History was made on Thursday evening as Manchester icon and former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr played the first in his words ‘rock show’ in this city’s newest shiniest venue, Factory International. The venue is a state of the art media centre which will play host to a huge amount of genres as well as offering arts installations and corporate events.
The venue is located on the second floor, with a spacious bar area downstairs. The drinks menu was surprisingly affordable, and not a massive piss-take like the majority of larger venues (yes that’s you I’m talking about 02). This event has also considered the cost of living with honesty tickets an option for just £10. This is how the arts should be in my humble opinion, accessible to all, so well done factory for adopting this policy and removing the barrier.
The building is an exciting new addition to the city’s bustling music scene, and is a stones throw away from Deansgate and Castlefield tram stop. The building itself is pretty unique and I must mention the hospitality we received from the staff who were incredibly welcoming, even asking us as press what they can do to make our next experience more accessible (a refreshing change and one other venues should perhaps consider adopting).
Tonight was special for many reasons, apart from being the debut gig of this fine venue, Marr was also joined on stage by a full orchestra. As soon as they started to play the first track ‘Armatopia’ the sound was just incredible. Having seen Marr many times over the years he always sounds outstanding, but with so many musicians on stage and with the acoustics being something else it was quite simply breathtaking.
The band, which included Marr’s son Nile (an esteemed musician in his own right) on guitar was on fine form and we were treated to a mixture of Marr’s solo work, and of course a number of Smiths songs too. I must say, the opening to ‘How Soon is Now’ was magical with the added element of the orchestra.
The finale was a memorable occasions with a full on sing-a-long of ‘There is a Light That Never Goes Out’ anthemic and poignant in this night that will be a permanent fixture in the history books and the minds of all of those fortunate enough to get tickets, As I write this now, Marr is now on stage again for night two, and boy are they in for a treat!
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