Veteran Danish rockers Volbeat are crossing the English Channel to play their first Manchester gig in over five years.
Volbeat formed in 2001 and have seen worldwide acclaim, especially in Europe with hits like ‘Still Counting’, ‘Die To Live’ and ‘Last Day Under the Sun’.
The band last stopped off in Manchester in 2019 performing to a rapturous crowd at O2 Apollo capping at 3,500, and no matter the years that have gone by, their fan base hasn’t gone anywhere.
Now, they’re hoping to impress AO Arena’s mighty 20,000 crowd which is sure to be filled with avid metal heads this winter.
This should come as no surprise to anybody as this upcoming announcement will mark the second time the Danish lads have played at this phenomenal indoor music venue, last visiting in 2016.
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Volbeat’s music can’t be boxed into any category as it fluctuates and flows between different musical styles, however, they do tend to mix lots of heavy metal elements with contemporary rock, pop, jazz and even electronics into their work.
They’ve often been described as ‘psychobilly’ or groove metal act – all we know is they’re class and since they’ve been back in the studio of late, we can’t wait to hear what they come up with next.
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Denmark may be ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world but Volbeat’s song titles seem to tell a different story with examples such as ‘The Devil’s Bleeding Crown’ and ‘Black Rose’.
As for the gig itself, they won’t be visiting one of Manchester’s biggest arenas alone either, bringing along not one but two support acts.
As you can see London-formed rock band, Bush, are the first to join forces with the Danish natives and they’ve got an equally large list of potential setlist staples to warm up the crowd.
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But before that, American hardcore outfit, Gel, are also set to support Volbeat; these New Jersey punks may only be a decade or so into their career, but they have a number of EPs and albums that have seen them grow a cult following – the only dilemma will be condensing everything into an opening slot.
Volbeat are set to play AO Arena in Manchester on 8 November with two staggered pre-sales on 12 and 13 March. Meanwhile, general sale will start from 10am on Friday, 14 March.
This is going to be a belter.
You can find out more information and you can get ready to grab your tickets HERE and roll on that new album…
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Thomas Melia -
6th March 2025 
