It is not often I go to a gig not knowing what to expect. Tonight I was incredibly excited to see Peter Capaldi and his band play Academy Three, and wondered how this veteran of stage and screen would fair on a musical stage…I was not disappointed.
Support came from the incredible talent that is Zoe Graham, a Scottish singer/songwriter who within five minutes of arriving on stage, had the entire audience in the palm of her hand. Not only is Graham an immense talent, her stage presence and audience interaction was sublime.
Graham’s lyrics are thought provoking and witty, and the stories that she told to provide context were heartwarming, humorous and humbling. Should the music not play out then there is certainly a career in comedy on the cards, but from the audience’s reaction as Graham announced her last song, a genuine sadness spread across the venue, I think a bright future is beckoning.
I would go again just for the Fanny Craddock anecdote, but in all seriousness check out her work, it has been a while since I have seen such a warm reaction to a support artist, and it was truly well deserved.
Peter Capaldi’s band took to the stage in the most marvellous of tracksuits. This was not on my 2026 bingo card, Capaldi surrounded by a band wearing glittery Adidas tracksuits, but I am so glad I got to see this play out. The reaction to Capaldi taking to the stage was unreal, with chats of ‘OOH PETER CAPALDI’.
The excitement in the room was electric and as soon as the band started the first track I knew we were in for a show! Capaldi, as perhaps expected has a mesmerising stage presence that makes it difficult to take your eyes of him. Capaldi does have a history of performing in a band, having fronted a band before making it as an actor (The Dreamboys), and you could see the genuine love and gratitude in Capaldi’s eyes as the gig progressed, reciprocated by this Manchester audience.
The music is a blend of synth and gravely vocals, teamed with a tight band who make the whole outfit seamless but not so perfect for it to be a little edgy, with some obvious punk influences. Songs were played from both albums, and I did read that this was not meant to be a complete career change from acting, but going off the audience’s reaction this evening and how well received the latest album has been, it could well happen!
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