After a turbulent year of touring the world, releasing their fourth album and playing more festivals than you can even imagine, The Vaccines returned to Manchester for one night only.

A seemingly average Thursday in the city was replaced by a certain buzz as The Vaccines were in town. The venue in which they were playing was unknown, but the sheer fact that they were playing a one off show here was invigorating.

by Elspeth Moore

Taking to the stage at Manchester’s Victoria Baths, two hundred lucky fans were treated to a magical experience hosted by Jack Daniels Presents.

Bouncing onto the stage in a suave and elegant manner, the band opened with the rocky track Nightclub. When talking to the band about their favourite tracks to play live, bassist Arnie revealed that “currently my favourite [song] is probably Nightclub. Mainly because we start the set with it. So there’s an interesting feeling attached to it, where it doesn’t matter what mind-set you’re in before you start playing it. But as soon as you start, you’re just clocked in”. The fast paced drum beat and heavy guitar riff immediately got the crowd going, with mosh pits opening up in the base of the grade II listed building.

Transcending through their entire discography, The Vaccines showcased their electrifying stage presence. Playing hits such as Norgaard and If You Wanna, fans were taken back to where it all began.

Following the raucous beats from tracks such as Teenage Icon and Out On The Street, the set shifted to a slower place. The frontman, Justin Young, hushed the crowd and bellowed out the opening line to their infamous track, Wetsuit. With hands flying in the air, the crowd shouted back the chorus lines “put a wetsuit on, come on come on, grow your hair out long, come on come on…”. For the duration of the song there was an element of togetherness and the crowd acting as one. An energy that was encompassed throughout the whole night.

by Elspeth Moore

The night ended with the band introducing their final track, All In White. A song that finished off a truly magical night and provided the perfect conclusion. As Justin sung the words “I will watch you rise on my back from the ground” fans from across the room rose onto their friend’s shoulders to sing back to the band.

Drifting off of the stage to the screams and cheers of the crowd, the band thanked the room and disappeared. Although the band vanished, the memory is one that will last in everyone who attended.

The Vaccines yet again proved that they are here for the long run and we can’t wait to see them again.

Album 1

All photo’s by Elspeth Moore.