In a gig we waited seven years for, Sampha proved he is the master of his craft.
Celebrating his second album, LAHAI, Mercury Prize-winner Sampha headlined his first Manchester show in nearly seven years last night.
And it was well worth the wait.
As one of only two UK stops on his 2024 tour, we felt extremely lucky to watch the UK breakout star take to the stage at Aviva Studios.
Taking place in the formidable warehouse space, excitable crowds flocked in a circular motion to secure their spot around the stage.
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For such a vast space, performing in-the-round created a real sense of intimacy that wouldn’t have been made possible in any other venue.
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Gazing onto the stage filled with electronic keyboards, synthesisers and drums – the anticipation to see someone who’s since grown to be a global icon since last in the city was truly immense.
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But we didn’t have to wait long as the London-born singer songwriter plunged us straight into the deep end with emotive hit Plastic 100°C.
An honest reflection of both love and fear, Sampha and his incredible band had us enamoured from the very start and we knew we were in for a great night.
His new album, LAHAI, shows just how much he’s grown since first breaking out on the music scene back in 2017.
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From what was first heart-wrenching meditations of discovery now had sounds of acceptable and joy throughout, and truly it was a joy to hear.
Making his way through the album we of course were treated with tender ballad (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano, and even as the first chords were struck there was a communal sigh amongst the audience.
There were most definitely some wet eyes amongst the crowd as Sampha wistfully opened up his heart to us.
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But it wasn’t all melancholy meditations, Sampha and his crew jumped around the stage interacting with the audience, at one point communally banging a drum in the centre of the stage.
The new tracks took unexpected twists and turns, introducing flavours of jazz, soul, rap, dance and jungle which the band and himself merged seamlessly with their already mastered R&B genre.
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Highlights included the vocally layered Suspended and piano-heavy Dancing Circles, both of which I’m sure many of us played through our speakers as soon as we got in (myself included).
Ending triumphantly with Blood On Me, the lights turned red on Aviva Studios as we danced as a singular and were reminded just what a talent Sampha truly is.
And we left hoping he wouldn’t leave it another seven years until he comes back.
Oasis finally confirm ‘private ballot’ ticket information for reunion tour
Daisy Jackson
Oasis have just announced more information about how tickets will be sold through a ‘private ballot’ for their extra reunion tour dates.
The group added two additional shows at Wembley Stadium after their initial 17 gigs across London, Manchester, Dublin, Edinburgh and Cardiff generated huge demand and sold out in a day.
Oasis and Ticketmaster came under fire though for the use of dynamic pricing, which saw ticket prices shoot up by hundreds of pounds by the time people made it through the online queues.
For these additional reunion tour dates at Wembley, ticket sales will look a little different.
They’ll be using a ‘private ballot’, which will give first dibs to those who missed out on the first ticket sale.
You’ll only be invited to register for the sale if you signed into your Ticketmaster account on Saturday 31 August, and joined a queue for a specific show.
And you’ll only receive an invitation if you DIDN’T manage to bag tickets the first time round.
THEN you’ll be able to register for the actual ballot, which still doesn’t guarantee you a ticket but does at least get you into a (hopefully less lengthy) queue.
“Invitations to enter the private ballot will be sent overnight tonight (Saturday) to eligible fans we have been able to identify.
“If you signed into your Ticketmaster UK account on Saturday, 31st August, and were able to join a queue for a specific show, but didn’t get a ticket-then you may be eligible to take part and will receive an email on how to register for the ballot.
“Keep an eye on the inbox associated with your Ticketmaster account, and don’t forget to check your junkmail.
“Once successfully registered, you will be entered into the ballot for a code for access to the final Wembley on sale.
“Due to the demand for the shows and to avoid last week’s long queues, codes will be strictly limited. Entry to the ballot does not guarantee you will receive a code.
“The ballot is only open to invited fans. You must register with the email to which your invitation was sent and which is registered with your Ticketmaster account.
“All other entries will be discounted. If you do not receive an email then unfortunately you will not be eligible for the ballot.
“You will be automatically discounted from the ballot, even if you go through the registration process.”
Featured image: Simon Emmett
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Olly Murs announces Manchester show on huge arena tour – with Blue as support
Daisy Jackson
Olly Murs has just announced details of a huge arena tour, including a stop here in Manchester.
He’ll be playing the city’s biggest arena, the Co-op Live, as part of his 2025 tour.
The news comes fresh off the back of his nationwide tour supporting Take That on their massive This Life on Tour tour.
He’s announced a massive support act for himself too, bringing along British boyband favourites Blue.
Olly Murs first rose to stardom when he placed as runner-up in 2009’s The X Factor competition (though his career has soared past winner Joe McElderry’s).
Since then, he’s released seven solo studio albums, including last year’s Marry Me.
His massive hits include Heart Skips a Beat, Dance With Me Tonight, and Troublemaker, and he’s worked with the likes of Rizzle Kicks, Snoop Dogg, Demi Lovato and Flo Rida.
Olly Murs is now heading back out on the road for an all-singing, all-dancing arena tour.
It will include dates in Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool and loads more.
Olly said: “Celebrating 15 unbelievable years doing what I love best will be truly special. But to top it off I’m taking a band with me who I was obsessed with in my college years, BLUE!
“No doubt the pranks and banter will be free-flowing but most importantly it’s going to be a great night for the fans to enjoy, I can’t wait.”
Blue said: “We were really delighted when Olly asked us to join him on his Arena tour next year and can’t wait to get on the road with him in the Spring!
“We are going to have a whole lot of fun and look forward to making him an honorary Blue boy! We’ll be singing the biggest hits and maybe the odd joke here and there – watch out Olly!”
Tickets will go on sale on Friday 13 September at 10am – you can get yours here.