This month in Manchester (and beyond), we’ve got a true rap icon, Wigan’s finest and Homoelectric celebrates a milestone.
Without further ado…
Body Count ft. Ice-T at O2 Ritz
The legendary Body Count, co-founded by actor and rap icon Ice-T and his schoolyard chum guitarist Ernie C, will be tearing up the O2 Ritz, one of only three dates in the UK. Known for controversial tracks like Cop Killer and KKK Bitch, the influence of their blistering, face-melting rap metal resonates to this day. Support comes from German band Slope.
Janelle Monae at Aviva Studios
Janelle Monáe will play a three-night residency at Factory International’s Aviva Studios this summer. The 10-times Grammy-nominated artist, singer, songwriter, actor and author will play three exclusive dates on 2, 3 and 4 July in the Hall space at the purpose-built arts centre. Monáe was last seen in Manchester when she performed a headline set for the Manchester International Festival, opening the 2019 biennial.
Madison McFerrin at YES
Brooklyn producer-singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin arrives at the Pink Room at YES with her woozy, dreamlike R&B stylings, and some supremely solid pedigree. Daughter of the legendary jazz vocalist and conductor Bobby McFerrin, her 2021 set You + I remains on steady rotation nearly three years after release, while I Hope You Can Forgive Me, which emerged last year, showed further impressive breadth.
Deform UK: Genny Lec 2024
One of the more unique ways to spend election night, head to The White Hotel, where returning officers will be clashing with tunes from the likes of Annabel Fraser and Conor Thomas, while Kop-Z and Flames Disperse play a live set as the results come in. It kicks off at 10pm until it’s all over. Don’t have nightmares.
Fatboy Slim at Castlefield Bowl
Norman Cook – aka the legendary DJ Fatboy Slim is behind some of the biggest dance tracks of the last three decades, and he’s coming to Manchester this. The Praise You hitmaker will play at Castlefield Bowl on Friday 5 July 2024 in amongst the Sounds of the City celebrations. Norm joins the likes of Tom Grennan, Hacienda Classical, Jungle, Loyle Carner, The Saw Doctors, Manic Street Preachers and Suede on this year’s festival bill.
Megan Thee Stallion at Co-op Live
Manchester’s brand-new arena has announced the latest act to perform as part of the opening season. American superstar rapper Megan Thee Stallion will bring her Hot Girl Summer tour to Co-op Live on Friday 5 July 2024. Megan Thee Stallion broke into the mainstream in 2019 ahead of the release of her debut platinum-selling album Good News. Since then, she’s gone on to collab with Dua Lipa, Reneé Rapp, Beyoncé, and with Cardi B on the global megahit WAP.
Optimo (Espacio) at The Loft
Following another recent visit to Mancunia by JD Twitch and JG Wilkes – aka Optimo (Espacio) – at Freight Island for Luke Una’s E Soul Cultura, this dynamic duo will be heading down from Glasgow once again this time to tear up The Loft, the rave attic in Miles Platting. Expect quite literally everything, from murky pounding techno, electro, disco, euphoric house music, krautrock, garage rock, eclectic weirdness and general pandemonium. They’ll be joined by the Doodle DJs, Charlie Fleig, Amuse Bouche and Joe Strugs.
20 years of Erol Alkan at Homoelectric
This is some milestone. Trash and Phantasy don Erol Alkan has been making the trip north to absolutely wallop the dancefloor at Homoelectric for a full 20 years, making his very first appearance on 21 May, 2004. To celebrate this auspicious occasion, he’ll be doing what he does best; walloping the dancefloor at Homoelectric. Joining him, as ever, will be Homo ressies Will Tramp!, Gina Breeze, Jamie Bull and Lukas.
Stevie Nicks at Co-op Live
Legendary singer, songwriter and storyteller Stevie Nicks has announced a huge show in Manchester this summer. The global star, who is best known for her iconic contributions to rock band Fleetwood Mac, will play at Co-op Live on Tuesday 9 July. A musical powerhouse, she will play just a handful of UK shows this year, including a headline slot at British Summer Time Hyde Park on 12 July. Stevie joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 and went on to help them become one of the biggest-selling music acts of all time, partly due to the success of seminal record Rumours, which remains one of the best selling albums of all time.
Nils Frahm
Majestic electronic ambience from Berlin composer Nils Frahm, in the auspices of the Bridgewater Hall. Drawing from nearly two decades of material, this will be a sonic journey, with Frahm at the helm of his bank of synths, pianos and flashing, bleeping boxes of all stripes. There will be compositions from classic albums like Felt and Spaces, as well as anticipated new material from new album Day.
The Real Thing at The Blues Kitchen
UK soul, funk and disco legends The Real Thing celebrate five decades of glorious music at The Blues Kitchen. Led by legendary duo Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, the band are responsible for huge hits including You To Me Are Everything, Can You Feel The Force and Can’t Get By Without You.
Dutch Uncles at St Mary’s In The Market Place
Manchester’s leading electro-art-rock quartet Dutch Uncles celebrate their long-awaited sixth album True Entertainment with a headline gig at the hugely atmospheric St Mary’s In The Market Place church in Stockport. Their last album, Big Balloon, landed in 2017, indulging a more prog rock sound than previous sets, so where they head from here should be fascinating.
Mvson World at Progress
Manchester-based DJ and producer trio MASON Collective present the third edition of immersive festival MVSON WORLD. Taking place on Saturday 13 July, the line up features a wealth of homegrown talent as well as renowned artists across two stages. There’s also a wellness space, interactive art installations, independent food vendors and a creative market. Planet MVSON, the main stage, is set to be headlined by Mason Collective themselves, along with sets from local legends Sosa and AJ Christou and international star power from Jesse Calosso B2B Jean Pierre and Natalia Roth.
Theo Crocker at Band on the Wall
Theo Croker is a storyteller, communicating through his mastery of the trumpet. A creative who refutes boundaries, the GRAMMY Award-nominated artist, composer, producer, thought leader, and influencer projects his voice through the music. This show at Band On The Wall should be electric.
Madalitso Band at Band On The Wall
Hailing from Malawi, where they were discovered busking outside a shopping centre in 2009, Madalitso Band boast a mix of vibrant playing and strong vocals. The duo play the babatone, a home-made instrument which is very popular in Malawi, and the four-string guitar, creating the traditional Malawi banjo sound. The band play at Band On The Wall on Thursday 18 July.
Nic-Cage Against The Machine at Cultplex
Cultplex is no stranger to the allures of Nicolas Cage. A favourite of Manchester’s best indie cinema, the gang down at Cultplex are always looking to put more Cage performances on the big screen and have even hosted a couple of Cage marathons over the years. But nothing comes close to the double bill they have lined up for Friday 19 July, as they will be screening Cage classic Raising Arizona followed by a performance from Nic-Cage Against The Machine. A RATM cover band, they’re fronted by the enigmatic actor himself (kind of) and have been blowing people away on tour.
Richard Ashcroft at Robin Park
Wigan’s finest Richard Ashcroft returns to his hometown for two huge gigs at Robin Park. The Verve frontman will play the long-awaited shows on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July, marking the Lucky Man singer’s first performances in the town since his famous Haigh Hall concert just over 25 years ago. Support for the shows come from indie legends Cast (Saturday) and The Zutons (Sunday) as well as emerging talents Red Rum Club, Maxwell Varey, The Royston Club and Stanleys. Richard Ashcroft said: “After 25 years, I’m back playing in my hometown. Looking forward to an amazing night in Wigan.”
PBR Streetgang and Massey at Ramona
Made in Leeds, forged in the Balearics, PBR Streetgang have been turning out the good-times since the early 2000s, drawing from the likes of Manchester’s Electric Chair for inspiration early on. They’ll be taking on the former MOT garage that is Ramona for a night of deep soul, deep disco and even deeper house music to celebrate their new EP release on Sprechen Music. Sprechen boss and Sticky Heat man Chris Massey will also be on the ones, and in all likelihood the twos as well on the night.
