It’s not often you get to see genuine music royalty on the big stage just a few minutes down the road, but let it be known that the Foo Fighters’ first gig in Manchester for six years was one we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.
We’re also going to go ahead and confess that this isn’t even a review, not really: consider it an ode to one of the greatest bands to ever do it and it’s only after seeing them live that we truly appreciated their status as the rock gods they’ve been for decades now.
For a long time, the Foos have felt somewhat otherworldly, almost as if they were too big for us to ever believe we were actually seeing them in person.
But pinches of disbelief aside, we did – though not before two extremely impressive support acts.
Getting to catch a glimpse of Manchester post-punk with a hint of funk band Loose Articles as we finally made our way through the queues and crowds was a delight and we’re always buzzing to see local artists being given a platform by bigger acts – and it doesn’t get much bigger than Foo Fighters.
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We didn’t hear much of their live set, we’ll admit, but they’ve been on our radar for a little while now and we’re certainly going to be watching them closely as they fly the flag for our city like so many before.
Wet Leg lead singer Rhian Teasdale was also full of praise for the warm-ups. The BRITs Best New Artist and Group of the Year for 2023 had just as much of a job on their hands to keep the thousands of Mancs dancing in the slight but steady rain, but they certainly lived up to the task.
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It might not necessarily have been their crowd but moments like the scream in ‘Ur Mum’ and the undeniably catchy bop that is ‘Chaise Longue’ are never going to miss, managing to ramp up the energy a notch just in time for the Foos to take their places.
Seeing Dave Grohl walk out on stage in front of you in the flesh is a feeling we don’t think we’ll ever be quite able to describe but all we’ll say is that it was like the entire crowd inside the Emirates Old Trafford were simply welcoming home an old friend whilst simultaneously losing their minds.
Then the buggers had the audacity to start with ‘Monkey Wrench’ of all tracks, immediately getting everyone moving and rolling back the years as they slipped straight into a personal favourite, ‘Learn to Fly’ and then proceeded to play at least one track from every single album. They have 11, for context.
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lt didn’t matter what era they drew from for the setlist and it’s no exaggeration when we say banger after banger. You don’t stay around for this long without putting out quality consistently.
Hearing cult favourite tunes like ‘Generator’, ‘Statues’ and even ‘Under You’, which Grohl was left stunned by as Manchester sang it back to him word for word – despite this being only one of the few occasions he’s played it live and just the first he’s played it entirely acoustic – it was all just so special.
We were also glad to see that Foo Fighters’ first night in Manchester had all the staples of an old-school rock show too, from long guitar solos and each band member getting a nice little intro/breakout moment, and even a 10-minute long jam in the form of ‘The Teacher’.
New drummer Josh Freese was a real standout too, showcasing exactly why the band picked him to follow in such big footsteps, but we can’t lie, there was any moment more emotional than the dedication to the late Taylor Hawkins.
Insisting that all they “ever do is tell Taylor” stories and that “he loved this place”, you could see faces welling up as they proceeded to play his song, ‘Aurora’, as a giant hawk motif appeared on the back of the stage and the applause felt like it would never end.
Another highlight was hearing the chorus of ‘ohs’ as they tried to play ‘The Best Of You’ and Dave simply said, “You win motherf***ers”, having already joked that he’d like to at least try and join in with us.
Manchester crowds hearing one note and running with it as they proceed to start the singalong themselves, voices in full, will simply never get old. It was the first night of the UK tour too; we set an example for everyone else – try following that.
After a truly memorable night, we can categorically confirm that Foo Fighters are as amazing live as you think they are – probably even better. Decades into their career and even with the loss of such a key driving force in the band, it’s incredible to see their stamina and talent haven’t wavered one bit.
These are the gigs you cross off your bucket list and if you’re going along on Saturday, you won’t be disappointed; plus you can still find all the important information you need in our Foo Fighters gig guide. Trust us, you’re going to have an absolute blast.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Foo Fighters (via IG)
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Bunny Jackson’s offer Foo Fighters and Mancs incredible deal if they play their stage after Ritz gig
Danny Jones
Beloved dive bar Bunny Jackson’s has offered the Foo Fighters and Mancunians alike an incredible deal, provided the legendary band if they play on their stage after their gig at the O2 Ritz.
As well as Manchester ramping up the 2026 BRITs Week buzz ahead of the awards at Co-op Live this weekend, a little-known American rock group called the Foo Fighters decided to announce a surprise gig here in town.
But the bigger story now, we’d argue, is that the city centre boozer – which serves as a regular go-to both before and after gigs – is offering free drinks if Dave Grohl and co. pop up to perform on their usual bandaoke platform. As in for EVERYONE.
As explained by the Bunny’s boss, if the Foos make what is quite literally a minute trip down the road to OG Jackson’s wing joint and late-night watering hole after their Ritz gig is over, they’re promising to hand out free booze to all inside the venue.
Joking that they can quite literally “do anything” and may not even fit on their even smaller stage – with this being one of the tiniest of Manchester’s small-cap venues – it’s worth reminding that they wouldn’t be the first big name to surprise punters.
It was only a couple of years ago that both The 1975 and Olivia Rodrigo showed their faces, with the former getting behind the bar and pouring drinks themselves, and the latter even hopping on the mic herself – yes, really.
Just last March, members of Bilmuri also hopped behind the decks for a DJ set, and saxophone player Gabi Rose couldn’t resist hitting some horns live for the crowd, too.
You might want to be at Bunny’s even if you’re not going to the gig anyway. (Credit: Bunny Jackson’s)
So what we’re telling you is that this isn’t entirely beyond the realms of possibility. Keep absolutely everything crossed.
BJ’s was already hosting a pre- and post-curfew party for the big Manchester gig, as they often do, but just think how incredible it would be if the rock icons actually turned up in person. You can find out what else they’ve got planned on the night HERE.
Not only would it mean free-flowing beer for everyone in the gaff, but this would go down as one of the greatest stories in Greater Manchester music history.
If you want to up the chances of this happening, make sure you share it far and wide, getting @ing and pestering them, and hopefully we’ll see you at Bunny Jackson’s with the boys from Foo Fighters!
Oh, and lads, if you’re wondering why we all love it here, look no further:
MCR Basketball to play special knockout game for the 2026 MOBO Awards in Manchester
Danny Jones
Manchester Basketball are set to play an exclusive knockout game here as part of the official MOBOs Fringe events for 2026, with this year’s awards coming to Co-op Live.
There’s a place in the last eight if they can seal a victory, too.
After what feels like a tricky couple of years for Greater Manchester’s main basketball franchise, things look to be on the up for the local team.
Rebrands and rebuilds aside, the Super League side is gradually climbing back up the standings, and with their European North Basketball League (ENBL) campaign still going strong, they could book their spot in the quarters with a win ahead of a big partnered evening in just a few weeks.
Set to face off against Croatian outfit, KK Dubrava, from Zagreb on 10 March, just a couple of weeks before the MOBO Awards get underway in Manchester, the match will be one of several events that the organisation are collaborating with.
With this year marking the MOBOs’ 30th anniversary year and, like with the BRITs, our city set to host it for the first time ever, this special game sets the tone for what’s to come in and around event week.
Fans can expect not just the major red carpet moments, but live DJs spinning hip-hop and afrobeats (courtesy of DJ Kay and special guest, DJ G2), plus a live halftime performance from a MOBO artist.
It’s yet to be confirmed who’ll be popping up centre court, but watch this space…
In case you missed the previous announcements, the 2026 MOBO Awards will see global rap icon Eve and acclaimed comedian and broadcaster Eddie Kadi host the landmark night for the North, not mention lots of other exciting stuff throughout the full Fringe schedule.
Performances already confirmed on the night include rising British superstar Olivia Dean, as well as FLO and Tiwa Savage, with more still to come.
Better still, for MCR Basketball, they also have the Super League Cup final coming up over at the AO Arena next month, too.
Tickets for all of these events are live now and available to purchase as we speak.
However, with prices for Manchester Basketball vs Dubrava, specifically, priced at just £5, we don’t expect these ones to last long.
Once again, set to be hosted on Tuesday, 10 March at the National Basketball Performance Centre over in Belle Vue, the tip-off is set for 7pm; you can secure your seats HERE.
And in case you were wondering what other big competitive events are coming to Manchester, Co-op Live is booked for its first-ever big sporting final.
Danny Jones -
14th June 2024 
