The MTV EMAs are to be held in Manchester for the first time ever this year, and are set to take over the new Co-op Live arena.
MTV has just officially confirmed the exciting news this morning (29 February).
Now in its 30th year, MTV’s annual European Music Awards is one of music’s biggest global celebrations, by far, and now it’s been confirmed that the 2024 show will be staged right here in our city to mark its long-awaited return to the UK.
Broadcasting from Manchester’s brand-new, purpose-built live entertainment arena, Co-op Live, on MTV in over 150 countries on Sunday 10 November 2024, the show is set to honour and unite music’s brightest stars.
The show will additionally be available in multiple territories on Pluto TV, and on-demand on Paramount+.
Announcing this morning that the iconic awards show is set to take to Manchester’s biggest stage later this year, Bruce Gillmer, who is the President and Chief Content Officer of Music at Paramount+, said: “The MTV EMAs is one of the biggest global music celebrations, bringing together local and international artists to create iconic performances for fans around the world, and with music at the very heart of Manchester’s rich creative heritage, this vibrant city will guarantee a supercharged 2024 show.
Gary Roden, who is the Executive Director and General Manager at Co-op Live, has added that the new venue is “honoured” to host this year’s EMAs and “become part of the MTV story” as a way of cementing Manchester’s standing within the global live entertainment industry.
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Cllr Bev Crag, the Leader of Manchester City Council, says MTV “could not have picked a better place” for this year’s EMAs.
MTV EMAs to be held in Manchester for first time ever at Co-op Live arena / Credit: Supplied
“As a city that is known the world over for our legendary music scene, MTV could not have picked a better place for this year’s EMAs.
“With the expertise, experience, and reputation we also have for delivering successful, world-class events, we’re confident Manchester will provide a superb platform for the best MTV EMAs yet, and we look forward to welcoming MTV and the global music community to our city for what is set to be an epic celebration of music and artists.
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“Manchester meets MTV – we can’t wait.”
We're thrilled to announce that the 2024 @mtvema will take place in Manchester here at Co-op Live on 10 November 2024 🎤
As Manchester‘s newest – and soon-to-be the UK’s largest – live entertainment arena nears closer to officially opening its doors and welcoming visitors, Co-op Live has been slowly revealing the music acts set to grace the stage as part of its huge launch season jam-packed full of events.
Bolton comedian Peter Kay will open the arena with a special show this April, and countless other major world-renowned artists have all been announced as performing throughout the rest of the year – including Eagles, Olivia Rodrigo, Jonas Brothers, Kings of Leon, Eric Clapton, Take That, Simply Red, Niall Horan, and so many more.
But the MTV VMAs is the first event of its kind to be announced on the venue’s eclectic and ever-growing lineup.
The 2024 MTV EMAs are to be held at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Sunday 10 November 2024, and fans looking to secure tickets are advised to keep their eyes peeled.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
Audio
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Emily Sergeant -
29th February 2024 
