Upcoming gigs in Manchester that rockers shouldn’t miss
| 28th October 2021
What’s great about living in Manchester? It’s the culture. Manny has a rich artistic history, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the music industry.
The likes of Oasis, Stone Roses, and New Order hail from the city, which is why Manchester has a deep connection with rock music. One of the benefits is that old and new rock and roll acts never miss the North West when they start touring.
Rock gigs take centre stage in some of the top venues the city has to offer every year. 2021-through-2022 is no different, which means rockers have ample opportunities to indulge.
New & Well-Known Artists
Black Midi
Formed in 2017, Black Midi is a London-based band that has experienced a surge in its following recently thanks to the group’s innovative style. Rolling Stone magazine, for example, uses the terms “avant-garde improvisational noise rock” and “hot new buzz band” when describing Black Midi’s sound. What sets them apart from their peers is the fact that the group has been playing packed gigs since their inception. In that sense, the hype has helped them hone their craft.
Venue: 02 Ritz
Date: Monday, 8th November (2021)
The Orielles
The origins of The Orielles dates back to 2013. Of course, less than a decade in the business is nothing when you’re a rock band, and the West Yorkshire group has only just left Halifax behind for the glitz and glamour of show biz. Their sets are packed with energy, partly thanks to their unique style that takes inspiration from Korean dance music and partly due to their popular remixes. The latter gets a lot of airplay on mainstream radio stations. The Orielles already have two albums out, so there are plenty of songs to enjoy when you experience their psychedelic style in person.
Venue: Gorilla
Date: Friday, 28th January (2022)
The Killers
Brandon Flowers and Co. have been through a lot as a band. However, they are back together and creating a type of music that you wouldn’t associate with the band. “The Man” is a prime example. Still, the American rock and roll band has a list of bangers to lean on when they are on stage and a wealth of experience. And if that’s not enough, Stockport’s very own Blossoms will support them when their arena tour reaches Manchester in 2022.
Venue: Old Trafford
Date: Saturday, 11th June (2022)
Foals
Foals are considered one of the best rock bands in the world and have the discography to back it up. From Spanish Sahara to My Number, the group has released consistent bangers for over a decade. Plus, not many UK rock bands can compete with the Foals’ stage presence. They won the Q Award for Best Live Act in 2015 and have been nominated for the NME Award for Best Live Act twice. Foals only have one date for Manchester right now, making it more important to get tickets in advance!
Venue: Castlefield Bowl
Date: 29th, June (2022)
Gig Tips
Be Prepared
Turning up and soaking in the atmosphere is an old-school way of enjoying live music. However, technology has evolved to the point where you can prepare for the show ahead of time. Getting into the mood beforehand enhances the experience because it amps up your anticipation levels, which is why researching the bands’ setlists is an excellent tip.
Once you are equipped with the songs they will play, you can mentally prepare for your favourites while using the time in-between to get food and drinks or go to the toilet. Alternatively, reviewing their discographies on streaming platforms lets you familiarise yourself with newer songs. That way, there will be fewer lulls.
Get in the Mood
However, not everything has to be tried and tested. A fantastic way to get ready for gigs without relying on Spotify is to absorb the music in different ways. For example, play games with rock music themes since loads of new slot sites, like Casushi and Pink casino, offer them to stand out in a competitive market. Gods of Rock, as the name suggests, uses music from legendary bands, whereas Punk Rocker No Limit focuses on up-tempo tunes to get you in the mood for a live gig. There’s always the classic Rock Band video game if you dream about being on the stage rather than in front of it too.
The last tip we have to impart is, if you’re visiting Manchester early, you can visit the venues to understand the layout and how the music will sound. As well as helping to ensure you get a good spot, it will help you plan your exit strategy to help avoid the crowds at the end of the gig. What’s more, if you know how the venue is set out, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of the act arriving or leaving and maybe get to meet the talent. What better mood-booster is there than that?