out of their seats singing and dancing which was a real sight to see. Her fans really really love her.
If you want to hear some nostalgic tunes, have a great song and dance whilst also feeling completely confused and bewildered, then this is the show for you.
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About The Mezz at the AO Arena
The Mezz is the AO Arena’s new VIP bar and restaurant, unveiled last year as part of the arena’s £50m redevelopment.
The luxurious new space elevates the gig-going experience with five-star hospitality before, during and after every show at the huge venue.
For our Katy Perry visit, we had a fantastic host who took great care of my guest and I. We tucked into a delicious five course tasting menu, with the vegetarian options having been carefully considered rather than feeling like an afterthought.
If you’ve not been to the AO Arena recently, the whole concourse has had a facelift, giving an expensive and upmarket feel with an expanded food and drink offering and a smart layout. There’s a reason it is the home of great music and shows and acts love to come back here.
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts to play huge Heaton Park gig in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts are bringing their Love Earth World Tour to one of the biggest stages in Manchester – Heaton Park.
The huge outdoor show will take place next summer, marking Neil Young’s long-awaited return to the city.
The band’s Manchester show will kick off the European leg of the Love Earth World Tour, which will go on to visit open-air venues and festivals across the continent next summer.
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts will be supported by legendary rockers Elvis Costello & The Imposters in Manchester.
The newly-announced gig at Heaton Park will take place the night before Parklife festival kicks off.
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts are one of music’s most enduring and influential artists, and this gig will offer fans a rare opportunity to see him perform in one of our city’s most iconic outdoor spaces.
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts will play at Heaton Park in Manchester on Friday 19 June 2026.
Tickets are available from 9am on Monday 24 November via an exclusive, 48-hour presale for Neil Young Archives members.
General on-sale begins Friday 28 November at 9am HERE.
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts – Love Earth Tour 2026 dates
Jun 19 – Manchester, England @ Heaton Park ^
Jun 22 – Nimes, France @ Festival de Nimes ^
Jun 24 – Nancy, France @ Nancy Open Air ^
Jun 27 – Chelmsford, England @ State Fayre, Hylands Park ^
Jun 29 – Glasgow, Scotland @ Glasgow Summer Sessions, Bellahouston Park ^
Jul 01 – Cork, Ireland @ Virgin Media Park ^
Jul 03 – Oxfordshire, England @ Blenheim Palace Festival ^
Jul 05 – Cardiff, Wales @ Blackweir Fields ^
Jul 08 – Weert, The Netherlands @ Evenemententerrein Weert-Noord ^
Jul 10 – Zottegem, Belgium @ Rock Zottegem
Jul 12 – Locarno, Switzerland @ Moon+Stars, Piazza Grande
The Stone Roses’ Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield has died aged 63
Daisy Jackson
Tributes are pouring in for Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, after it was announced that the Stone Roses legend has died at the age of 63.
The bassist, who was also part of Primal Scream, was born in Crumpsall and has been one of Manchester’s most beloved musical figures ever since finding fame in the 1980s.
Mani’s brother Greg broke the news this afternoon, writing on Facebook: “IT IS WITH THE HEAVIEST OF HEARTS THAT I HAVE TO ANNOUNCE THE SAD PASSING OF MY BROTHER GARY MANI MOUNFIELD. RIP RKID.”
Mani’s wife Imelda also passed away in late 2023 after a battle with bowel cancer, for which the pair had raised money and awareness since her diagnosis.
That included a huge star-studded fundraising party where Mani and Imelda raised more than £100k for The Christie and local NHS charities.
Mani and Imelda shared twin sons, who were born in 2012.
Tributes are now flooding in for Mani, especially from those who have also been a part of the Manchester music scene.
Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown posted on X: “REST IN PEACE MANi X”
Rowetta shared a photo with Mani and Imelda and wrote: “Back with your Imelda, Mani. Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.”
Tim Burgess of The Charlatans fame said: “I shared this photo a week or so ago on Mani’s birthday. It never failed to bring a smile to my face – and that was exactly the same for the man himself.
“One of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend. Love you Mani x x. Never to be forgotten”
Shaun Ryder wrote: “RIP Mani – my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family X”
Reverend and the Makers shared: “My heart is broken. Found out this morning and just felt low as it gets all day.
“Mani was my musical hero and just a lovely genuine human. When my Dad died , he offered me the warmest and best advice. No fuss, privately, straight up and always available to everyone.
“I’m a bit ill myself at the minute and not ashamed to say I shed at tear at the news. See on the next one mate.
“A true legend of the game. RIP”
Echo and the Bunnymen wrote: “I’m absolutely gutted to hear the news about Mani, who I have always loved and always will love, deeply and forever. Like a brother.
“I am in shock to be honest. Please tell me I’m just having a bad, bad dream. My thoughts and feelings and Mani, love to all of his family from me. Mac Bunnyman Xxx”
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston -
12th October 2025 
