KISS will perform in Manchester this week as part of their final-ever tour.
The metal rock band announced details of their End of the Road World Tour last year – some 23 years after announcing that the band were retiring.
But 2023 will officially mark the final shows of this legendary’s group’s career, which started way back in 1973.
Made up of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer, they’re famed for their black and white face paint and huge hair as much as their massive hits.
KISS were meant to perform in Manchester in 2021, but had to reschedule to Friday 7 July due to – well, you know what.
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KISS said of their farewell tour: “All that we have built and all that we have conquered over the past four decades could never have happened without the millions of people worldwide who’ve filled clubs, arenas and stadiums over those years.
“This will be the ultimate celebration for those who’ve seen us and a last chance for those who haven’t. KISS Army, we’re saying goodbye on our final tour with our biggest show yet and we’ll go out the same way we came in… Unapologetic and Unstoppable.”
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Here’s everything you need to know if you’re seeing KISS at the AO Arena in Manchester.
Are there tickets left for KISS at AO Arena, Manchester?
Ticketmaster still has some availability for tickets for tonight’s show, though there aren’t loads left.
The cheapest tickets start at £75.95, with the majority of seated tickets priced at £87.50.
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Things get pricier after that – floor standing tickets are £98.50, while the better seats are £109.95.
Standard seats go all the way up to £171.50, and then you’re into Platinum seats and VIP packages.
Who’s supporting KISS in Manchester?
KISS will be supported by Welsh heavy metal band Skindred at their show in Manchester.
Skindred are known for fusing metal with reggae sounds, and for their blistering live shows.
The Wild Things, who will also be performing at Night & Day in October, are also taking to the stage at the AO Arena to open the show.
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Expected setlist
This is the setlist KISS used at their London O2 Arena gig this week.
Detroit Rock City Shout It Out Loud Deuce War Machine Heaven’s on Fire I Love It Loud Say Yeah Cold Gin Lick It Up Makin’ Love Calling Dr. Love Psycho Circus 100,000 Years God of Thunder Love Gun Black Diamond Encore: Beth I Was Made for Lovin’ You Rock and Roll All Nite
Stage times for KISS
The AO Arena hasn’t, at the time of writing, confirmed the stage times for KISS, and it doesn’t look like they’ve made a habit of announcing stage times at previous shows either.
Doors to the venue will open at 6pm, with the AO Arena saying the show won’t start until 7.30pm.
Based on that, you can expect The Wild Things on stage around 7.30pm, Skindred around 8.15pm, and KISS on stage somewhere around 9pm, ahead of the venue’s curfew.
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The venue
The AO Arena has a few strict policies to keep gig-goers safe, so make sure to check entry requirementscarefully before you travel.
For example, only one small bag per person is allowed, and bags like backpacks, travel cases and laptop bags are not permitted inside the arena.
All bags are scanned on entry to check for prohibited items like laser pens, flares, projectiles, weapons, drugs and alcohol, and even selfie sticks.
Featured image: Publicity picture
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JD to host exclusive Josh Baker set at massive World Cup watch party in Manchester
Danny Jones
JD x JB: The well-known British and Manchester-founded sports fashion brand is teaming up with local artist Josh Baker for an exclusive pop-up set at a massive World Cup screening in the city centre tonight.
The two Manchester icons are teaming up at an otherwise sold-out Castlefield Bowl, getting the matchday vibes going ahead of the England vs Argentina game this evening.
With all eyes on the semi-final, keeping nerves steady will be a tall task, but Baker will be helping play his part in getting the energy up ahead of kick-off.
No matter what happens with the scoreline, it’s set to be a proper party atmosphere beforehand.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Da0FDI3tp3I/?hl=en
Fresh off the plane from his White Isle residency over in Ibiza, the 30-year-old Manc musician will be taking to the stage from 6:15pm at none other than Castlefield Bowl, where nearly 9,000 people will be watching the big game.
In case you missed it, after wrapping up Sounds of the City ’26, the Bowl is now being taken over for Road to Victory’s outdoor fan zone.
Doors will be open from 5:30pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off, and you’ll want to get down there with plenty of time to make sure you get a good view of the action – and by that, we mean both the game and Josh’s exciting set.
Better still, not only are those at the venue in for a night of amazing music and incredible vibes, but they’ll be cheering on Thomas Tuchel’s men straight after, in a crucial clash that could see England reach a second consecutive final in the last two major tournaments.
There’ll be plenty of entertainment before, during and after the breaks.
We will, of course, be keeping our fingers crossed for you and the boys tonight; the only thing we’re certain of is that the man himself will deliver on the night.
We had the honour of chatting with JB ahead of the BRITs back in February, and he’s only looking to bigger and better things this year.
For those looking to go along for this special one-off, once again, tickets to the event are already sold out, so your only chance is to sign up for the waiting list HERE. Fingers crossed for you and a result at full-time!
Last but not least, keep your eyes peeled on the JD Sports Instagram page and their other socials for all other updates ahead of the huge night. We can feel it: it’s coming home…
Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via JD Sports)
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A local Manc musician is taking on a Three Peaks challenge whilst carrying a full drum kit
Danny Jones
A local musician dubbed ‘The Manchester Drummer’ is set to face an incredible twist on the National Three Peaks Challenge this summer, as he’s set to carry a full drum kit the ENTIRE way.
This makes our weekly stairmaster workout look like a walk in the park.
Aaron Youd, a.k.a. ‘TMD’ is set to take on the incredible feat next month in the name of mental health, especially among men.
Having sadly seen half a dozen loved ones and peers take their own lives over the last three decades, he’s putting himself through the wringer to show that mountains are there to be climbed, and chip away at those still surviving stigmas, one step at a time.
Set to ascend Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike – Great Britain’s trio of tallest summits – all whilst carrying his trusty drum kit, he’ll be putting himself through 23 miles of walking and over 10,000 feet/3,000 metres of elevation all told.
When we first came across his story, we assumed he meant the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (still staggering at more than 5,200 ft), but it turns out he does nothing by half measures.
Having spent the best part of 27 years touring and performing across the UK and Europe, Aaron’s personal connection to mental health awareness and wellbeing has only deepened over that time, choosing to represent another native charity this August.
Mandem Meetup, who also have a strong base across Greater Manchester, hold completely free group walks, along with talking events, hikes and other activities, like Dungeons and Dragons games, homeless outreach work, even gym sessions with fellow Manc community hero Javeno McLean.
Speaking ahead of starting his incredible journey, Aaron said: “This challenge is about much more than endurance. It’s about raising awareness for mental health, encouraging people to speak openly, and raising as much money as possible for a cause that affects so many lives every day.
Credit: Supplied
“I’ve lost six friends and colleagues to suicide, and I know how important it is that people feel able to talk and ask for support. At each peak, I’ll be performing with the drums to spread the message that no one should struggle alone.
“Every step, every climb, and every beat played is dedicated to raising awareness and making a positive difference.”
As well as embarking on his voyage on behalf of Mandem Meetup, Aaron is also now working with a big brand soon to make a splash here in the region (nudge nudge, wink wink) who are helping back him on his challenge.
Following a chance encounter here in the city centre, he happened to meet Professor David Russell, who came across him busking, but also just happens to be the CEO of the upcoming Therme Manchester.
The £500 spa and resort set to open over in Trafford may still be a way off, currently scheduled for late 2028, but as part of their promotion ahead of establishing a base here in the North West, the talented percussionist was invited to be part of the official groundbreaking ceremony last September.
As for Aaron, he signs off by adding: “Music has always been my outlet and my way of connecting with people. If this challenge encourages even one person to open up about how they’re feeling or seek help, then every difficult step will be worth it.”
We wish him all the best and good luck with this superhuman and inspiring fundraising activity, not that he needs it – we have every faith he’s going to smash it.
Whilst you’re here, we’re hoping the grassroots music community can also come together to support another locally-based artist who could do with some help.
Daisy Jackson -
6th July 2023 
