Coming to Manchester and the rest of the world for the very first time, PlayStation™ ‘The Concert’ descends upon the Co-op Live in 2025.
The industry-leading entertainment venue is the largest of its kind in Europe and is already welcoming a whole host of incredible events in its first full calendar year, with countless gigs, the UFC, WWE Live and even Salford poet John Cooper Clarke set to play the arena.
But now Co-op Live is expanding its debut programme with even more variety, including Sony and PlayStation’s ‘The Concert’ World Tour, which will see live orchestras perform some of the platform’s most soundtracks in front of your very eyes.
Landing in Manchester next April, this is one of just six UK dates named as part of the landmark new show and whether you love gaming or simply enjoy a good movie/TV score, this one is for you.
Kicking off in Dublin, it does exactly what it says on the tin: each evening will see the music and soundscapes from some of the most iconic games ever made brought to life by fully-fledged live orchestras like never before.
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Bolstered by a state-of-the-art sound system and the level of high-fidelity visuals gamers have come to expect from Sony Entertainment and generations of PlayStation titles, they’re promising a groundbreaking experience.
The first iteration of this live event came with an initial one-off event at the Royal Albert Hall back in 2018 and after growing concept and production value since then, PlayStation The Concert is now coming to over 200 different cities around the globe.
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An innovative multi-screen design, combining advanced LED and projection technologies, will enhance the event and deliver the most iconic moments and imagery from these games. Coupled with surround sound, the show delivers breathtaking visual and audio depth, creating an immersive experience that will allow the audience to relive their gaming adventures like never before.
Set to deliver legendary scores from composers like Gustavo Santaolalla (The Last of Us), Joris De Man (Horizon), Ilan Eshkeri (Ghost of Tsushima), and Bear McCreary of the rebooted God of War franchise will reach new heights, offering fans a unique, deeply immersive live concert experience.
An example of the iconic PlayStation sounds you’ll see played in person.
2025’s PlayStation The Concert world tour starts its British leg in Birmingham before arriving here in Manchester on 22 April.
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General admission tickets for the tour go on live this Friday, 18 October at 3pm but, as per with events at this venue, Co-op Members can access pre-sale from today (Wed, 16 October).
VIP packages are also available. You can get ready to grab yours HERE.
Featured Images — Supplied/PlayStation/Sony/The Manc Group
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Blossoms and Rick Astley combine to deliver one of the coolest Live Lounges in ages
Danny Jones
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Let’s start this off by clearing something up: we’re by no means saying that there haven’t been good appearances in the Live Lounge of late but, in terms of the calibre of covers to have ever graced BBC Radio, this Blossoms and Rick Astley collab is one of the best we’ve heard in years.
Blossoms and Rick Astley have become firm friends and have performed together on multiple occasions in recent times – most famously performing a number of The Smiths classics back in 2021 – so it didn’t come as too much of a surprise when we saw him joining them at the Radio 1 studios earlier this week.
The Newton-le-Willows-born singer even featured in videos as well as promo clips for their latest album Gary, which went straight to number one back in September, and now his latest crossover comes in one of the coolest little remixes the Live Lounge has been given for a while.
Please enjoy Charli XCX‘s ‘360’, the lead single from her smash-hit record, Brat, bleeding seamlessly into ‘Music Sounds Better With You’ by Stardust.
Really, is this Blossoms with Rick Astley covering 'The Music Sounds Better With You'?
The first time we saw this clip reposted on social we didn’t even know Rick was going to pop up towards the end but boy are we glad we did it.
After Blossoms frontman Tom Odgen delivers his pared-down performance of one electronic pop song, the 59-year-old effortlessly sidles up to sing the other, even putting a bit of gruff behind that chorus.
With Josh Dewhurst blending the two tracks perfectly with that instantly recognisable little guitar riff, it’s like the listener gets that exciting moment of realising where the remixed cover is going – a feeling we’ve not had from a Live Lounge session in some time.
Not only does it work as a split but it also works because those key tones and the simple but catchy acoustic progression running throughout do feel very Blossoms, and if there’s one thing that outlines a great BBC Radio Live Lounge it’s an artist covering an iconic track whilst still sounding like themselves.
It’s also worth noting that this isn’t even the first time the Stockport boys have nailed a Live Lounge performance as their 2017 cover of ‘In Da Club’ by 50 Cent still live rent-free in our heads too.
We really enjoyed their performance of their ‘Perfect Me’, ‘There’s A Reason Why’ and ‘I Like Your Look’ on the day too and the whole session served as yet another reminder of how the local lads really are on top form.
It also begs the question: are they up there with the best Live Loungers ever?…
You can watch the rest of Blossoms‘ Live Lounge performances over the years down below:
Hideaway – Co-op Live unveils new late-night luxury members club by celebrity chef Simon Rimmer
Thomas Melia
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A newly designed members lounge is making its way to Co-op Live in Manchester, adding to the entertainment venue’s already impressive roster.
Joining the lineup of 32 other food and drink vendors, bars, restaurants and lounges, ‘Hideaway’ boasts a menu curated by chef and TV personality Simon Rimmer.
Known for fronting Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch with co-host Tim Lovejoy, and for being the man behind Manchester’s much-loved and now-lost Greens restaurants, Rimmer’s next venture takes his dishes away from the big screen and into the Co-op Live.
Guests will be presented with vibrant delights from a menu which is dedicated to Mediterranean-inspired foods, one of the celebrity chef’s favourite cuisines.
Replacing the former ‘Decibel Lounge’, the new luxury lounge ‘Hideaway’ boasts the same unforgettable view of the stage from section 103.
Food will also be served at the beginning and end of every event, and guests are in for a treat because after all that dancing, you’ll definitely be able to satisfy those post-concert foodie cravings.
From kebabs, small plates and quick bites, Simon Rimmer’s tailored menu is ideal for an entertainment venue such as Manchester’s Co-op Live, giving members everything they need to stay fuelled throughout the show.
Hideaway – Co-op Live’s newest exclusive luxury lounge.A proposed seating and dining area for Hideaway, Co-op LiveAn illustration of the plans commencing at Hideaway, Co-op LiveCredit: The Manc Group
Drinks are also a must, especially when they have been specially expertly crafted and paired with the food on your table, including Moët & Chandon champagne and Hennessy Cognac cocktails.
Now your music taste won’t be the only thing catered towards, your tastebuds can experience the same joy too.
This new experience really is exclusive with only 100 spaces available and if it receives as much interest as the other lounges at the venue it’s sure to sell out.
Sam Piccione III, OVG International President of Sales, said: “The redesign of Hideaway marks a significant moment in our continued journey to deliver unrivalled premium experiences at Co-op Live.
“With Simon Rimmer’s involvement, we are taking things to the next level – creating a destination designed for music lovers, combining great music with outstanding food, cocktails and Champagne, in a stylish party atmosphere that makes experiencing live music at Co-op Live unforgettable.”
Anyone thinking of living their life a little more lavishly can do so by enquiring through Co-op Live’s website here.
Danny Jones -
16th October 2024 
