February has arrived with a climactic bang; a whole host of shows have been announced for the coming months. Not just shows, these are M and – ahem, sorry, I mean: these are not just shows, these are an astounding collection of unmissable shows that are sure to catch your attention.
Let’s start as we mean to go on. Comprised of both Thom Yorke and Tom Skinner of Radiohead, plus Sons Of Kemet’s Nigel Godrick, The Smile is the latest supergroup to take to the scene. On the 2nd of June, they’re taking to our stage for one of just three nationwide shows, including London and Edinburgh, following the success of their three recent London shows, which were live-streamed globally and met critical acclaim. It doesn’t get much much bigger than this.
On a similar scale, as a renowned act, with a multi-talented skillset, Fred Again.. is taking to our stage very soon indeed, on the 21st of March! As a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, and remixer, he’s worked with the likes of The Blessed Madonna, FKA Twigs, HAAi, Baxter Dury, Kodak Black, Underworld, Stormzy, and many more, including starting out his career by impressing renowned composer, musician, and record producer, Brian Eno.
Next up, someone who is also making waves at the very start of his musical career, is Liverpool songbird-turned-national hero, Jamie Webster. Taking to our stage on the 12th of November, the establishment-baiting pied piper from the banks of the Mersey, speaks out for the downtrodden and left behind, singing stories that bring people and their hopes, loves and let-downs vividly to life.
Also touching upon sensitive, communal topics with their material are Bear’s Den, who are returning to our stage for the second time. This time they’re incoming on the 22nd of May, equipped with their (what will have been) recently released highly-anticipated fourth album, Blue Hours. Themes on the album include both self-reflection and mental health after both members having struggled with the latter in recent years.
Likewise, also making a return to our stage is Norwegian Synth wizard and disco Demi-god Todd Terje, who is this time the headliner for Cirque Du Soul‘s takeover and a glimpse into El Dorado Festival, joined by support from Laurence Guy, Dirty Channels, and Cirque’s amazing resident DJs and performer, on 11th or March!
Now, of course, you know we host 90s Baby events. But what about the 00s? We’ve moved forward in the century so, of course, we’re bringing around the Noughties Baby! Featuring Cascada, Fatman Scoop, n-trance, Ultrabeat, and many more, we’re so excited to celebrate this truly wild decade with you on the 2nd of April, so do join us for the inaugural noughties event at our venue.
Then lastly, we have Manchester’s ultimate superclub experience – which makes its return since a petition with over 5000 signatures called for the promoter to bring it back – Essential, returning to our venue! Launched by Kylie Minogue in the summer of 2000 and known as one of the biggest gay clubs in the UK winning awards like Best UK Gay Club (Gay Times) and Best Club (Boyz Magazine), over the Easter weekend, on the 15th of April, Essential is taking over, with performances from Kitty-Scott Claus, Angie Brown, Sharon O-Love and many more!
