Live Review: Fizzy Blood + Supports @ The Deaf Institute - Manchester

 24/11/22 - Deaf Institute - Manchester

A short train ride down to Manchester saw me once again at The Deaf Institute to go see new discovery Fizzy Blood. Supports were Purple Thread and my lifelong faves Hollows.

Purple Thread

First band up to perform was Purple Thread, another new band on my extremely long list of bands to watch. Honestly, they are amazingly good!!! Fab choice for a support. They have a fantastic sound and just looked great together at the same time. I'm a sucker for a band who sound like bands that pre-exist in my life and Purple Thread are just that. They played a fantastic set, and a few came out to see them too. It's always so nice seeing people come out together and support a band, support acts are just as good if not better and these guys (and the next band) totally prove that.
The huge question is, would I see them again? Of course!! I wouldn't mind seeing them again and I will be keeping my eyes peeled on socials for more gigs.

Social Media: @Purple_Thread

Hollows

The next band in question need no introduction, as Hollows appear everywhere in my life. Well because quite frankly, they are my life. I'll try not to go on forever but obviously they were the best band of the evening and the ones I came to see first. The past 9 months knowing these lads have been great. They look after me and adore me too. I'm lucky to also own merch, and the infamous tattoos that everyone knows me for!

Anyway, onto their set, of course it was the best like it always is. It's so wonderful to see them getting to play venues that they've always wanted to play in. I've been to see Hollows in a hell of a lot of different venues up and down the country, I know how special this one means to all four of them. To be fair it is a pretty good venue, the lighting is perfect!! I love it, everyone loves it.
I really don't need to answer the "Will I see them again" question because I know for a fact the next time, they do absolutely anything I will be there in a flash. Whether its Manchester or London, Court will be there screaming her head off or running around with my camera. Thats just how it goes down when I'm about!
They're worth their weight in gold and honestly, I hope they realise how happy they make me. Another amazing set once again. Can't wait for more.

Social Media: @hollowsuk

Fizzy Blood

The headliners of the night were Fizzy Blood. Another new discovery and defo up there on the list of the sweetest bands ever. They played Manchester to finish off their mini-4-night tour and it was amazing. I wasn't planning to stay for the entire set, but my gut was telling me to stay. I'm glad I did they are lovely and perform so well. I honestly enjoyed what I saw and heard, and I would happily make a show again one day. Maybe something to do in 2023. Which begs the question. Will I see them again? Highly likely yes! They are defo ones to watch and I'm happy to be a part of their little journey now.
Watch out for Fizzy Blood to be featured in more live reviews and music reviews!!!

Social Media: @fizzybloodband

*Photos by @shotbycourt_*

Live Review: We are Manchester: Belated birthday bash - 22/10/22

 22/10/22 - Aatma, Manchester

Saturday evening, I headed down to Aatma in Manchester's Northern Quarter to a fantastic gig to celebrate We are Manchester's birthday. Held at Aatma.
We are Manchester are a fantastic gig promoter in Manchester and have put on some fab gigs in the past. I discovered them whilst touring with the fantastic Hollows, due to them promoting and organising the Salford date of the tour!! Which really was a fab night.

Satan's Baby

The first band up to perform was the fab Satan's baby. This was my first encounter with this band and I was beyond impressed. They have an amazing sound and performed so well. I really enjoyed their set, and the small crowd that came early also enjoyed their set.
Would I see them again? Yes if they had a few local gigs or were gigging with a band I already knew. I'd be there for sure. Satan's baby have bags of talent and more people need to see it and hear what they have to offer. It's amazing!!!!

Social Media: @satansbabyrock

Feathertrade

Next to perform was Feathertrade. Another amazing band who I had seen for the very first time at this show. There's something about these guys that really made me take a liking to them. They have a wicked sound and played super well!! They really got the crowd going and a few came down just for them! You know a band is a hit with the crowd when they all move forward. I would be more than happy to see them again if they did some more gigs. They have that sound that really makes you wanting more. I am in the process of checking them out properly and I would consider supporting feathertrade in the long term. I had a chat with their lead singer who is just lovely.

Social Media: @feathertrade

The Hangman's Howl

The final band to perform and the headliners of the night was none other than The Hangman's Howl. Another band who are just lovely to speak to with a wicked sound. They were a huge hit with the crowd that had doubled by now and they really closed the show with a bang!!
This band have the most incredible sound and it really makes me want to commit. I did find myself toe tapping and head bopping during their set and I even stuck around to watch their entire set because I liked it so much. Once again, they are super talented and really need to be seen and heard so much more.
Would I see them again? Yes!! I would definitely see them again and possibly attend another headline for them. I think I could see myself supporting them long term.

Social Media: @thehangmanshowl

*Images by @shotbycourt_*

Live Review: Isla Rico headline show - 15/10/22

 15/10/22 - Deaf Institute - Manchester

A warm Saturday afternoon saw me head down to Manchester from Wigan to go and support a band I have known for a whopping 5 years!! Isla Rico have had many changes but now have found their true selves and is officially at the top of their game.

The Book Club

First up was The Book Club, who are a fantastic band who have bags of talent coming our way. I hadn't heard of them before this show but they're fantastic to watch. They all have so much energy and a great sound to match. I really liked their latest single, watch out for a blog coming soon as I check this band out. They need more people following them and knowing about them. If you do anything go see this band.
Would I see them again? 100% yes!!

Social Media: @Thebookclubuk

Ritch Scholes

Second to take the stage and perform a rather laidback acoustic set was none other than Rich Scholes. I've known Ritch for a while now as I knew him from his band Twenty four seven who then became The Shades. A few people came down to support Ritch as he sang a few original tracks and a few covers with nothing but a guitar. This lad has talent and it really shines through now that he is solo. I'm also happy to say he still speaks to ex Shades drummer Mike, who was also down on the night supporting his friend. I managed to grab both of them for a chat after the show which was fab.
Fantastic set Ritch, can't wait to see whats instore next!!

Social Media: @sonofaritch

Isla Rico

Final band and the headliners of the evening was Isla Rico. Now this band I have seen in many different forms, but this one has to be up there with the greats. I have followed them for a whole 5 years and I have watched this band grow so much. They have come on in heaps and bounds and are doing amazingly well. There was quite a crowd supporting them which was wonderful to see. Their new music is just fab! I honestly can't wait for more singles to come out so I can crack on and write a few up for my own blogs. This gig was amazing and the best I have ever seen them. They make me incredibly proud and I will be here longterm. This band have seen me go through rough patches but also now get to see me living my best life!! I can't wait to show them what I have to offer myself.
They also have a show in London which I could be planning to attend, I'm not 100% yet as London is quite a fair way but if I can I certainly will. But in the meantime I will continue to watch these lads grow even more. They are officially at the top of their game and I can't wait to see whats next. They'll be headlining arenas before we know it!!

Social Media: @weareislarico

*Images by @shotbycourt_*

The Kairos and Supports at Off the Square, Manchester - 17/09/22

 17/09/22 - Off the Square, Manchester

Saturday saw me pack up my camera and catch a train from my new home into Manchester. I went to see 4 fantastic bands, 3 of them I ended up doing photography for at the same time.

Big Society

First onstage was a band called Big Society. A fantastic first opening band who I really enjoyed watching. They have a great sound and I would love to see them again and meet them properly. Sometimes you need a few gigs to really see what a band can do and I really think these guys will go far in future. I wish them all the best and hope to see them again soon.

Social Media: @thebigsocietyband

Hollows

Next was a band who I have seen and written up so many times. So ill keep this short. But Hollows as always, were flipping amazing!! They really do push themselves and every gig I attend despite now working half of them I really really enjoy. I know their songs more than anyone and even know the order they come in!! These lads did another amazing gig and I
had the best time. A fair few came down along with a few faces I recognised from tour too, which was just so nice to see. These lads deserve the world and more and they got me instead. I simply do not deserve them one bit. I will 100% be at the next gig no matter what. They have my heart forever.

Social Media: @hollowsuk

Lighthouse

Next to take the stage was Lighthouse. A fantastic band who are very new to me but very lovely so im sticking around!! From what I saw of their set, whilst ducking and diving around the stage to get the best angles with my camera, they're just great. They have true talent and I hope I get to see more of them on my travels and gig adventures! I would love to feature them in more reviews. Their songs are right up my street and I do need to go ahead and check them out properly when I have time from my busy schedules!!! I can see me becoming devoted to this band real quick. I must add that they're a pleasure to work with and I enjoyed my time spent with these lads. A must see.

Social Media: @lighthouse_official_uk

The Kairos

The final band to perform and the headliners of the evening, was The Kairos. At this point I stopped taking photos and let their own photographer take over as I know what its like to have others taking photos alongside you and it didn't end well. I got to watch these guys properly and they're really cool. They have quite a good following and managed to get people down despite being from Liverpool. I would love to see more of these guys and probably would return to Manchester to go and see them again if I got the chance to. Or if any support acts ask me to come and help them out with photography on the night. They'll go far and I can't wait to see it.

Social Media: @thekairosband

*Images by @Shotbycourt_*

Hollows, Namesake & Swamp Chicken - Manchester - 30/07/22

30/07/22 - The Eagle inn, Salford. 

The final night of tour took me to Salford, Manchester. For a gig of a lifetime. It was crazy!! The bands were amazing. The crowd was just wild. It was a fab gig, and it really ended the tour on a high. I actually couldn't wait to write this one up.

Swamp Chicken

First support up to perform and get the lovely crowd warmed up was the amazing Swamp Chicken. I hadn't heard of them before this gig but I had high hopes for them. They pulled off a great set and really delivered to the crowd that watched. Their original songs are just brilliant and I will be checking them out more wherever I can find them.
Would I see Swamp Chicken again? Yes!! I hope I get to see them again they seem lovely. I had a chat to their lead singer briefly and she seems so lovely. 
I wish them all the best for the future and hope we cross paths again soon.

Social Media: @Swamp_chicken_music

Namsake

Next up was Namsake. Who I have in fact seen once before. It was wayyyy back in October 2021. The same day I discovered The Montagues!!! As it was the same gig they were performing at. My boys in Hollywood Eyes and the amazing Bronnie did a brill job making me attend this show!!! I'm glad I went or I wouldn't be writing this. As thanks to The Montagues I got to know Hollows. Its all a big domino effect.

I can tell you all now I have 100% fallen back in love with this band. They still knew who I was after so long apart and it was great to see them again. We had a super long catch up before the gig started, it just felt great!!!
Their set was just one of the best. I already knew a few songs and they could see me singing at the front and just having the best time in general. I had no camera with me either so it just felt even better to just enjoy them again like I did last year.
Will I see Namsake again? 100% YES!!! I love them too much to not come back and see them a million times over. I will make sure that they are sick of seeing me as I now have another reason to make long 8 hour trips to London and back! I really missed these lads and seeing them again at the end of a long but fun week really was the icing on the cake. I hate to be biased but they were the best support act of the night too. I even got brave and grabbed them all for a big photo of all 6 of us together, which I will treasure forever.

Social Media: @namsakeband

Hollows

Again, a band that needs 0 introduction. Hollows. The band that are quite literally my life and saviours. Before I write about their set I need to mention how these lads really really looked after me all week. They made sure I was back at my hotels safe each night. They kept me safe while I was blackout drunk in Sheffield. And also helped me out big time in Frodsham. No other band looks after me like they do and I cannot thank the lads enough for what they've done for me in 5 short months. From day 1 they haven't seen me as some fangirl. They've took me seriously in every way and have supported my blog and supported my photography since the day I told them about it all. These lads also know what I've been through in life and haven't left me, haven't judged me and just accepted me for who I am. I am so grateful that they're in my life. I feel like I've been around for 5 years never mind 5 months. You wouldn't think we only got to know each other in February of this year. The way we just support and look after each other, you'd think I'd been around way longer.

Now onto their set. This was quite frankly the best set they did all week. Now of course none of the sets I saw all week were bad. But this one really did show what this band can do. It was a sold out show on home ground for a start. But they really blew the roof off and everyone looked like they were having the most amazing time. (even I had the best time despite having a little cry in the corner during mmol) It felt great being able to just enjoy every song. As I now know every song off by heart so I could sing to every song which was the best. Lead singer, Sean, even did a stage dive twice which was really cool to watch!!! It made the gig.
As I'm writing this and re living this tour, I am also starting to miss the lads so much. Getting a tattoo for them was so worth it!! I am literally with them for life, even if they are sick of seeing me after 6 nights in a row!! I know that won't be the case at all. Next tour I plan to just save like mad and put all the hours in at work and potentially do the whole thing. I picked the best band to do this with and I'd do anything for them now in a heartbeat. I'm really excited for the next gig!!!! Hollows for life!!

Social Media: @hollowsuk

Jedward voice of a rebel tour: Manchester

 01/07/22 - Factory, Manchester

Friday night saw me book into a hotel and head down to factory with some friends to watch Jedward perform on tour. This was a gig with a difference as they had no support act and a 2 hour set.

Jedward

I don't need any introduction for these lads. Everyone knows Jedward!!! Their gig on Friday was a blast. They're the only artists to have no support act and a whopping 2 hour set!!! They crammed in as many songs as they could into this set and I found myself singing along to every song. Jedward are my secret guilty pleasure and I finally got to see them live after 13 years!!!

This gig was one of the best shows I have done in a long time. (Minus my friends bands gigs cause they're up here with this one). Other Jedward fans are lovely and loads followed my social media page too. I also have to comment on how Jedward have matured but they haven't changed one bit!! They're still as bouncy and energetic as usual, just like they were all them years ago in the early days. I was very sceptical and got stick for attending this show, but sometimes in life you have to do what makes you happy. Jedward make me happy. I honestly felt like I was 15 again and it felt amazing. They are now in their 30s and are full songwriters now. They do a lot of their songs themselves which is amazing to see. I really can't wait for the next tour they do. I really hope they carry on for a very long time. I plan to just spend hundreds on a VIP ticket when they're back in Manchester.

This blog is short with only Jedward performing, but the night was Jepic and I can't wait for more!!!!

Social Media: @planetjedward on Twitter & @Jepicpics on Instagram.

Tilly Louise + Supports at Retro, Manchester

 30/06/22 - Retro, Manchester

A short train journey into Manchester saw me head down to Retro bar to photograph a gig for the amazing Tilly Louise. Along with supports Mandelbro and the well known More in Luv.

More In Luv

First on was the fabulous More in Luv. This band is very well known to me as I have now known these lads for 11 months. Time has flown so fast but I still love them as much as I did back then.
The lads did a fantastic set like they always do. Playing all the originals that I know and love and just rocking the stage like they always do. I love being in the company of this band, they know me really well now and I'm always greeted with a hug when I arrive at shows. They are a great band who I adore very much. I can't wait for the next shows these lads have and I can't wait for new music to be released. More in Luv are on my recommendations list. I will 100% be seeing these guys again, one show isn't enough. I need loads.

Social Media: @moreinluv

Mandelbro

Next up was Mandelbro. They are an amazing band who come from Paris!! They played a wicked set and I got some fantastic shots for my own portfolio. I really enjoyed watching this band and I would happily attend another show. Their original songs are just so good and I was hooked after the first few songs. The crowd really enjoyed them so much and I really hope they know that the UK loves them!! They will go far as well. I will be checking them out properly and will be keeping my eyes and ears open for anymore shows that I can attend. I wish them all the best for the future and I cannot wait for more music, shows and content in general. 

Social Media: @mandelbro1

Tilly Louise

Last to perform as the headline of the night was the sensational Tilly Louise. I love this girl so much. She performs so well. This gig was part of a mini tour she had put on, and she honestly brought a crowd. They went crazy for her and it was nice to see people enjoying live music again. Tilly sang mostly original tracks but they were all so brilliant. Again I got some fab images of her and her band for my own Instagram page and portfolio. Tilly is a pleasure to watch and I really hope that I can return and see her again. I will be checking her out properly and adding her to my list of artists that I love. I wish her all the best for the future and I can't wait for more shows and music. Amazing gig!!!

Social Media: @TillyLouiseMusic

(Images: Shot By Court)

The Covasettes: Plastic Gold Single Launch - Manchester

 23/06/22 - 33 Oldham Street, Manchester

A rushed but long trip into Manchester by bus due to train strikes, saw me head to 33 Oldham Street to see the Covasettes launch their new single, Plastic Gold. I honestly didn't think I was able to attend this show as it had sold out. But luckily a fellow supporter of the band kindly gave me their ticket as they weren't able to attend anymore. So I was able to attend myself.

Alex Spencer

First to perform and the only support act was Alex Spencer. I have in fact already seen Alex before this gig. I had the pleasure in photographing his set in Warrington as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebration gigs. Alex is a wonderful singer, as I have mentioned in a previous blog, this lad is going to go so far. He had an amazing set and already has a good strong mix of original songs and covers. Everyone seemed to like what they were hearing. Will on drums was just as good, he also has loads of talent. Both are going to go really far and it was great to see both perform again, as when your the photographer you focus on the images rather than the artist.
I wish Alex all the best for the future, and hope our paths cross again. Pleasure to work with and a credit to all those around him. A must see.

Social Media: @alexspencermusicuk

The Covasettes

The final band of the night was The Covasettes. This is my 2nd time seeing these guys as I only started to see them this year. I last saw them when they supported Deco up in The Deaf institute as part of their tour. They are an amazing band!! Getting to see them was amazing. I do feel bad taking spare tickets as I know someone couldn't attend so that I could. But the night was still great. The crowd really got going at this point, the room was so small and it got pretty sweaty pretty quickly. Their set however was amazing, no one minded standing in a hot and stuffy venue to see these lads launch their new single. Which I must add is fantastic and is now available to stream and download!! A few people already knew the song as ticket holders got sent the song in advance, sadly not me as I had a ticket from someone else, but I got to hear it live so I'm satisfied.
I got to catch up with the band after their set and also got given a setlist. That just tops everything off and I can't wait until I can see this band again. Another must see.

Social Media: @thecovasettes

(Images by Shot By Court)

Pave Headline Show - Manchester

 17/06/22 - Night and Day, Manchester.

After a short trip into Manchester, I headed down to Night and Day in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, to see a band I discovered thanks to The Hara. That band is Pave.

Sour Punch

First band up to perform was Sour Punch. A totally new band that I hadn't heard of before this gig. They had a great set. The small crowd that came down early loved them and a few were dancing, filming and just having a great time. This was lovely to see. I really liked this band and I think I would see them again if they did another gig in Manchester. They have an excellent sound. Hopefully, they'll be featured in more blog posts that I write. I wish Sour Punch all the best for the future and I hope I get to see them again soon.

Social Media: @sourpunchband

Terror Cult

Next was a band called Terror Cult. Amazing name, amazing sound. They know how to rock a stage and get their audience going. These guys really know how to put on a show!! They are insanely good. They played a mix of original songs and a few covers. The covers really got people going as the songs are known unlike the originals. I really enjoyed watching these guys and I really hope I get to see them again. Hopefully while I am on my photography journey, our paths will cross again. You'll see me catching this band on home ground one day. 

Social Media: @terrorcultband

The Mantra

Final support act of the night was The Mantra. Again, another band I barely knew before this gig. They played a wicked set and more people had arrived at this point to enjoy them even more. Everyone had a great time enjoying their set. They even had a few supporters and friends turn up to see them as well which is always so lovely to see. I would love to see them again at another show, they're brilliant and I hope our paths cross again. Defo worth checking out The Mantra! They have talent!!

Social Media: @_themantra

Pave

Final band of the night, and the headliners of the gig was the magnificent Pave. I discovered this band whilst watching The Hara a month ago at Manchester Academy. I only saw a short set back then, so it was nice to actually be able to see a full set and let them show me what songs they have already released, and what songs are due to be released in the future. Honestly, I'm so glad I turned up to a headline show, as Pave are now one of my favourites. They are super talented and have some of the most amazing songs I have ever heard. Sometimes all it takes is to go and see a band properly, support slots don't always show you what that band can truly do. I cannot stress enough how important it is to get to a headline gig if you like a band. Pave also drew quite a big crowd that filled up the entire venue. They had merch on sale and I couldn't resist buying a T-Shirt for myself. I love it, super comfy and stylish!
I will defo be seeing Pave again. They're now my favourites and I will be back time and time again for this band. Great show!!!

Social Media: @pavebandofficial

(Images by Shot By Court)

The Lunar Year tour - Manchester - 26/05/22

 26/05/22 - Academy 3, Manchester

A short trip into Manchester and checked into my hotel for the night. Saw me down at Manchester's Academy 3. For The Lunar Year's debut tour.

Bronnie

First up to perform was Bronnie alongside bandmates Chris Mitchell, Peter Gebbie and everyone's favourite American, Mason Levi. They played a fantastic set full of everyone's favourite songs mixed in with a few covers. They got everyone dancing and having a great time. Even little drunk me was at the back trying to start a mosh pit!!!! Bronnie shows are always fun and I even bumped into the fabulous Eli and Cerys from Body Water!! I always love coming out to see Bronnie and this show was no different. I got to have a catch up with Bronnie after the show and got to have a catch up outside which was amazing as I sadly won't see them again until later on in the year. Will I see Bronnie again? 100% YES!!!!

10/10

Social Media: @bronniemusic

The Tyne

Next band to perform was The Tyne. Amazing bands I do have to say this. But their fans, are way younger than me and not my crowd anymore. But them as a band are really cool and I could see myself vibing to their music regardless. I haven't had time to check them out properly yet at the time of writing this, but I will. They played a fantastic set that everyone seemed to love. I even found myself getting a few videos of their set and having a bit of a dance myself. I didn't see them after the show and I also learned these boys have a 5 year age gap with me. So maybe not a band that I can fully commit to until they reach a better age. Despite this, they can really sing and really perform and are going to go far.  By this point I was deep in alcohol and was just having the best time!!! Would I see The Tyne again? Yes if they were supporting someone I knew for now as they are fairly young lads and I'm literally almost in my mid twenties haha.

Social Media: @thetyneband

The Lunar Year

The final band and the headliners of the evening were The Lunar Year. Made up of Connor Ball from The Vamps, and Sasa Macek from Cheat Codes. Two amazing lads who are honestly so genuine and super amazing. They played a wicket set, everyone in the room knew the lyrics to the songs off their self titled EP. Despite only being out for a few days at the time of the show. They played a Vamps cover, which was everyone's fave "Can we dance." Everyone looked like they had the best time at this fairly intimate show. I would happily do another show of theirs if they ever make a return to Manchester!
I got to meet the lads outside the venue after the show. They took the time to see everyone who couldn't get or afford a VIP ticket, including myself. I really do love it when bands make time for their fans, it truly shows who is genuine and who isn't. Huge love and respect to Connor and Sasa for doing this. Until next time.

Social Media: @thelunaryear

The Met Bury, Emerging showcase: Denova - 13/05/22

 13/05/22 - Bury, Greater Manchester

Friday 13th saw me take a short trip into Bury, which isn't far from me at all and still in my BL postcode range, which I love. To The Met theatre to watch one of their emerging showcase events featuring a band I have known since December 2021. Denova.

The Venue

The Met is a fantastic venue with 2 rooms, the main venue upstairs that holds many theatre shows and gigs, and The Box. A smaller venue downstairs on the main floor of the venue. I really liked being in this venue. It's a lovely area and The Box is a great small space big enough for 100 people or more to enjoy live music and shows. This room had no bar but the bar is a short distance away in the same building. I would happily attend more shows at this venue.

Denova

The only band to perform during this showcase was indeed Denova. They're actually a local band from Bury and the surrounding Manchester areas. I got to see them for the very first time back in December at the magnificent Deaf Institute.
They played an amazing 1 hour set. They really went for it, like they always do. The hour flew by, but I honestly didn't want it to end. Denova have the most amazing sound and I adore all their songs. During this set we got a few cheeky new songs to enjoy as well as the songs that are released that everyone knows and loves!! The crowd was small but the spirits were high and everyone loved every second of this gig.
I got to speak to the band after the show and they are really lovely lads. I adore them with all my heart and I even finally copped myself some lovely merch, which might I add. Is extremely comfy.
Would I see Denova again? 100% yes!! Next show they announce I will be there. I can't wait to see all the new stuff they have coming up.

Social Media: @denovaband

R Fest (Night 2) - 06/05/22

 06/05/22 - Retro, Manchester

Friday night, I checked into a hotel in Manchester for the evening and headed down to Retro once again for my second evening at R Fest. I saw 5 fantastic bands who I haven't seen before, so this gig was a real treat. I switched up the gig and headed into the basement for this gig.

Shackites

Shackites are a fantastic little band who I knew I wanted to support instantly. Sadly I only got 15 mins of their set due to arriving 15 minutes in. But they still managed to wow me while I was photographing the show at the same time. I would happily come back to another show to see them again. From what I saw they played a mostly original set, but it was fantastic. They wowed the small crowd that formed and myself too. This band are a pleasure to watch. They deserve all the support they get. Fantastic.

Social Media: @shackites

Maxwell Avenue

Next up was Maxwell Avenue. Another band I fell in love with instantly. They have an amazing sound that I really like, mostly because they sound like bands I support already, which may I add is never a bad thing. They reminded me of the fabulous band that is Hyde Project.
Hailing from Birmingham, this was the first time that Maxwell Avenue have played in Manchester and I really hope they love us enough up here to come back one day. I would 100% be down for another show of theirs. Who knows, I might even rock up in Birmingham one day. I had a little chat to their lead singer who is so lovely and so genuine, which makes networking with bands so much easier. Fantastic set from Maxwell Avenue.

Social Media: @maxwellavenueofficial

Rupcha Farms

Next to take to the stage was a band called Rupcha Farms. They have the most unique sound and I have never heard a band like this one before, and I have heard a lot of bands before!!! They're really cool and I loved being in their company. They had mostly original songs again but really got the small crowd that came down going. They were a great choice of band and if they returned to Manchester for a show I would 100% be down for another round of Rupcha Farms. Fantastic set guys!! My readers should totally go check them out and get to a gig!!

Social Media: @rupchafarms

Buds

The Penultimate band of the evening was a band called Buds. Who might I add are amazing. They are sensational. So good in fact that they came off the stage to perform and really got into the crowd. Everyone was having a great time during their all original set. Buds really go for it when they perform, they know exactly what they are doing and know how to get a crowd going. They were playing Retro as part of a tour for the headline band All Better and I think they did a fantastic job at it.
I wish Buds all the best in the future and I hope to be back!!!

Social Media: @budsfullstop

All Better

The final band to perform, All Better. Trust me they made the night "All Better" (Excuse the pun) their set was fantastic and everyone really adored them. Including myself.
They know how to rock a stage, and with each song I knew that I would end up supporting them myself. It was that good. They have awesome original songs and I know I would 100% go to many more shows to see them again. They deserve so much support and amazing opportunities! I really hope that they get there in the months and years to come.
Amazing set from All Better.

Social Media: @allbetterband

(images: @shotbycourt_)

R Fest 2022 - Night 1 05/05/22

 05/05/22 - Retro bar, Manchester.

Thursday night saw me down at the retro bar for my first night of R Fest. R Fest is a small festival held at the Retro bar in Manchester, which is located just up the road from Factory.
They hosted over 100 bands over a week long festival, spread over 3 stages. I went down for Thursday's show to watch the talented Waiting till Marriage, and other bands Pleo and A Second Generation.

Pleo

First to take the bar stage was Pleo. I hadn't heard of Pleo until this gig. They are sensational, a great choice for an opening band. They played mostly original tracks which all sounded amazing!! They have excellent stage energy and a great stage presence. I got to enjoy their set whilst photographing.
Pleo are going to go far and I hope to see them more often around Manchester. If you get to see them please give them all the support possible. I can't wait for the next time I get to see Pleo live, and possibly give them another glowing write-up. Fantastic work!!!

Social Media: @PlayPleo

Waiting Till Marriage

Next up was the band I originally came to see. Waiting Till Marriage. I have seen this boys go through many changes to become the band they are today. They have improved so much since and I'm so proud to be still here and a part of their lives. I've also been getting to know new member Brandon well and he's a little sweetheart. All the lads are so kind and genuine and they are a credit to their manager, and to each other.
They played a mostly original set and it gets better and better every time. I had a great time hearing a few new songs and singing along to the songs that I knew. They never fail to amaze me and I can't wait to see these boys more often all over the country. Waiting Till Marriage are going to go far!! Amazing lads!

Social Media: @waitingtillmarriageband

A Second Generation

Final artists to take to the Retro bar stage was A Second Generation. These guys are sensational. They rocked the stage so well. They instantly reminded me of the fabulous Pet Shop Boys, which I later found that they were one of their biggest influences.
Playing an all original set, I was actually blown away with their unique sound and stage presence. I would happily come back and see them again!! I can see myself supporting these guys so much. I had the pleasure of having a chat with lead singer Josh outside, he is so humble and genuine and I really love that about someone. They totally deserve all the support they get! I can't wait for the next steps for them, I'll be here every step of the way.

Social Media: @asecondgeneration

(Images: @shotbycourt_)

The Hara: We all wear black tour - Manchester 28/04/22

 28/04/22 - Academy 3 Manchester

It feels ages since I last wrote a blog post for you all, and I am writing this with a fresh tattoo on my arm which is pretty sore right now and is burning. But it's my second band tattoo making my tattoo count 4. My parents are gonna love that.

R Weekender Manchester. 08/04/22

 08/04/22 - Retro bar, Manchester

Friday nights show was a very last minute booking. But after a short trip to Manchester I was at the Retro bar just off Oxford Road, this venue is not too far from previously written about venues YES and Factory251. For the event, Retro had bands on in the bar itself and also bands down on the basement stage. Lots of noise!!!! This write up however will focus on mostly the basement stage. As I went to see one band in particular. Without Andrew.

The Venue

Retro is a wonderful venue with loads of performance space, for the event they had bands on in the bar itself and bands on in the basement bar. I have been in this venue a few times for gigs and i just enjoy coming. The place is small but has so much space inside for gigs and performances. I add this venue onto my recommendations and hope anyone reading this sticks a gig or two on there sometime.

Pryma

First up on the basement stage was a band called Pryma. Hailing from Kent. They are a fantastic band with a lead singer that has very powerful vocals. I was blown away!!! These guys have serious talent and really give off a vibe similar to artists like Evanescence. Their set consisted of mostly original tracks but they did play a few fantastic cover songs too. Pryma are definitely ones to watch if you are interested in their music style, sound and genre. Would I see them again? Yes, I think I would if they were back in Manchester or at a show I was attending for another band. They will go far.

Social Media: @Prymabanduk

Slackrr

Slackrr are a band that I honestly didn’t think I was going to like at first when they first walked onstage. But once they started playing that opinion soon changed! They have an epic sound, pure pop punk. Hailing from Southampton near London. They got the small crowd going and really went for it during their set. I got to speak to one of the members very briefly but would love to have a chat with them again if they are ever back up in Manchester. Their original tracks sounded so good! And they even have a song coming out for a video game in the upcoming months. I can see Slackrr going far. They are even signed to a record label out in the states, I can see them getting a fan base out there too. I would defo like to go and see these guys again. Well done to Slackrr.

Social Media: @Slackrr_

Barking Poets

Barking Poets are also a band from the London area. Really nice guys who I hope to hear more of now I have seen them and know who they are. I hope they make a name for themselves in the music scene, especially around London. They recently lost their lead singer but despite this they played a fantastic set and got the crowd going. Everyone was having a great time while Barking Poets were playing. They had a few cover songs on their set list and also original music. I really enjoy hearing what bands can write and come up with themselves. You can really see and hear the time and the effort that gets put into each song. Would I see them again? Yeah if they were back up north again or at a show I was already attending, I think I would be excited to see them one more time. (And that bass guitar full of glitter, right up my street)

Social Media: @barkingpoets

Without Andrew

Without Andrew were the final band I got to see before I had to head off for my train. I haven’t seen this band for a whole 2 years because of covid and the usual stuff that stopped me from doing what I do best. I had the best time watching them perform and almost landed in a messy mosh pit on a very slippery floor!! It was great to see people vibing and having a great time!! Without Andrew had the best set out of everyone - yeah I’m super biased but it was amazing to see them again after so long. They played lots of originals and lots of my favourite tracks. I even went all out and wore their merch to the show!! I am most definitely off to see them all again the brief chat with them was brill and I’m so glad to have them as part of my “Band circle” Fantastic end to a brilliant night!!

Social Media @withoutandrew