Peter Gabriel has announced his first UK and European tour in nearly a decade, with a Manchester gig named as the second to last date on the list.
Confirmed on Tuesday, 8 November, the former Genesis frontman turned successful solo artist revealed his first run of solo shows outside of North America since 2014’s Back to Front Tour, which celebrated his much-acclaimed fifth studio album, So (1986).
Now though, Gabriel promises more than just a greatest-hits show, as he has been working on new music for his forthcoming album i/o — his first in two decades — from the comfort of his Real World Studios in Wiltshire.
As he writes in the caption: “It’s been a while and I am now surrounded by a whole lot of new songs and am excited to be taking them out on the road for a spin. Look forward to seeing you out there.”
The popular 70s and 80s pop and rockstar – probably best known for his smash-hit ‘Sledgehammer‘ (pardon the pun) – parted ways with fellow Genesis bandmate Phil Collins after band relations grew increasingly strained. Collins also went on to leave more than 20 years later.
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His tour kicks off in Krakow, Poland on 18 May 2023, before sweeping through the likes of Italy, France, and Germany; Denmark, Sweden, Norway; The Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland, before finally moving on to the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Gabriel arrives in the UK with a Birmingham date on 17 June 2023 and concludes the tour in Dublin on 25 June. As for his Manchester show, ‘The Book of Love’ singer is set to play the AO Arena on Friday 23 June in front of what is sure to be a sellout crowd.
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Tickets for Peter Gabriel’s i/o The Tour go on sale on Friday 11 November via LiveNation.com and those subscribed to his mailing list can secure pre-sale tickets from 12 noon on Tuesday 8 November.
Yet another major Deansgate Locks nightlife spot has closed in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Deansgate Locks is set to lose yet another of its nightlife spots, with Ark confirming it will be shutting its doors ‘within weeks’.
The multi-room, multi-storey, multi-genre nightclub has been part of the canalside development for more than a decade, having first opened back in 2014.
At that time, Deansgate Locks was arguably Manchester’s leading nightlife destination, drawing hundreds of students and party-goers to its mix of venues.
The railway arches have been home to iconic clubs and bars including Baa Bar, Lola Lo, Revolution, and Sugar Buddha, as well as The Comedy Store.
But with news that Ark Manchester is closing too, it leaves only Popworld left at what was previously one of the city’s hottest destinations.
In a statement shared with the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges.
Ark Manchester will be closing for goodIt leaves Deansgate Locks with just one venue
“After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, Ark Manchester is no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venue.
“Our priority is to support our hard‑working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
It’s believed that Ark Manchester will close on Deansgate Locks in the next few weeks.
The Streets announce big change for Castlefield Bowl gig in Manchester amid World Cup clash
Daisy Jackson
One of the biggest gigs taking place in Manchester this summer has announced a pretty major change to its plans.
The Streets are set to perform two nights at Castlefield Bowl this weekend, taking to the magnificent outdoor stage in the heart of the city.
But one of those shows happens to clash with a pretty major event – England’s quarter final World Cup match against Norway.
But The Streets have got the nation’s interests at heart, and have announced a plan to make sure fans can watch both their gig and the football.
Mike Skinner et al will be shifting their entire Saturday gig forward by a full hour, which means gig-goers should be able to escape Castlefield Bowl and peg it to the nearest pub in time for the footy.
“Fear not,” they wrote in an update on Instagram today. “Saturday’s show will begin early to accommodate England vs Norway at 10.”
It also means their support acts – Mancunian artist Antony Szmierek, and rap and grime MC CASISDEAD – will be playing an hour earlier than planned.
The Streets’ gig on Friday will remain at the time originally planned.
Doors to Castlefield Bowl will open earlier ahead of Antony Szmierek’s performance at the revised time of 5.50pm.
Then CASISDEAD will perform at 6.15pm, with The Streets on stage at 7.45pm.
Fans have been delighted with The Streets’ decision to move their Manchester Saturday show forward, with one writing: “THANK YOU CASTLEFIELD BOWL AND MIKEYYYY. We had a very difficult decision on our hands today, this is what dreams are made of. See you Saturday!!!!”
Many more are calling for the England games to be screened at Castlefield Bowl, but no plans have been confirmed for that just yet. Watch this space…
Danny Jones -
8th November 2022 
