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Watch the moment the Kings of Leon fans learned of the England score mid-gig at Co-op Live
Alternative but still absolutely wonderful scenes.
When we tell you our stress levels were through the roof when we realised Kings of Leon’s gig at Co-op Live was happening on the same day as England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands, we’re not exaggerating.
Then came the dilemma of actually having to get through the show knowing the game was playing somewhere else just out of sight but very much not out of mind.
We’re sure many people faced the same conundrum at the start of this week and that some probably even reluctantly sold their tickets, but since this was a bit of a bucket list gig for us, we clung on in the faith that they’d make it through and just kept every possible digit crossed.
So, when a sudden wave of cheers began coursing through the crowd and we realised not only were England still in it but they had scored a last-minute winner, the sheer joy and relief was something else — and to the Kings of Leon lads, they have no idea how grateful we were for this moment:
And yes, that is us screaming.
We’re pretty sure KoL were fully aware that a rather big game was going on in the background but there was no mention of it from English indie veterans, The Vaccines, who did a great job opening up as the solo support act, nor at any point during the gig itself.
That being said, the Tennesse rockers’ set was pretty non-stop, so there was very little room for any banter with the crowd and most people like us were just trying to shut off that part of their brain that knew Gareth Southgate’s side were just one step away from a second Euros final.
Safe to say that when we heard the full-time whistle had blown and there was nothing left to fret about (you know, other than an even more stressful game on Sunday…), it made the rest of the set.
Cue what we’re now dubbing as yet another unofficial England anthem:
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It wasn’t exactly how we expected or intended to experience the Three Lions marking yet another historic moment for the nation but we’re just glad we all got through it and it’s certainly a night we’ll never forget.
Oh yeah, and we can promise you we won’t be making room for any other plans whatsoever other than watching the final this weekend.
Come on, England – let’s bring it home and we’ll all have a big sing-song in the streets to ‘Use Somebody’, ‘Sweet Caroline’, ‘Sex On Fire’ and all the hits.
We’ll get them out on Stevenson Square with us – it’ll be great.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
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James Blunt announces huge Manchester gig on new European arena tour
Daisy Jackson
Singer-songwriter James Blunt is heading back out on tour next year, and has announced a massive Manchester gig as part of his run of arena shows.
The singer, perhaps best-known for his iconic 2005 pop ballad ‘You’re Beautiful’, is hitting the road again in 2027.
The newly-announced European tour is in celebration of his new album Airplane Mode, which is set for release this autumn.
James Blunt will kick off his tour in Leeds next spring, before heading over for a night at the almighty Co-op Live in Manchester.
Then he’ll head to more cities including Newcastle, Birmingham and London.
His new album, Airplane Mode, is being released on 6 November and will, according to his press release, be ‘exhilarating’.
James has already released the first single, ‘Tastes Like Summer’, and ‘Weight Of It All’, with 10 more songs to come on the record.
Airplane Mode was recorded with James’ brilliant long-standing live band, who’ll be back on tour with him next year.
Speaking of the new album, and recording in Pig Music Studios, he said: “Somewhere back there, I lost my way, but found it again in a studio in Banbury.”
James Blunt will be at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on 3 April, 2027. Tickets go on sale from 10am on 9 September.
James Blunt UK and Ireland 2027 tour dates
- 26 March – Leeds
- 27 March – Birmingham
- 28 March – Newcastle
- 30 March – Dublin
- 31 March – Belfast
- 2 April – Glasgow
- 3 April – Manchester
- 4 April – London
- 6 April – Cardiff
- 7 April – Bournemouth
- 8 April – Brighton
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Featured image: Supplied
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Major pop star crowns humble rice and three cafe as ‘Jewel of Manchester’ ahead of sold-out gig
Thomas Melia
A beloved city centre takeaway has been given the title of ‘Jewel of Manchester’ by chart-topping UK singer Sam Smith.
Known for hits like ‘Stay With Me’, ‘I’m Not The Only One’ and more recently ‘Unholy’, UK pop-ballad act Sam Smith also likes to drop a food review every once in a while.
Currently on the road with a run of shows in Manchester and London for their ‘To Be Free’ live shows, Sam Smith is stopping off at some of our city’s much-loved spots.
On their food-reviewing account titled ‘Sam Served’, where they adopt the aptly-fitting nickname ‘Ham Smith’, Sam has visited restaurants across the globe – and most recently turned their attention to Manchester’s own This & That.
Smith decided to pop in and grab a cheeky rice and three from long-standing backstreet food business This & That, and it certainly went down a treat.
After sampling their amazing selection of meat, vegetable and vegan curries, the musician crowned this family-run Indian takeaway a ‘Jewel of Manchester’.
The hitmaker described this Northern Quarter Indian eatery as ‘Everything food should be’ and definitely enjoyed all the curries on offer ‘leaving belly and heart full’.
This & That prides itself on affordable and comforting food with its ‘Rice and Three Curries’ starting from just £6 – not bad for a city centre foodie spot.
Sam has racked up an impressive 490k followers via their ‘Sam Served’ profile, with famous faces like Lily Allen, Denise Welch and CMAT all wanting to know the superstar’s foodie thoughts.
After enjoying a curry or three, Sam Smith also made sure to feed their soul to by venturing down to Afflecks and getting lost in the music at Mars Tapes.
Recognised as one of the UK’s only cassette and tape shops, Mars Tapes lets you flick through their crates of physical media and even preview tracks before you buy with its dedicated listening areas.
It’s safe to say that Smith has ‘Latched’ onto Manchester’s independent business scene and we’re here for it.
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The London-born artist has just released their latest album Hazel Eyes and is currently amid a UK residency tour with two dates in Manchester’s Albert Hall and eight shows set for London Coliseum.
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Featured Image: @samserved (via Instagram)
Danny Jones -
11th July 2024 
