Nearly 50 years later and heavy metal legends Iron Maiden are still going strong and despite having only just finished playing a whopping run of 139 gigs back in October, they’re at it again with another world tour and arrive in Manchester on Friday, 30 June.
The legendary Leyton rock band formed all the way back in 1975 might have tweaked their lineup over the years but they’re still one of the biggest musical names on the planet and their current ‘The Future Past Tour‘ has been a sellout across the globe.
Kicking the latest shows off in Arena Stožice, Slovenia this past May, the Irons have now made their way back to Britain and the AO Arena, specifically, and it’s set to be one spectacular show.
With their classic shredding guitars, explosive pyros and Bruce Dickinson still on vocals, you can expect a night of music you’ll never forget. For those of you going along, here’s everything you need to know about Iron Maiden’s return to Manchester‘s AO Arena.
If you we’re hoping to get tickets for Iron Maiden at the AO Arena on Friday, then we’ve got some bad news: you never stood a chance of getting these bad boys.
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Given that not they are not only one of the most iconic bands of all time but this will be their first Manchester show since 2018 (yes, it’s been that long), they were always going to sell out fast and we’re afraid to say that even the most luxurious VIP packages aren’t available for this one.
There’s always next time.
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Of course, you can obviously keep your eyes out for spares going on trusted resellers like TicketSwap and Twickets but, as always we advise caution and avoid ticket touts at all costs — there’s no point in getting stung for a large sum and still potentially not getting in.
Credit: Iron Maiden (via Instagram)
Supports
Now, as for those chosen to help warm the crowd up ahead of the mighty Maiden — not that they’ll even need it — that responsibility falls on a single support acts in German rock band, Lord of the Lost.
Trusted with playing a pretty decent set, the Hamburg-based gothic and industrial metal outfit ar ealso playing their first Manchester gig since 2018 when they played The Ruby Lounge, may she rest in peace.
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Fronted and formed by singer Chris ‘Lord’ Harms back in 2007, their sound is the perfect accompaniment for a band like Iron Maiden and have a die-hard following of their own, with the five-piece also set to play Manchester Academy 3 late this year.
We expect they’ll carry over a fair few converts from Friday night’s gig come their return to 0161 on 29 September.
So, what time is all kicking off? Well, according to the information on Ticketmaster and AO’s website, doors are set to open around 6pm with opening act Lord of the Lost starting at 7.30pm.
Given they are the only support, you can hopefully expect a set of anywhere between 30 mins to a full hour. There’ll obviously be an interval before the main event and with that in mind, you should see the headliners step out on stage at 9pm.
AO Arena usually has a curfew of around 11pm as well, we imagine Iron Maiden will be beating you over the head with two hours of non-stop bangers, which still leaves you plenty of time to heard over to the after-party at Rebellion.
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Sounds like a dream Friday night, to be honest.
The Future Past Tour setlist
Now, last but not least we have our predicted setlist and while we can go off the previous tracks played thus far, bands can always switch things up on the night, so take this with a pinch of salt.
Nevertheless, Iron Maiden have stuck to a fairly rigid 15-song format since the start of the tour in Slovenia and as well as the obvious classics, we think we have a rough idea of what you can expect.
The Warehouse Project named one of the best nightclubs in the world
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester can add another big blue ribbon to its already richly adorned totem of music heritage, as The Warehouse Project has been named one of the best clubs in the entire world.
Not that we’re the least bit shocked, to be honest.
That’s right, our very own Warehouse Project – or WHP to use the more commonly thrown around shorthand – isn’t just the great successor to the likes of The Haçienda, Jilly’s Rockworld and many more Manc live music institutions, it’s become a raver’s rite of passage in its own right.
So it’s no surprise that it landed itself in the International NightLife Association’s best 100 clubs on the planet – but where exactly on the list did it land?
As you can see from the full NightLife International rankings for 2025, Warehouse Project didn’t just make it into the 100 club or even the top half; WHP broke into the best 30 clubs in the whole world.
Finishing in 27th position, specifically, Mayfield Depot‘s major tourist attraction was sandwiched between Ibiza’s Amnesia nightclub and the equally iconic Ministry of Sound in London.
Not bad company to keep, eh?
Writing in the caption, the organisation said: “From Ibiza to Singapore, Miami to Marrakech, and every nightlife capital in between, this year’s ranking showcases the venues that continue to elevate global nightlife with innovation, quality, and unforgettable experiences.”
“Cheers to all the clubs that made it onto the list”, they continued, thanking sponsors, artists and collaborators alike before adding, “Your commitment drives the industry forward.”
With the likes of Worried About Henry, Homobloc, Barry Can’t Swim, and the first-ever winter edition of Repercussion having already passed this year, the 2025 programme really has been electric.
But they’re not done yet; you can see the rest of what is on this year’s lineup down below.
One of the biggest dates on the current WHP calendar is, of course, their massive New Year’s Eve Party, which returns for 2025.
The team behind Warehouse is yet to respond to the prestigious international recognition, as they’re clearly still too busy putting on some of the best nights not just in town or the UK, but anywhere around the club.
You can get a closer look at the in-depth list of NightLife International’s top 100 clubs HERE.
Speaking of Manc nightlife, it’ll be interesting to see where a returning cult favourite will place itself on the leaderboard when it makes its full comeback very soon…
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press shots (supplied via WHP)
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Kendal Calling reveals fantastic 2026 lineup, including Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice, The Kooks and more
Danny Jones
The lineup for Kendal Calling 2026 has been officially revealed in full, and let’s just say the list of headliners alone is absolutely box office.
It feels like we say this every year, but this could be one of their best to date.
With the likes of Scottish rock legends Biffy Clyro (after years of courting them), Mercury Prize-winning Wolf Alice, as well as indie veterans The Kooks and Two Door Cinema Club topping the bill on the main stage, next year’s Kendal Calling is shaping up to be a tasty one.
Next summer will mark the 21st year of the annual music and arts festival, and after a wonderful 20th anniversary edition in 2025, we have every faith the KC crew are going to nail it yet again.
Announcing a total of 120 acts – yes, this lineup is already STACKED – the roster is packed with everything from timeless indie stalwarts, Northern favourites, some pop surprises and plenty more.
For instance, we were genuinely buzzing to see not only the one and only Scissor Sisters, but also Gabrielle, and even noughties throwback, Vanessa Carlton.
We’re now hoping and praying she doesn’t pull out and quite literally travels ‘A Thousand Miles’ over to the Lake District.
After making their own comebacks this year, the likes of The Libertines, Deaf Havana, Hard-Fi and several others have joined the lineup, which is spread across more than a dozen stages, including non-musical acts and other bits of live entertainment.
We were very much spoilt for choice for our favourite festivals this year, but you only have to read our review of ‘KC20’ to know how much it meant to be there.
You can see the Kendal Calling 2026 lineup poster down below.
‘26's Adventure Revealed! 🙌 Like & RT for your chance to win VIP upgrades, boutique camping & a £200 bar tab!
Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice, Two Door Cinema Club, The Kooks, Scissor Sisters, The Libertines & more head to the Lakes! pic.twitter.com/HoI0qpgrxQ
If you look closely, you can also see that there’s a special guest slot thrown in there, too, though we’re stumped as to even the slightest hint of who it could be.
We’re sure you’ll have your theories and guesses in the chamber already, but let’s just say that after seeing how well they’ve done with surprises in the past, we cannot wait.
Commenting on the drop, co-founder Ben Robinson said: “I’m so excited to reveal next year’s line-up! Our brilliant team has secured a line-up worthy of the jaw-dropping faith the Kendal Calling family puts in us each year.
“Selling 98% of the tickets before announcing a single artist is the biggest compliment we could ever receive, so here’s an early Christmas present to say thank you!”
Like the man said, most full weekend passes have already gone, but if this lineup tickles your interest, you can still register for the final release of Kendal Calling 2026 tickets right HERE.
Danny Jones -
30th June 2023 
