In what has been an epic and perhaps record breaking amount of gig coverage from the hardworking RGM live team this year, it would be rude not to ask the gang what their highlights have been from 2024. It is quite a mixed bag, but that’s just how we like it, so in no particular order here goes!
SAM RODGERS (WRITER)
Thinking back on my favourite gigs of the year, there’s one clear winner. Famed for their libertinism and with a history of on-stage antics, it’s fair to say I had high expectations for Fat White Family’s show at Manchester’s New Century Hall – and the squat rockers more than lived up to the bill.
The night was a continuous offering of depravity and pantomime. From the minute I walked into the venue, debauched attendees littered the place, falling over their feet in drunk and drugged anticipation. Robbie William’s ‘Angels’ played as frontman Lias Saoudi appeared on stage in a flesh-coloured leotard and a jug of milk in hand (this was soon thrown over the front row). Other highlights included boogieing next to Bez from Happy Mondays and the crowd’s acapella continuance of the closing track ‘Bomb Disneyland’ as they seeped onto Hanover Street.
HELS MILLINGTON (LIVE EVENTS MANAGER/PHOTOGRAPHER)
There have been two gigs this year that have remained with me long after the last notes were played. The first gig of my year is without a doubt Nick Cave at Manchester Arena. Cave is perhaps the only singer who can make such a vast venue feel small and intimate. The performance was simply breathtaking, and lasted over two hours, with Cave showcasing his extensive back catalogue and of course performing with his Bad Seeds who added an extra element of magic to that evening.
The second gig that stood out for me was Chris Bridgett’s performance at The Nook in Heaton Moor. This was the first time we had been able to hear the majority of his new album ‘Speedboat on Chapel Street’ in its entirety and you could hear a pin drop at times as the entire room was transfixed on the beautiful melodies and heart wrenching lyrics. Two very different gigs, and two very different venues but that’s what it’s all about.
BELLA PLATT (WRITER)
My best gig of the year was Hot Wax at The Deaf Institute, a night with an electrifying lineup of talent, culminating in a jaw-dropping performance by Brighton punk rockers Hot Wax. The night kicked off with Duvet’s attention-grabbing energy and was elevated by Aziya’s intimate yet charismatic set, blending spoken and sung vocals with captivating synth textures.
Hot Wax stole the show with their commanding stage presence, intricate guitar riffs, and dynamic punk-grunge sound, pushing the boundaries of the genre. Their technical mastery and raw energy, especially in tracks like “Rip It Out,” left the audience mesmerized and cemented their place as rising stars in the punk scene.
FRANCESCA DAVIS (WRITER)
The best gig I went to this year was The Reytons at Clifton Park. Having only started listening to them at the beginning of the year, it was a bit of a last minute decision to go see them, but one I don’t regret. It was all outdoors so had the vibe of a festival, the crowd were lively and the day was buzzing with good music, not just from The Reytons but from their support acts including The Rosadocs and Andrew Cushin.
By the time The Reytons came out, the atmosphere was alive. They played a brilliant compilation of tracks that got us all singing along, ending with a firework display, just to top it all off. The best part though was how appreciative they were to be playing to us. It was an absolute pleasure to be part of that crowd.
FRAN (WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER)
Bombay Bicycle Club played a packed Olympia Theatre on the back of their critically acclaimed top 5 album My Big Day. Yet again, they proved to be one of the UK’s premier live acts, helped by a rich back catalogue of 15 years’ worth of indie classics including ‘Shuffle’ and ‘Luna’. They certainly knew how to bring the party, backed by a dynamic horn section and the glorious Olive Jones. Their musicality and sheer joy of performing shone through, and by the end of the night, there wasn’t a person not dancing.
RIC BROOK (WRITER)
Well 2024 has been an amazing year for gigs with so many special nights that came my way so picking the best from them is a near impossible task. The latest was the return of Doves especially as they played my favourite gig place of all, Hebden Bridges Trades Club.
Just a couple of weeks earlier was the man who can do the impossible, Nick Cave along with the Bad Seeds who can captivate an entire arena into silence like I’ve seen no other artist do before, truly mesmerising watching him control all stood or seated before him. Earlier in the year I managed to catch James return with an orchestra and choir in tow, the rework of The Lake was exceptional in York but Shadow Of A Giant at Lytham will stay with me forever, hauntingly beautiful and a tough moment to beat but it wasn’t my favourite gig.
That moment in time belongs to the return of Puressence at the Albert Hall, a band who I thought was gone forever returned and not only did it happen but they completely smashed it out of the park, they might not have looked it, tbh it looked like the band’s dad’s had walked on stage it had been that long since I’d last seen them but the magic was very much still there and Jimmy Mudriczki’s vocals were as unique and amazing as ever, incredible as just a few months earlier he suffered a serious brain hemorrhage.
Outstanding stuff and a night to top all special nights I’ve experienced in Manchester’s best large live venue by some distance as far as I’m concerned.
HAYLEY GRICE (WRITER)
My best gig of the year has to be Courteeners at the o2 Academy in Brixton.It was my first time visiting the venue, which I was incredibly impressed with and just added to the night.
It was part of their latest tour following the release of the album “Pink Cactus Cafe” – and despite this being my 10th time seeing the band, it was the best I’ve ever seen them.
The older tunes still rang through like electricity, and their newer songs had a big impact and the entire crowd was singing along and it was just fantastic.
Liam Fray’s stage presence was amazing, the music sounded seamless and it was a brilliant crowd.
SIMON LEE (PHOTOGRAPHER)
Picking a favourite gig in a crowded calender was never going to be simple, from intimate, sweaty nights such as The Battery Farm’s Kings Arms gig to James’ sold out gig at Co-op Live. Looking back through my photos and one image jumped out more than all the others, Puressence’s triumphant return.
After a 10 year hiatus they blew the roof of a packed Albert Hall, memories of hearing the swirling riffs of Oracle reverb around the grade II listed hall still raise the hairs on my neck. Selling out in seconds and with folks travelling from as far as California and Gemany it was fantastic to see they’ve not been forgotten outside of their Manchester heartland. They play Athens, Greece this weekend then no more gigs are planned. Hope it’s not another 10 year wait…
MATT JEFFERSON (PHOTOGRAPHER/WRITER/SENIOR EDITOR)
What a year for gigs and how on earth do you pick a best one ? The Lottery Winners at Mcr Apollo kicked off a fine year in more than a fine way, The Libertines at Derby and Gallagher Squire at Manchester Apollo were just on another level. The Clause with guests Stanleys and The Lilacs at Blackpool Bootleg Social had to the bargain lineup of the year.
Arkayla’s superb performance at The Isle of Wight, Lock-In at Truck Fest and Dirty Blondes astounding set at Y-Not all pointed to the next few years being something special. His Lordship delivered a down and dirty garage rock master-class at Night and Day, The Lilacs packed out Mcr Ritz in a way no one had done for years and The Kairos literally blew the roof off Revolution at Neighbourhood In The City… all these gigs could all have been in contention but in the end, The Sex Pistols and Frank Carter at Mcr Academy has to be the one, though it wasn’t The Sex Pistols, or was it?
Everyone was unsure, everyone was a bit reticent but on the night, and indeed on every date of a miniscule, teasing tour, the crowd was treated to what was a well and truly reinvigorated Sex Pistols. Yes the purists and die hard fans will scream and scream that Lydon wasnt there but in all honesty, that was a good thing. Frank Carter was in his element and was no tribute, this was Jones, Cook, Matlock and Carter….. The Sex Pistols.
PETE ROONEY (WRITER/PHOTOGRAPHER)
For me, the Gig of The Year for me by a country mile (plus a few poles, perches, rods and furlongs – ask your Nanna) has got to be The Battery Farm’s launch party for their second (I mean, WHO calls it “Sophomore”..?) album, “Dark Web”. The intimacy of The Deaf Institute Lodge is the venue for this auspicious occasion, where we are gifted with the complete album in all its terrifying glory, along with a selection from debut album Flies and a few golden oldies from The Battery Farm’s back catalogue of gloom and despair.
We’d already been treated to snippets from Dark Web at recent gigs, but it was exhilirating to hear it as it was meant to be heard, as a complete body of work. Frontman Ben Corry was his usual frightening self, although his banter between tracks suggested that the future portrayed by Dark Web might not be quite as bleak as he’d have us believe. Guitarist Dominic Corry (yes they are, before you ask) stage right treated us to another masterclass in effects pedals, photogenic hair, a worryingly hot-looking fishing waterproof, and some of the finest guitarwork you could hope to hear this side of Ashton-under-Lyne.
Stage left on bass and occasional guitar and keyboards is Paul Worral who decides to open the set in what can only be described as a dirty mac, but which is quickly discarded as the temperature in The Lodge increases and his gyrations almost match Dom’s in their ferocity. There’s lots of stage interplay between both Ben and Paul, and between Ben and Dom, with the Corry brothers making frequent forays into the appreciative crowd where Ben pauses to rub the occasional head or even plant a kiss as he passes.
Finally, spare a thought for Sam Parkinson on drums, trying to herd the sack of cats that is the rest of The Battery Farm as they lurch through sixty minutes of ill-contained mayhem. The gang’s repertoire covers a wide range of tempos and beats, but Sam is more than a match for them all, as the sweat drops from his brow onto his kit and his expression reflects just how much his arms must be hurting.
What makes this a memorable gig is the obvious camaraderie that exists between these four bandmates and friends, and their relief at being able to get the album out at all, after being dealt an almost fatal blow by their record label not long before its release date. What also makes this the only place to be on a night where many bigger acts were playing elsewhere in Manchester at the same time, is the obvious love that flows from tonight’s crowd, which is reflected right back from a delighted set of lads who have worked their socks off to get where they are, and will continue to do so into 2025 and beyond.
Oh, and did I mention the music? If bleak and dark is your thing, if the examination of the human soul and condition floats your boat, and if fear for the future and how it might pan out keeps you awake at night, then, my friend, The Battery Farm might just be your friends too. They say there’s light at the end of the tunnel, but Ben, Dom, Paul and Sam have not only extinguished it, they’ve stuck it under a barrel, encased the whole thing in carbonite and chucked it into the sea, just to be sure.
Still, mustn’t grumble. All the words in the world can’t really do justice to a Battery Farm gig. Just go see them – you may well emerge terrified, but you sure as hell won’t be disappointed.
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