BELOW you'll find ten of the best gigs and concerts in and around Manchester throughout November and December. Not your bag? Well then how about the Top 10 Exhibitions or Top 10 Theatre and Comedy shows?
PJ HARVEY | Victoria Warehouse | Thursday 3 November
PJ Harvey’s world tour is anything but stripped back. Directed by renowned British theatre director Ian Rickson, fashioned by designer Ann Demeulemeester and with set design by multi-media artist Jeremy Herbert, the ‘festival show’ is an explosive celebration of Harvey’s prolific career - for which she was awarded an MBE for services to music.
Victoria Warehouse, Trafford Wharf Road, M17 1AB (doors open 6.30pm; tickets £41.25 at victoriawarehouse.com).
CORINNE BAILEY RAE | Albert Hall | Saturday 5 November
Rae first rose to prominence in 2006, becoming the fourth female British act in history to have her eponymous first album debut at number one. The Grammy award winner also gained critical and commercial acclaim for second release The Sea in 2010 but the death of her husband led to a long hiatus. Now she’s back with The Heart Speaks In Whispers, her most soulful album yet.
Albert Hall, 27 Peter Street, M2 5QR (10.30pm-5am; tickets £27.50 at alberthall.seetickets.com).
BASTILLE | Manchester Arena | Sunday 6 November
Ever since their first album Bad Blood topped the UK album charts, Bastille have gone from strength to strength; winning a Brit award for Best British Breakthrough Act in 2014 and again reaching top spot this year with their second album Wild World. The Pompeii hitmakers will be performing songs from both albums in their biggest Manchester show to date.
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR (7.30pm; tickets £33.60 at eventim.co.uk).
CHASE & STATUS | O2 Apollo | Tuesday 22 November
They may be from London but Chase & Status has Manchester roots; members Sam Milton and Will Kennard having met here while studying. Fast forward thirteen years, three studio albums and collaborations with artists like Rihanna and Example - and they’re now one of the most sought after electronic duos in the business. Prepare for a creative homecoming as they hit O2 Apollo.
O2 Apollo, Stockport Road, M12 6AP (7pm; tickets from £31.50 at ticketmaster.co.uk).
WALKING ON CARS | O2 Ritz | Thursday 24 November
There’s nothing quite like an Irish crooner, particularly backed by ethereal Gaelic soundscapes and emotive lyrics as in the case of Walking on Cars. The five schoolmates, from southern Ireland’s sea swept coast, first gained acclaim in their native Ireland back in 2012 but it’s only with the release of debut album Everything This Way this year that the UK has caught on. One to watch.
O2 Ritz, Whitworth Street West, M1 5NQ (7pm; tickets £15.50 at ticketweb.co.uk).
NE-YO | O2 Apollo | Friday 9 December
Talking of crooning, it’s one of Ne-Yo’s specialities; alongside producing, dancing, acting and songwriting. The multitalented R&B star got noticed after penning Mario’s Let Me Love You in 2004 but he’s since put his writing prowess to use on his own tracks, with seven albums and counting. Little wonder his lesser-known moniker is Go Go.
O2 Apollo, Stockport Road, M12 6AP (7pm; tickets from £56.25 at ticketmaster.co.uk).
FATBOY SLIM | Albert Hall | Saturday 10 December
He’s been going almost four decades so safe to say Fatboy Slim - owner of ten MTV awards no less - knows a thing or two about making big beats. In fact, he helped popularise the genre; going on to release blockbusters like Praise You and Right Here Right Now. Slim will be joined by Shadow Child, Solardo and Sam Graham for a ‘party that’s off the charts.’
Albert Hall, 27 Peter Street, M2 5QR (10.30pm-5am; tickets from £29.50 at alberthallmanchester.com).
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS | Manchester Arena | 14-15 December
What with Simply Red taking to the stage in November, and the Chili Peppers spicing up December, it’s a red hot season for Manchester Arena. One of the bestselling bands of all time, the LA quartet are crossing the pond for the first time in five years to perform tracks from their new album and some of the back catalogue that has sold them over 80 million records worldwide.
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR (7.30pm; tickets from £55 at eventim.co.uk).
KATHERINE JENKINS | Bridgewater Hall | Monday 19 December
Bridgewater Hall hits a high note this December as mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins performs a repertoire of her favourite songs, accompanied by the Manchester Concert Orchestra. Jenkins’ crossover appeal makes this one for both classical amateurs and enthusiasts alike.
Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, M2 3WS (7.30pm; tickets from £31.50 at bridgewater-hall.co.uk).
THE TEMPER TRAP | Academy 2 | Monday 19 December
The Temper Trap released their first album to favourable Conditions, winning both ‘best group’ and ‘most popular Australian single’ for Sweet Disposition and gaining acclaim across the globe. Their third album Thick as Thieves sees the Aussie band collaborate with the brains behind artists like Sia, Lana del Ray and Frank Ocean while retaining their otherworldly sound.
Manchester Academy, Oxford Road, M13 9PR (7.30pm; tickets £16.50 at manchesteracademy.net).
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