The Killers will be performing a huge gig in Manchester this weekend, taking to the stage at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
As one of the world’s biggest indie-rock bands, the group will be performing in front of a crowd of 50,000 with their Imploding the Mirage world tour on Saturday 11 June.
It’s in support of their last two studio albums – Imploding the Mirage and Pressure Machine – their sixth and seventh releases.
Fronted by Brandon Flowers, The Killers have topped the UK albums chart every single time they’ve released an album – quite an achievement.
The Las Vegas four-piece last performed in Greater Manchester with a show-stopping gig at the Macron Stadium in Bolton.
They’re really ramping things up this summer – and have roped in a pretty famous local group as their support act.
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Here’s what you need to know.
Who is supporting The Killers?
Blossoms. Credit: Publicity Picture
The Killers have chosen some home-grown talent to support them at their Manchester gig.
Stockport’s very own Blossoms will be taking to the stage at one of the region’s biggest venues.
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The group recently played their own intimate gigs at Band on the Wall and the Stockport Plaza to celebrate the release of their latest album, Ribbon Around The Bomb.
They were also a headliner at the nearby Neighbourhood Weekender in Warrington.
Doors to the venue will open at 5pm, then the stage times should look like this (but are always subject to change).
7.15pm-8.04pm – Blossoms
8.40pm-10.25pm – The Killers
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10.30pm – Curfew
How do I get to and from the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground?
The Killers will perform this weekend. Credit: Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground
Trams on the Altrincham line, which services Emirate Old Trafford Cricket Ground, are expected to be busy on Saturday from 5pm.
Those with tickets for The Killers are encouraged to also use Firswood and Wharfside tram stops (on the East Didsbury/Airport line and Trafford Park line respectively) and walk the short extra distance to the venue.
Gig-goers are being urged by TfGM to plan ahead, allow plenty of time, check the last tram and train times, and have a back-up plan in case of any disruption.
A shuttle bus service will be in place, running from Fairfield Street (near Piccadilly station) from 3pm until 7pm. A small number of shuttle buses will go back the other way after the gig.
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If you want to drive, official event parking will be at Manchester United, Car Park N3, charged at £15.
The Killers has completely sold out on Ticketmaster at the time of writing.
You may be able to get some tickets on a resale platform, but make sure you’re not buying a fake.
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What will the setlist be like?
Based on The Killers’ gig in Norwich on 9 June, this is the setlist we can expect to hear.
My Own Soul’s Warning
Enterlude
When You Were Young
Jenny Was a Friend of Mine
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Smile Like You Mean It
Shot at the Night
Running Towards a Place
Human
Somebody Told Me
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Fire in Bone
Shadowplay (Joy Division cover)
Runaway Horses
For Reasons Unknown
A Dustland Fairytale
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The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Ewan MacColl & Peggy Seeger cover)
Runaways
Read My Mind
Dying Breed
Caution
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All These Things That I’ve Done
Encore
Spaceman
Mr. Brightside
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
Gigs & Nightlife
After All 2026 – the affordable grassroots music festival happening in Northern Quarter
Danny Jones
Grassroots music event After All Festival is returning to Manchester this weekend, with rising local artists and affordable tickets.
Now well over half a decade since it was founded, All All Fest takes place in the heart of the Northern Quarter, and this year they’re proving that their slow and steady approach to backing the best new up-and-coming bands at core intimate venues is more important than ever.
With plenty of previous acts having impressed in recent years, we’re looking forward to seeing how 2026 stacks up in comparison to its predecessors.
Increasingly prolific native group Dirty Laces are set to headline the whole thing, Manilla Times are locked in, and Bolton’s very own James Holt also stands out on the lineup, just to highlight a few.
As the festival continues to grow in size and popularity, they have obviously had to scale things up even further this year.
That being said, beloved live music spot and Manc institution, Band on the Wall, is among the chosen arts spaces for this latest iteration.
BoW will be offering up their 500-capacity main room to the organisers for the very first time, serving as the de facto main stage of After All Fest 2026.
Joining them will be the Rose and Monkey next door, as well as cult favourite pub, Gullivers on Oldham Street, who have a long history of supporting local musicians and the arts in general.
And would you look at that, now you’ve got all the stage splits and set times, too.
Labelled by Dead Records’ Rob Fiddaman as “one of the UK’s most exciting new music festivals”, homegrown DJing legend Dave Sweetmore has also described it as “unique in so many ways”, hailing it as a “brilliant event with a great atmosphere to discover new music.”
Having been ourselves on multiple occasions since its inception in 2019 – both as Audio North off-duty and as punters before then – we can’t recommend it highly enough.
The latest edition takes place at 12 noon onwards this Saturday until 2am on Sunday, 17 May, and while the cheapest early bird tickets (£16.50) are long gone, general admission tickets are still available, with prices starting from just £20. Grab yours HERE before they sell out.
It’s not the only live music event worth being a part of this month…
Review | The Karate Kid at Palace Theatre and Opera House, Manchester – very much wax ON
Lonnie Bowes
The theatrical version of The Karate Kid has arrived at the Palace Theatre and Opera House, bringing a well-known story of discipline, resilience and mentorship to a live audience.
Best known for its iconic cinematic legacy, The Karate Kid translates surprisingly well to the stage. It leans less on spectacle and more on character, movement and emotional growth.
At the production’s heart, the story still revolves around a young outsider trying to find confidence and belonging in an unfamiliar environment, guided by an unexpected mentor.
The narrative follows Daniel, played by Gino Ochello, marking his first professional stage debut, as he struggles to adjust to a new life, facing intimidation and self-doubt before encountering the legendary Mr Miyagi, played by Adrian Pang.
What unfolds is more than just a story of learning karate; it becomes a study of patience, balance and inner strength for Daniel. The central relationship between student and teacher remains the production’s strongest theme, grounding the story in warmth and sincerity.
The bond between student and Sensei is clear to see throughout. Focusing more on the movement side of things, the musical definitely has its fair share of action; the production shines with storytelling through choreography.
The fight sequences are carefully staged. The whole production walks a balanced line between movement and tension that feels immediate without losing theatrical elements.
These scenes are not about aggression alone but about control, reflecting the philosophy at the core of the story: balance. If you’ve seen the movies or the likes of Cobra Kai, you’ll know the vibes.
The cast works cohesively to maintain this balance. Ochello playing Daniel captures a mix of genuine vulnerability and determination as he attempts to settle into his new life in California, a million miles from the streets of Jersey he once knew.
While Adrian Pang portrays Mr Miyagi does this with a quiet authority. Their dynamic evolves on stage flawlessly, allowing the audience to invest in their journey rather than simply anticipating the next fight.
Visually, the production makes effective use of staging and design. The set shifts fluidly between locations, using lighting and more than a few well-timed transitions to keep the pace moving.
Subtle changes in atmosphere mirror the cast’s internal world, moving from insecurity and isolation to confidence and connection as the story progresses. The music throughout further supports this, blending nostalgia from the old flicks we all knew and love, with a new contemporary stage feel.
As the story builds toward its familiar ending, the focus remains less on winning and more on personal growth. The final moments emphasise discipline, self-belief and restraint rather than triumph alone.
A well-deserved standing ovation. (Credit: The Manc)
Reinforcing why the story has endured across generations and how the themes explored remain powerful pillars of life in today’s world.
Ultimately, The Karate Kid on stage at the Palace Theatre succeeds not by trying to replicate the film exactly, but by reinterpreting its themes for a live audience. It’s a production that leans into character, movement, friendship and emotional resilience.
It reminds viewers that its real power lies not in the fights, although sometimes necessary as a last resort, but in what they represent on the inside. We had a much deeper experience than we expected, and loved pretty much every minute of it.
Daisy Jackson -
10th June 2022 
