GZA | Academy | Thursday 17 September
Gary Grice, better known by his stage names GZA and The Genius, is an American hip hop artist and founding member of the seminal collective Wu-Tang Clan. Within the clan, he is known as the 'spiritual head', being both the oldest and the first within the group to receive a record deal.
FLORENCE & THE MACHINE | Apollo | Friday 18 September
After enjoying more than eight years of chart domination and providing uplifting soundtracks for every major festival with hits such as Dog Days Are Gone, Shake It Off, Cosmic Love and You've Got The Love, Florence and The Machine are back on tour. Led, of course, by the tour de force Florence Welch, the indie rock act will be showcasing tracks from their brand new album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, Florence's third critically acclaimed LP.
Florence and the MachineJAMES BAY | Manchester Apollo | 22-23 September
2015's breakout artist of the year with his platinum selling debut album Chaos and the Calm still commanding rotation on radio and festival stages, James Bay will be performing his standout pop melodies, including the ever popular Hold Back The River.
LEON BRIDGES | Albert Hall | Wednesday 23 September
Leon Bridges returns to Manchester after selling out The Deaf Institute in a matter of days earlier this year. Bridges is aptly described as 'a man who's voice sounds like it's recently escaped from a long-lost Stax vinyl' and flies the flag for a new school era of blues. Fans of Bill Withers and Terry Callier will find something to love in this promising new artist. His debut album Coming Home is due on 22 June.
Leon BridgesWOLF ALICE | Albert Hall | Friday 25 September
The four piece alt-rock band are set to return to Manchester after recent standout performances at Gorilla and The Deaf Instiute. Wolf Alice just released their Creature Songs EP, produced by Catherine Marks, whose previous work includes recording for Foals and Howling Bells.
GABRIELLE APLIN | The Deaf Institute | Monday 28 September
British singer-songwriter Gabrielle Aplin forms part of the new set of stars who've found fame and popularity through Youtube. With her sweet, melodic folk/indie sound, the 22-year-old has had unprecedented success in recent years with her debut album English Rain topping the charts in both the UK and Australia.
Gabrielle AplinLEGENDS LIVE TOUR | Manchester Arena | Tuesday 6 October
For one night only, the cream of soul superstars converge in Europe’s largest indoor arena to perform some of their greatest hits. With Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, The Drifters and Mary Wilson of The Supremes performing classics like Do You Know The Way To San Jose?, you’ll almost certainly want to know the way to Manchester Arena.
JOHNNY MARR | Albert Hall | 7-8 October
He may have recently performed with The Who and Noel Gallagher but Johnny Marr is a Mancunian through and through. The Smiths’ guitarist is now set for two unforgettable homecoming shows, featuring dexterous solo material, classic Smiths hits and even the recording of a live album.
Johnny MarrBOB DYLAN | O2 Apollo | 27-28 October
Having been influential in pop culture for five decades, Bob Dylan knows a thing or two about moving his audiences; whether to tears, laughter or even action. Blending melody and musical aptitude with social, political and literary influences, Dylan’s songs may be unconventional but they certainly get people listening.
RAE MORRIS + ROO PANES | The Ritz | Saturday 10 October
Like her idol Kate Bush, Rae Morris cannot be pigeonholed and is slowly but surely winning over the nation with her quirky style. After signing to Atlantic, the talented songstress chose staying in her northern Blackpool home over moving to the capital; itself proof of a determination to shun the norm and carve her own creative path.
Rae Morris
