Manchester’s iconic 42s nightclub faces permanent closure in light of new lockdown
42s is hanging on in there for now. But without help, it won't survive. Please donate whatever you can to their Crowdfunder and keep a Manchester nightlife institution alive.
42nd Street, one of the most beloved denizens in Manchester’s nightlife neighbourhood, may be moving out.
The indie venue – based just off Deansgate – has been a famous city clubbing fixture for quarter-of-a-century, known colloquially among students and locals alike as “42’s”.
But the legendary night spot – which has history stretching back to the 1970s in old guises such as ‘Slack Alice’ – is facing eviction.
With another lockdown imminent and deep concerns that restrictions on nightlife could last beyond winter, 42’s is at ‘very real risk’ of permanent closure.
Now, owners have launched a Crowdfunder – asking anyone who’s ever set foot in the club over the years to help keep an icon alive.
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42’s was among the first venues to shut and last to reopen in the last UK-wide lockdown – having to turn themselves into a bar whilst the ban on clubbing remained intact.
The guitar-powered club atmosphere has been sorely missed by many – with one fan even turning 42s into a video game during quarantine.
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Despite the difficulties of 2020, 42’s has made it to November by the skin of its teeth (with no food menu meaning they missed out on schemes like ‘Eat Out To Help Out’).
Now, it’s reached a point where the dwindling pot of reserves won’t go much further.
There’s no way for the club to generate any income for the foreseeable future – and owners are asking for donations in return for some wonderful music memorabilia.
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Anyone who contributes to the #Save42s pot will be in with a shot of winning prizes donated to the club by bands and artists over the years – with the likes of Slow Readers Club, DMAs, Fuzzy Sun, Reverend and the Makers already voicing their support.
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An owners’ statement reads: “We have been at the heart of the Manchester Indie club scene for the last twenty years and beyond.
“Its reputation spreads across the country, not bad for a family run business. Not only have we been nominated as a National Cultural Institution, but 42’s is also a video game and a Minecraft creation.
“Now, because of Covid restrictions, our very existence is at stake.”
42s is hanging on in there for now. But without help, it won’t survive.
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“You can be a part of keeping a Manchester Icon alive,” is the owners’ rallying cry.
“The Indie kids of the world need us.”
Please give whatever you can and support a nightclub which has provided so many of us with some of the greatest, funniest and most absurd memories of nights out in Manchester.
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:
The Manc -
3rd November 2020 
