Fans at last night’s Red Hot Chilli Peppers gig were left confused after the support act – rapper A$AP Rocky – ended up performing after the main act.
The American star had been chosen as the main support act for the group, alongside Thundercat.
Traditionally, support artists perform before the headliners – but last night, things went in an unusual order.
Screens at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground informed the audience that A$AP Rocky would perform after the main act due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
The 50,000-strong crowd instead had to wait until the end of the show to see him perform his hits.
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A$AP Rocky. Credit: Mr. iozo
A$AP Rocky also performed a much shorter set than was originally planned, wearing a pair of high-vis orange overalls.
Many fans said they felt that the Red Hot Chilli Peppers had cut their set short to fit in the supporting act, though the set list appears to be largely the same as other venues on the tour.
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One person said: “I love asap rocky but he turns up late to everything or cancels. Canny believe Chilis cut their set short for him to come out dressed like he’d been working on M62 instead of performing.”
When @asvpxrocky gave himself a stupid name it opened the doors to so many possibilities: “You’re late, get here A$AP”, or maybe a new name, Eventually Rocky, or maybe hand the $ back to everyone who got there on time last night. pic.twitter.com/HsbONbaqk9
Another commented: “Wtf is happening at the chili peppers show in Manchester? Why are they playing before ASAP Rocky??”
Someone else wrote: “Genuinely wish I’d not bothered. 2 nights in a hotel and £90 for a band who couldn’t wait to get out of there and an artist who couldn’t be bothered to be there on time. Absolutely fuming.”
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One person joked: “do u think asap rocky didn’t wanna play manchester bc he’s still upset that liam gallagher called him whatsapp ricky.”
Fans reported that a lot of the audience headed home as soon as main act Red Hot Chilli Peppers finished their set, leaving A$AP Rocky performing to an emptying venue.
Someone said it was ‘so awkward when he came on, the place just emptied’.
But another did look on the bright side, writing: “@asvpxrocky killed it in Manchester last night, even thought it was only 4 songs it were f***ing sick.
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“Respect to @ChiliPeppers for letting him do a set for the fans at the end of the gig after some logistical problems stopping him performing beforehand.”
Featured image:Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground
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Former Manchester City player Joey Barton found guilty of assaulting his wife
Danny Jones
Ex-footballer Joey Barton has officially been found guilty of assaulting his wife following his two-day trial in the capital this week.
Barton, who played for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers and a number of other clubs, was convicted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 March, following an incident back in June 2021.
The former midfielder left his wife, 37-year-old Georgia Barton (McNeil), with a bleeding nose and a bruise on her forehead following a drunken row at their home in London.
Barton is said to have grabbed and pushed her to the floor before kicking her in the head. Married in 2019, the two have four children and are thought to still be together.
The 42-year-old was still employed in professional football as the manager of Bristol Rovers at the time, but he was ultimately sacked in October 2023.
His wife called 999 at the time, telling police that he had hit her, but later retracted her statement.
Born in Huyton, Merseyside, the chief magistrate Paul Goldspring recognised that the one-time England has a history of violence.
He was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence, meaning he won’t serve time unless he commits another offence and has been ordered to pay £2,138.
Since dropping out of mainstream football, in particular, Barton has come under heavy criticism for allegations of racism, sexism and controversial right-wing politics; he even started an ‘anti-woke’ podcast called Common Sense with Joey Barton.
Back in June of last year, he was ordered to pay £35,000 in damages to settle a libel claim with presenter Jeremy Vine after a series of inflammatory comments made online.
The Radio 2 presenter sued Mr Barton earlier this year, after the former footballer wrote a series of posts suggesting Mr Vine had a sexual interest in children.
He also accused of threatening fellow former pro, Eni Aluko, after a torrent of abuse regarding her punditry online – the ex-England international even went so far as to say she no longer felt safe staying in the country.
Police appeal after man seriously injured in Northern Quarter stabbing
Daisy Jackson
Greater Manchester Police are appealing for witnesses after a stabbing in the Northern Quarter left a man seriously injured.
The incident occurred around 7.45pm on Thursday 20 March, on Tib Street near Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens.
Emergency services scrambled to the scene and the victim, a man in his 20s, taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Thankfully his injuries aren’t believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
No arrests have yet been made and officers are now appealing for witnesses to assist with enquiries.
DI Geoffrey Machent, of the City of Manchester Division, said: “At around 7.45pm on Thursday 20 March, we were called to reports of a stabbing on Tib Street.
“A man was subsequently taken to hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening or life-changing. He remains there for treatment.
“At this time, we do not believe the incident presents any threat to the wider public or local businesses operating in the area.
“Neighbourhood officers will be deployed to provide reassurance in the locality over the coming days, including our newly formed Piccadilly Gardens team.
“We would like to appeal to the public for any information, or anyone who witnessed this incident, to please come forward.”
If anyone has information regarding this stabbing in the Northern Quarter, contact police by calling 101, or via the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd June 2022 
