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.”
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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NHS urgently needs 500,000 men to take part in ‘major’ cancer research programme
Emily Sergeant
Half a million men are needed to take part in a ‘major’ cancer research programme.
From this week, the NHS has announced that it will begin contacting 500,000 men to invite them to join a major research programme that will work to improve the vital early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.
Men who have had or are living with prostate cancer will receive letters and text messages explaining how they can register to take part.
It’s hoped that this will become one of the world’s largest prostate cancer studies.
Formally named ‘Prostate Progress’, the study is designed to speed up the development of better tests, treatments, and care – with the NHS aiming to recruit as many participants as possible to improve how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated, as well as understanding the side effects of treatment and the impact they have on quality of life.
The NHS urgently needs 500,000 men to take part in a ‘major’ cancer research programme / Credit: rawpixel
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, with around 60,000 new cases diagnosed every year and over 12,000 deaths annually.
Men who join ‘Prostate Progress’ will be asked to complete questionnaires about their experiences of living with the disease every few months.
Verified researchers will then be able compare men’s experiences of living with prostate cancer against their NHS records – including their symptoms and quality of life.
The NHS says it is ‘particularly keen’ to hear from black men for the programme, as they are at approximately twice the risk of developing prostate cancer – with around one in four black men in the UK expected to be diagnosed during their lifetime.
“Better representation will help researchers understand and address differences in diagnosis, treatment and outcomes,” the NHS said in a statement.
“Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK,” explained Health Minister, James Frith. “Every piece of data we gather brings us closer to the tests and treatments that future patients will depend on to live well for longer.
“Prostate Progress has the potential to become a hugely important resource, but only if men come forward and share their experiences, so I encourage anyone who receives an invitation to sign up.
“This is the kind of innovation the government’s National Cancer Plan is designed to support, making the NHS a world-leading destination for cancer research and ensuring patients across the country can help shape the treatments of tomorrow.”
Featured Image – Vitaly Gariev (via Unsplash)
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Police charge and name man after broad daylight stabbing of 19-year-old in Northern Quarter
Emily Sergeant
A man has been charged and publicly named after the stabbing of a teenager in the Northern Quarter last week.
Bandar Alzahar has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place, and has been remanded in custody ahead of a scheduled appearance at Manchester & Salford Magistrates Court today (Monday 3 August 2026).
The charges come after a 19-year-old man was stabbed in the Northern Quarter, in Manchester city centre, last Friday (31 July).
The shocking incident took place in broad daylight at around 12:50pm on Church Street.
After police attended the scene, they ‘quickly located’ a suspect – initially described as just being a man in his early 20s – at Manchester Airport within three hours of the incident occurring, and he was subsequently arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault.
The victim sadly remains in hospital in a stable condition but with life-threatening injuries, police have confirmed.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are still appealing to the public for information. In a public plea, police wrote: “We are still asking for information from anyone that may have witnessed the incident on Church Street to get in touch with us.
“This includes any CCTV, mobile phone or Dashcam footage that may assist our enquiries.”
Any information can be submitted to GMP by calling 101, quoting log 1580 of 31/07/2026. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd June 2022 
