Manchester is known for its rich musical culture and still rivals most cities with its live scene. Whether it’s the big guns at the arena or outdoor sports venues, or the newest thing in the back room of a backstreet pub, we’ve got the low-down on the gigs happening in Manchester this February.
Large-scale gigs in Manchester (10,000 – 21,000 capacity)
1. Florence + The Machine, AO Arena – February 3
Florence Welch brings her Machine, and latest album Dance Fever, to Manchester on February 3, treating us to her movingly powerful sound. Florence’s ethereal style has brought us hits including Dog Days Are Over and Shake It Out over the years, blending a perfect balance of melancholia and indie-rock. Her 5th studio album promises the most raw, vulnerable material yet, with the title alluding to her obsession with ‘choreomania’ – the medieval European “dancing plague,” wherein hordes of people would flail and twitch until they reached exhaustion, injury, or death. Her mind seemed plagued whilst writing this album, and she is said to have been overwhelmed by the wisdom she has been seen to embody. The rawest of emotions will be laid out at her gig in Manchester, so make sure you don’t miss it. You can find tickets here.
2. The Shapeshifters 360º, Manchester Cathedral – February 10
Having had success in Geneva and Paris, 360º Parties are expanding, taking over beautiful and unique locations to showcase the best in musical talent. Dance legends The Shapeshifters will be taking over Manchester Cathedral on February 10 with their very own 360º show, playing massive tunes in the beautiful gothic surroundings of the cathedral. Best known for their still banging debut hit Lola’s Theme (UK no.1 in July 2004), The Shapeshifters now operate as a one-man band , with original member Marlin flying solo with their best tunes. The 360º event is set to be spectacular and a truly unique experience unlike any other gig in Manchester. Tickets can be found here.
3. Hot Chip (Warehouse Project), Mayfield Depot – February 3
Known for electronic hits such as Over and Over and Ready For The Floor, Hot Chip will be wowing the Warehouse Project audience on February 3 with groovy tunes you can dance to all night long. The London synth-pop group seem to like Manchester as their return comes less than two years after they supported Manchester legends New Order at one of their gigs at Heaton Park, usually home to Parklife – they must know we love to dance. They’ll be joined by a roster of talented DJs, as per WHP, including Todd Terje and Manchester’s own Tarzsa. Are you ready for the floor? Get your ticket here.
Mid-size gigs in Manchester (1800 – 3500 capacity)
4. Carly Rae Jepsen, Manchester O2 Apollo – February 9
Far from her Call Me Maybe era, Carly Rae Jepsen will be gracing the O2 Apollo in Manchester on February 9 with a new look and sound. Touring her new album The Loneliest Time, Carly is set to make a comeback with her disco-influenced setlist, particularly poignant in the Manchester venue as she lays herself bare on the theatre stage. Whether you’re an OG fan, or just fancy dabbling in her current work, this will make a great night out. Get tickets here.
5. Sounds of the 60’s Live with Tony Blackburn On Tour, Manchester Opera House – February 28
Radio legend and national treasure Tony Blackburn is taking his popular Sounds of the 60’s Radio 2 show all over the UK, coming to Manchester’s Opera House on February 28. Enjoy an evening of 60s classics performed by the Sounds Of The 60’s All Star Band & Singers, hosted by Tony Blackburn, with stories from the 60’s slotted between the likes of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Cliff Richard, and The Beatles. The show is a real nostalgia trip and aims to get audiences up on their feet joining in on the fun, as well as showcasing the astounding talent of the live performers, all under Tony’s watchful eye. 60’s afficionados won’t want to miss this gig in Manchester. Tickets can be found here.
6. The Murder Capital, Manchester Albert Hall – February 16
Manchester’s Albert Hall is one of the most beautiful venues in town – a Grade II listed former Methodist church hall complete with stained glass windows. The oval formation and mezzanine aspects at this Manchester venue make it the perfect spot for gigs, meaning you can see the stage from wherever you are and get the best sound. Irish band The Murder Capital, praised by the likes of Radio 1‘s Jack Saunders as one of their Future Artists, will have the pleasure of playing there on February 16, and promise to do their newest album, Gigi’s Recovery, justice. The band are climbing up the ranks, having sold out most of their 2020 UK tour and having opened for Pearl Jam at British Summer Time in Hyde Park in 2022. Expect a lively crowd, passionate performance, and definitely crowd surfing at this Manchester gig. Get yourself tickets here.
7. KT Tunstall, Manchester Albert Hall – February 26
Known for her 2004 hit Suddenly I See, KT Tunstall brings her 7th studio album NUT to Manchester. She’ll be gracing the Albert Hall on February 26, doing what she does best as a BRIT Award-winning, Grammy-nominated artist. KT said about the tour: “This will be my first full UK headline tour since the pandemic, and I’m so looking forward to playing a completely different show with a brand new lineup of amazing musicians. Included in that line-up will be the brilliant Andy Burrows [of Razorlight] on drums (who played on NUT). He’ll also be opening the gigs with his own excellent show.” Find tickets here.
8. La Discothèque, Manchester Albert Hall – February 25
Completing a trilogy of gigs at Albert Hall in Manchester, La Discothèque is quite a different offering. The venue isn’t short of club nights and often hosts DJs such as Folamour, Camelphat, and Judge Jules, but La Discothèque brings together the best disco, funk and soul, and house artists including CC: Disco, Rahaan, and the North West’s own Craig Charles, fresh from his own funk and soul show on Radio 6 Music. Manchester Albert Hall is such a magical place for a boogie, and with such great tunes left, right, and centre, all the way until 4am, you can leave your inhibitions at the door. Snap up your ticket here.
9. Reverend And The Makers, Manchester Academy – February 16
Sheffield indie lads Reverend And The Makers return to Manchester’s Academy on February 16, and they’re really excited about it. Still releasing new music 16 years after their debut single Heavyweight Champion of the World, the band are more enthusiastic than ever to get out on the road, bringing out new material as we speak. In a video on Twitter, lead singer Jon McClure, AKA ‘Rev’, said about the upcoming tour: “Absolutely buzzing, can’t wait, it’s gonna be the best Reverend tour ever […] it’s gonna be amazing, big love to you all.” So, in the words of Rev: “Don’t delay, some are very close to selling out.” Get yours here.
10. Belinda Carlisle, Manchester Academy – February 17
Former lead singer of 80’s band The Go-Go’s, Belinda Carlisle brings her solo show to the Manchester Academy on February 17, with hits such as Do You Feel Like I Feel? and Heaven Is a Place on Earth. It’s likely that she will also pull out some of the classics, maybe Our Lips Are Sealed or We Got The Beat – so it’s definitely worth looking into this gig in Manchester! Find tickets here.
Small gigs in Manchester (470 – 1500 capacity)
11. Katatonia & Sólstafir, O2 Ritz Manchester – February 11
Swedish and Icelandic metal bands respectively, Katatonia and Sólstafir join forces on their 2023 UK tour, bringing their roof-raising sounds together at Manchester’s O2 Ritz on February 11. The co-headliners take more melancholic approaches to metal, especially of late, and the intimate environment of the beautiful Ritz in Manchester is perfect for conveying this to a select few fans. Originally a dance hall built in 1927, the Ritz remains the spiritual home of music for many locals, and its sprung dancefloor ensures audiences always have an elevated experience, maintaining its original purpose. Katatonia and Sólstafir fans are in for a real treat at this Manchester gig. Tickets can be found here.
12. Spacey Jane, O2 Ritz Manchester – February 8
Australian indie band Spacey Jane embark on their first UK tour, hitting Manchester’s O2 Ritz on February 8. The band have been a huge success in their native Australia, their debut album Sunlight, released in June 2020, having entered the ARIA chart at No.2, and touring the east coast in 2021. Spacey Jane bring a fresh take to the indie genre, based on the guitar sounds we all know and love, and are not to be missed at this Manchester gig! Grab tickets here.
13. The 1975, Gorilla – February 1
This highly anticipated gig is finally happening on February 1. Although this gig, predictably, sold out almost as soon as tickets went on sale, we’re still talking about it – it’s the novelty! Supremely successful The 1975 are used to playing arenas, having played Manchester’s AO Arena just in January, and selling them out all over the world. But this one night only gig in Manchester will be held at Gorilla, whose capacity is a mere 550, as part of BRITs Week 2023 in aid of War Child. Matty and co. will no doubt be playing as many of their hits as possible, from debut single Chocolate, to The Sound, and newer songs such as Happiness. Even if you can’t be there, it’s good to know about!
14. Karnivool, Manchester Academy 2 – February 7
Australian prog-rock band Karnivool take over Manchester Academy 2 on February 7, after hitting the European leg of their Regeneration tour. As a fun-loving, concept-led band since 1997, Karnivool promise an entertaining show, full of their greatest hits and eerie visuals. This Manchester gig is a great opportunity to see these prog-rock legends. Get tickets here.
15. Meekz, Manchester Academy 3 – February 21
Manchester’s very own Meekz plays Academy 3 on February 21, bringing with him his own brand of northern rap. Since the rise in prominence of Manchester artists such as Bugzy Malone and Aitch, the city has cemented itself as a breeding ground for new talent, as well as the historical music output it already has. Meekz is one of the newer artists on the scene and his gig in Manchester this February will be one to watch, with songs including Respect The Come Up and More Money likely to appear on the setlist. Find tickets here.
Intimate gigs in Manchester (60 – 260 capacity)
16. The Pearl Harts, The Lodge at Deaf Institute – February 2
Having been around for the best part of a decade, London two-piece The Pearl Harts will make a welcome return to Manchester at The Deaf Institute. The band have solidified their rock sound with blues and funk influences, making for a truly unique musical offering. Kirsty and Sara will be showcasing their well-loved and only album so far, Glitter and Spit, in the tongue-in-cheek way they love to perform, making for an evening of pure good vibes. Get your tickets here.
17. The Happy Soul, Gullivers – February 4
Launching their new double A-side, I Am Pulling My Eyes Out / Palindrome, The Happy Soul will be bringing their melodic sound home to Manchester at much loved Northern Quarter pub venue Gullivers. The band are proud to be northern and this comes through in their mesmerising, neo-psychedelic sound that screams nostalgia. They don’t shy away from rough edges, though, and the gig in Manchester will be a special one. Get your tickets here.
18. Lolina, Oxhy, Acolytes & Charles Vern, Soup – February 2
Hidden in the basement of Soup bar, the venue is home to endless up-and-coming artists, including these four. Transcending genres including electronic and folk, this amalgamation of artists takes the audience on a journey, flowing through what’s new and allowing the crowd to make their own mind up. The cult following these musicians already have will surely be seen at this Manchester gig in heart of the Northern Quarter, and there’s sure to be fans gained there too. Grab tickets here.
19. Temples, YES Pink Room – February 2
With high praise from Manc legends like Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr, Temples already have a head start, and now are playing the uber-cool Pink Room at YES on February 2. The indie-rock band have been building their presence for live gigs over the years, and the Pink Room at this Manchester bar seems fitting for their nostalgic yet fresh sound. Get your tickets here.
20. Queen Cult, YES Basement – February 17
Hailing from Macclesfield, Queen Cult embark on their UK tour of intimate venues, stopping off at home in Manchester on February 17. The four-piece rock band are passionate about spreading LGBTQ+ positivity and have developed their sound into something that will fill the YES Basement venue pretty well. Expect a loud and proud performance with plenty of bangers at this Manchester gig. Tickets available here.