MEXRRISSEY | Academy 2 | Sunday 8 November
Mexico, Los Angeles subculture and Manchester come together in a bizarre mix to celebrate all things Morrissey. After realising how many similarities there were between the music of the Smiths frontman and traditional Mexican music, Mexico City based DJ and producer Camilo Lara gives Moz's songs a bit of Latino spice.
Manchester University Union, Oxford Road, M13 9PR (7pm; tickets £18.50 at manchesteracademy.net).
HAPPY MONDAYS | Manchester Academy |19-20 November
Salford's legendary Happy Mondays are back on tour again to celebrate the 25th anniversary of classic album Pills n' Thrills And Bellyaches. The band, which went on to personify rave culture, will be performing the entire album along with other hits.
Manchester University Union, Oxford Road, M13 9PR (7pm; tickets £31.50 from manchesteracademy.net).
Happy MondaysFRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS | Manchester Academy | 23-24 November
Turner released his sixth studio album Positive Songs for Positive People this August and is now regarded as one of our best-loved songwriters. A self-proclaimed vegetarian, teetotaller and right-winger, Turner has even received death threats for his political beliefs following a news story in the Guardian. He's accompanied by his backing band the Sleeping Souls.
Manchester University Union, Oxford Road, M13 9PR (7pm; tickets £27.50 from manchesteracademy.net).
DURAN DURAN | Manchester Arena | Friday 27 November
Undoubtedly the 80s comeback of the year, Duran Duran are hitting the road again in support of their new album Paper Gods. Although they hail from an era of bad clothes and even worse haircuts, the band have still managed to sound contemporary without losing their sound and identity.
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, M3 1AR (tickets from £39.37 at eventim.co.uk).
Duran DuranJUDAS PRIEST | O2 Apollo | Saturday 28 November
Judas Priest is ranked by MTV as the second greatest metal band of all time: no mean feat, most would agree. They've been going since the seventies and have sold over 45 million albums. Their new album Redeemer of Souls was the band's first top 10 album in the US.
O2 Apollo, Stockport Road, M12 6AP (7pm; tickets £44.10 at ticketmaster.co.uk).
FAITHLESS | Manchester Arena | Saturday 5 December
Dynamic dance duo Faithless return to get Manchester Arena tripping the light fantastic, marking a 20-year milestone in their illustrious career and the release of new album Faithless 2.0. Featuring some of electronica’s greatest names, the remix album will see the likes of Avicii and Tiesto take on classic Faithless material.
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, M3 1AR (tickets £38.50 at eventim.co.uk).
FaithlessMANCHESTER FESTIVE HAPPENING | Albert Hall | Sunday 13 December
Following last year’s success, Albert Hall is back with an atmospheric Yuletide celebration. Camerata stings and brass will perform an emotive baroque programme, spiced with curated carols. Expect mulled wine, minced pies and a pin-drop atmosphere as music fills the old Wesleyan chapel with stunning soundscapes.
Albert Hall, 27 Peter Street, M2 5QR (doors open 1.45pm, starts 3pm; tickets from £13.20 at seetickets.com).
MADONNA | Manchester Arena | Monday 14 December
She of the conical bustier is back, proving thirteen can be a lucky number. Rebel Heart is the Queen of Pop’s latest offering, her thirteenth studio album and corresponding tour. Now 57, Madge is also dispelling the myth that pop equals youth as she continues to garner rave reviews after two iconic decades.
Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, M3 1AR (8pm; tickets from £93.50 at eventim.co.uk).
MadonnaNELLY | O2 RITZ | Thursday 17 December
What would a Top 10 Gigs be without a slick of rhythm and blues? Multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning rapper Nelly brings Nellyville to Manchester, promoting his upcoming album with chart-bothering singles such as DJ Mustard’s The Fix. One that should certainly cut the mustard...
O2 Ritz, Whitworth Street West, M1 5NQ (7pm; tickets £20 at ticketmaster.co.uk).
DAVID FORD | The Deaf Institute | Sunday 20 December
He may be taken seriously for his songwriting and performance skills but David Ford’s end-of-year charity blowout is anything but sober. Since his first Milk and Cookies show in 2001, Ford has raised over £56,000 for charity with his audacious one-man spectacles, this year on behalf of children’s charity Reverse Rett. Don’t be a scrooge, ‘tis the season to be jolly after all.
The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor Street, M1 7HE (7.30pm; tickets £13.20 at seetickets.com).
David Ford
