With an extra hour of sunshine in the bag, there are some vintage gigs and club nights happening through April, taking in everything from classical legends to a rave in an old branch of Boots.
Elsewhere, Manchester troubadour Badly Drawn Boy returns to the fold and Matt Goss arrives at the Apollo.
These are the best gigs and club nights happening in April…
André Rieu at Co-op Live
World famous Dutch violinist and conductor André Rieu returns to tour the UK and Ireland in 2025, including a very special date in Manchester. The King of Waltz will be joined by his 60-strong Johann Strauss Orchestra and many international soloists in celebration of 200 years of Johann Strauss. Watch the classical music spectacular at Co-op Live on Thursday 3 April 2025.
Skunk Anansie at O2 Apollo
British rock icons Skunk Anansie return with a huge UK headline tour in Spring 2025, including a date in Manchester. Formed in London in 1994, the band are known for hits including Charity, Hedonism and Selling Jesus. They play at O2 Apollo on Friday 4 April 2025.
Olly Alexander at Aviva Studios
Join the critically-acclaimed singer and actor Olly Alexander for one night only at Aviva Studios in Manchester. Olly Alexander rose to fame as the frontman of Years & Years, the chart-topping pop band who formed in 2010. In 2021, he received a string of nominations for his stunning performance as Ritchie Tozer in the Channel 4 drama series It’s A Sin. He will play at the home of Factory International on 4 April 2025.
New Animals – AWAKEN at The DBA
“Spring is here and it’s time to wake from your slumber.” New Animals welcome guests into their world of chaotic dreams and nightmares on 4 April. Head down to The Derby Brewery Arms to enjoy the culmination of months of their planning and dreaming to create an unforgettable audio visual experience. The evening will feature surreal art, interactive exhibits, performance art and prizes for the best dressed, headlined by the one and only Metrodome.
Badly Drawn Boy at Aviva Studios
Damon Gough, aka Badly Drawn Boy, celebrates the 25th anniversary of his stunning debut album The Hour of Bewilderbeast with a UK tour. One of the country’s most acclaimed songwriters, the groundbreaking album won the Mercury Prize back in 2000 and features a mix of folk and electronica. Gough will perform the album in its entirety at the hometown show at Manchester’s Aviva Studios on Saturday 5 April 2025.
VIKKSTAR at O2 Ritz
Renowned YouTuber, member of the Sidemen and rising DJ talent Vikkstar embarks on his highly anticipated UK debut DJ tour this Spring. Vikkstar has already been making serious waves in the music industry with a collaboration with global superstar Steve Aoki and a supporting slot on Alan Walker’s European tour. Fans can catch him play at O2 Ritz on 5 April 2025.
Black Josh & Friends ‘YSL Bootleg Party’ at SOUP
Black Josh and friends descend upon SOUP to celebrate the new Black Josh project ‘YSL Bootleg’, produced by Lee Scott and Sumgii. Expect special guests in abundance and a mountain of exclusive merch on Saturday 5 April.
Rainy Heart at Stretford Mall – ‘A Repeat Prescription’
At the end of last year, NTS DJ, Ruf Kutz and Wet Play legend Ruf Dug and Dan Hope managed to nab the keys to the empty branch of Boots in Stretford Mall for a right rave up as Rainy Heart, also the name of their listening bar which they set up around the corner last summer. It was quite the party, boasting sets from James Holroyd and Ruffy himself, alongside art installations and an appearance from the hefty Rainy Heart sound system. This one will push the envelope further, with more situationist weirdness and (most importantly) top flight tunes.
Frank Turner at Manchester Academy
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls perform a headline show at Manchester Academy on 5 April. After kick-starting the year with intimate gigs for BRITs Week and War Child, Frank returns to town with his Undefeated tour, supporting his 10th studio album.
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan at AO Arena
Pakistan’s Qawwali king Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and his son Shah Zaman Ali Khan will return to the UK for Legacy Of The Khans to sing their Qawwali and Bollywood greatest hits. Legacy Of The Khans will see the two greats perform much-loved Qawwali and Bollywood music for fans in Manchester at AO Arena.
Rosie Lowe at YES
Cinematic soul from singer-songwriter Rosie Lowe, collaborator with the likes of Little Simz and Duval Timothy and creator of tracks like the majestic Paris, Texas, Summer Breeze and Everything. Expect Dusty Springfield-tinged vibes and material from her latest set too, Lover, Other, all in the intimate Pink Room at YES.
The Lathums at 02 Apollo
Wigan four piece The Lathums return with their third album ‘Matter Does Not Define’, the follow up to 2022’s chart-topping album ‘From Nothing To A Little Bit More’.
Sugababes at Co-op Live
With six number one singles and millions of global sales, Noughties pop icons Sugababes -Siobhan Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan – continue their triumphant comeback with a series of arena shows, including a show at Co-op Live in Manchester on Friday 11 April 2025.
Primal Scream at Aviva Studios
The legendary Primal Scream are playing 14 shows across the UK and Ireland this spring, including a date at Manchester’s Aviva Studios on Friday 11 April 2025. Celebrating the release of new album Come Ahead, the tour marks Primal Scream’s anticipated live return, after 2022’s Screamadelica Live and 2023 headline summer shows.
Porches at YES
Porches, aka Aaron Maine, plays in Manchester following the release of Shirt – some of his best and heaviest work yet. In the last two years, he’s also appeared as the face of Versace Jeans Couture and collaborated with the Atlanta pop duo Coco & Clair Clair and funk-pop artist Remi Wolf. You can see him at YES on Saturday 12 April.
GHOST: World Tour 2025 at AO Arena
GRAMMY-winning Swedish theatrical rock band and global sensation GHOST bring their live show to Manchester. The soft metal band have amassed arena-worthy followings and billions of streams all over the globe, thanks to their theatrical stage presence and penchant for occult themes. Fans can see them live at the AO Arena on 15 April 2025.
The Little Disco: Lil’ Louis at Amber’s
Among the godfather’s of house music, Chicago’s own Lil’ Louis is the craftsman behind tracks like Club Lonely and the truly iconic French Kiss. In a rare appearance in the UK, he’ll be providing the soundtrack at Amber’s in a hook-up with La Discotheque’s diffusion night The Little Disco. Joining him on the decks will be Flesh legend Kath McDermott and Metrodome.
Peter Hook & The Light at O2 Victoria Warehouse
Peter Hook & The Light will bring their Get Ready tour to Manchester this month. The band will perform the seventh New Order album in full, alongside a selection of the most seminal tracks from the catalogues of both Joy Division and New Order. First released in 2001, Get Ready features key singles including Crystal and Someone Like You. The album was dedicated to Rob Gretton, the manager of both Joy Division and New Order, who died in 1999.
M.A.D. Records vs Red Laser at The White Hotel
Make A Dance founders Ben and Josh join Woody and the Red Laser crew for their monthly tear up at The White Hotel. Joining M.A.D. and Manc-talo authorities Il Bosco and Pharoah Brunson will be Social Service Dance Now Talk Later’s very own Ladybeige.
Sean Paul & Ashanti at AO Arena
International superstar Sean Paul embarks on his biggest ever UK tour in April. The Get Busy legend brings the mighty Ashanti along with him as co-headliner of the Bring It Tour. Catch the show at Manchester’s AO Arena on 20 April 2025.
Matt Goss at 02 Apollo
Matt Goss heads out on his ‘The Hits & More’ Tour, a celebration of all Matt has achieved in his music career and beyond. Bringing sensational songs and an electric atmosphere, this show promises to be the biggest and best night out with this celebrated artist.
Rubber Ducky Records 2 Year Sinkiversary at The DBA
Two years ago, the good ship Rubber Ducky Records – the record shop inside a canal barge – sadly sank. We remain gutted. Celebrate their resurrection with founder Myles at The Derby Brewery Arms with a huge line-up, featuring a DJ set from none other than Panorama Bar’s Nathalie Seres (plus more to be announced). The party takes place on 26 April 2025.
