Friday night’s gig at New Century Hall was one of those where you’re so stunned by the show that you’re left wishing the act in front of you was Manc so you could claim them as you’re own – but sadly Novo Amor is a Welshman and we had to give him back.
The stage name for the highly impressive multi-instrumentalist and producer, Ali John Meredith-Lacey, in truth seeing him for the first time here in Manchester proved that the Novo Amor really is the sum of many talented parts.
Much like Bon Iver in that sense and in style, sound and approach to making music, for without Justin Vernon and co. there would be no Novo, one of our first worries was that he would be unable to carry over the level of production and sound design heard on the albums to the stage performance.
That’s where his full band came in, who ensured not only that the whole thing sounded virtually studio-perfect but took a step beyond what we ever thought we’d get to hear at a Novo Amor gig. And it all started with Ed Tullet performing under his own stage name Lowswimer for the opening act.
Lowswimmer supporting Novo Amor in Manchester (Credit: The Manc Audio)
Anyone who listens to Novo will likely be aware of the little sub-group of artists that all swim in the same circle, from Ali himself to the likes Gia Margaret, Sean Carey (part of Bon Iver) and Yvette Young, to Hailaker – Tullet being one-half opposite Jemima Coulter – as well as Lowswimmer and several others.
ADVERTISEMENT
He might have only played a handful of songs with only a guitar, including a couple of beautiful Hailaker tracks, but it was more than enough to leave an impression of the very sincere artist who clearly has a massive influence on all of those around him.
Explaining that this would be his second to last show perform with Novo Amor due to health issues and the general toll of touring, having helped write, record, produce and play the bulk of music ever put out under that name since day dot, it was a fittingly sombre and intimate warm-up.
ADVERTISEMENT
However, even in delivering the more stripped-back set we were already half expecting from the headliner, we almost managed to get both sides of this little mini-music community: the quieter acoustic stuff where big vocals moments are left to shine, and they did, as well as the real deal.
There was even a moment when tiny embers began to flicker as if you were listening to the guitar around a campfire.
When Ali and the rest of his band finally walked out on stage, with Ed himself receding back into what looked to be the more comfortable position just outside of the spotlight, it suddenly dawned on us that it wouldn’t just be a few folky guitars and some nice piano playing.
After the Lowswimmer’s ironically low-lit stage had somehow managed to hide a quietly better-budget backdrop, the stage suddenly began to light up as Novo Amor wandered on to pick up their instruments and play and from here on out we were just as captivated by the lights and effects as we were the music.
ADVERTISEMENT
Be it thin but sharp white lines tracing the borders of light boxes like a weird game of snake; solid blocks of electric blues, warm yellows and moody reds appearing on perfectly-timed musical cues or dots delicately twinkling into a slow-moving constellation, each song felt like an experience.
Not sure we’ll ever get over seeing this track being introduced in such a stunning way and in a venue as eye-catching as New Century:
Novo Amor stuns Manchester with ‘Same Day, Same Face’, fresh from his new album Collapse List at New Century.
Similar to Ed when he was busy tuning his guitar, Ali let on that his talent lies in bringing these intricately built-up tracks to life not only in record form but in translating them for the live shows too, choosing to ask ChatGPT for some ‘on-stage banter in the style of Novo Amor’ to fill the gaps.
Truthfully, as much as both parties said they were ‘not good at this kind of stuff’, he did a good job at handling the short lulls between songs by letting people ask questions, daft or not, as well as making sure water got to those feeling faint in the hot room. Everyone was fine, don’t worry.
In fact, when one girl seemingly passed out nearer to the front of the crowd as he came towards the end of fan favourite Halloween (you have no idea how gorgeous that song sounds with a full room of people singing it back, by the way), he still managed to check on her whilst quietly playing the outro. A total pro.
ADVERTISEMENT
Those were the three key letters here in every sense the more we think about it; be it the effortless professionalism in recreating what you hear in your headphones down to the tee and then some live, or the production levels and simple but striking set design behind them, it was verging on surreal.
We might not have been anticipating such a put-together set and overall level of production both in terms of sound and the often mesmerising visuals but we don’t know why, because we absolutely should’ve.
This is what you get when you put a group of extremely talented musicians and multi-instrumentalists together in one place. They might make highly complex, heavily layered and often delicate sounds with electronics and technology playing a big role, but they also know how to ramp it up for an audience.
All we can pray is that the next time Novo is back in Manchester he brings at least one half of Hailaker along again and maybe a surprise showing from another corner of this collective.
A special shout-out has to go to Ed as well; we have no shame in admitting that watching Ali looking on at his long-term creative partner and mate with a smile as he signed off his time with the live band by belting out the final tune had us welling up.
ADVERTISEMENT
Novo Amor might not be from Manchester but we want him back soon.
Lorde at AO Arena, Manchester – stage times, setlist, tickets and more essential info
Daisy Jackson
Lorde is performing a huge gig at the AO Arena in Manchester this week, as part of her Ultrasound World Tour.
The New Zealand-born singer burst onto the music scene at the tender ages of 16 with her smash-hit single Royals, way back in 2013.
Since then, she’s gone on to break several records with the releases of her four studio albums, and scooped up a handful of GRAMMYs and BRIT awards along the way too.
As well as her gig at the AO Arena here in Manchester, Lorde will also be calling at major UK cities including London, Birmingham and Glasgow.
The tour comes hot off the heels of the release of her latest album, Virgin, which once again topped the Official UK Album Charts.
If you’re heading to see Lorde at the AO Arena, here’s everything you need to know.
Lorde UK tour dates
15 November – AO Arena, Manchester
16 November – The O2, London
17 November – The O2, London
19 November – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
20 November – Utilita Arena Birmingham
Who is supporting Lorde at the AO Arena?
Experimental musician and producer Blood Orange, otherwise known as Devonte Hynes, will be the main support act for Lorde in Manchester.
The British musician has worked with the likes of Florence and the Machine, Mac Miller, Kylie Minogue, and – of course – Lorde, and will be warming up the crowds ready for our headliner.
Also taking the stage before Lorde will be electronic and indie pop star Jim-E Stack, whose solo releases have featured everyone from Bon Iver to Charli XCX.
Tickets for Lorde’s gig in Manchester
Credit: Thistle Brown
At the time of writing, there are just a handful of random tickets left for Lorde’s gig.
These are priced between £48.60 and £161.30.
Otherwise, your best bet is to look at resale tickets from a reputable site.
Stage times for Lorde at AO Arena Manchester
The AO Arena hasn’t yet confirmed the exact stage times for Lorde, but has said that doors will open from 6pm with a start time of around 7pm.
At other shows, Lorde has typically arrived on stage at around 9pm.
You can roughly expect stage times to be as follows:
Doors 6pm
Jim E-Stack 7pm
Blood Orange 8pm
Lorde 9pm
Keep an eye on the AO Arena’s socials for the latest.
Aitch’s brief statement as Moston rapper heads into the I’m A Celebrity jungle
Daisy Jackson
Manchester rapper Aitch is officially taking party in this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.
The rumoured line-up had been swirling for days as stars were spotted touching down in Australia ahead of the ITV series restarting for 2025.
And now I’m A Celebrity has officially revealed its line-up, which includes MOBO and Brit Award-winning Aitch, Ruby Wax, Martin Kemp, and Jack Osbourne, to name a few.
Aitch has said on his final post on Instagram before he disappears into the Australian bush that he’s ’bout to go f*ck up the jungle the Manchester way’.
He wrote: “I’ve made songs with most people I grew up listening to, now I’m going on the show I grew up watching.
“Mam this one’s for you. bout to go f*ck up the jungle the Manchester way. Cinnabit.”
Aitch, real name Harrison Armstong, hopes to raise awareness about Down Syndrome while he has the platform of the I’m A Celebrity camp – a genetic disorder his beloved sister Gracie has.
He said: “I feel like I have got this calling to raise awareness for Down syndrome and I feel that’s the perfect place.
“Also, you don’t always want to be stuck in the same world forever. You can branch out and do other things. You don’t have to stick to the code (rap world), because you think that’s cool.
“I did have to cancel some gigs for it. But you are never going to branch out if you do the same thing all the time.”
Joining Aitch in the I’m A Celebrity jungle will be presenter, author and comedian Ruby Wax, who wants the public to see that she’s not as ‘aggressive and pushy’ as her TV persona sometimes seems.
The full I’m A Celebrity 2025 line-up, including Manchester rapper Aitch. Credit: ITV
Also heading in will be Martin Kemp, whose presenter son Roman finished in third place on a previous series.
Martin said: “I’ve had to cancel some jobs, but when Roman was on I’m A Celebrity, I was addicted. I watched it every day and enjoyed it so much. I felt it was now time in my life for an adventure.”
DJ and model Kelly Brook said that she has surprised herself in several ways since being with her husband, including starring on Race Across The World and running the London marathon – now it’s time to see if she can be queen of the jungle.
Jack Osbourne, son of the late, great Ozzy Osbourne, will be starring on I’m A Celebrity and said the hardest thing for him will be being away fro his ‘lots of kids, my wife, and my family still int he wake of my dad passing’.
Also on this year’s I’m A Celeb line-up is former Lionness Alex Scott MBE, who said her partner Jess Glynne thinks she’s ‘absolutely mental’ for signing up for the reality show.
Social media sensation Angry Ginge will be appearing in the Australian jungle this year, saying he’s interested to see how he’ll cope without a phone, having only ever spent a week away from it before.
Joining him is Eastenders star and West End actor Shona McGarty, who is a ‘massive fan’ of the show and is excited for audiences to see what she’s like when she’s ‘completely myself’.
Comedian and radio host Eddie Kadi says he’s been prepping for his stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle by doing intermittent fasting, but doesn’t know ‘how he will survive’ without flavour.
The final campmate joining Aitch in the I’m A Celebrity jungle is Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley, who finally said yes to ITV ahead of her milestone 50th birthday next year.
I’m A Celebrity starts Sunday at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV & STV Player.
The full I’m A Celebrity 2025 line-up
Aitch – Rapper
Ruby Wax OBE – Presenter, author and comedian
Martin Kemp – Actor and pop star
Kelly Brook – DJ and model
Jack Osbourne – TV Personality
Alex Scott MBE – Sports broadcaster and former Lioness
Danny Jones -
12th April 2024 
