The Charlatans performed to a packed out Manchester Academy on their ‘We Are Love’ tour off the back of their latest album release (of the same name) ‘We Are Love’.
The Charlatans have a career spanning over thirty five years, and have been through ups and downs that would cause the end of most artistic endeavours. However, in 2025, the band are still pumping out love, joy, and bliss in abundance. In the 90’s, the Charlatans were a force on the Manchester music scene, and to some, Manchester is seen as home turf for the band, and the crowd reflected that with bubbling excitement before the show began. With no support acts, the night felt like a special celebration of the band and the new album. There was a strong sense that we were all there for one thing, and one thing only: the Charlatans.
The Charlatans made sure to season their entire set with new music slotted in perfectly with their back catalogue. The set list was consummately curated, taking the crowd on an incredible journey, with each song flowing perfectly into the next. To me, it felt like watching a group of musicians at the top of their game. Tim Burgess was casting his famous silhouette in front and centre of the stage. Like other shows on this tour, there were two sets, and this meant the band were able to perform their biggest numbers and also showcase their new material.
The first set began with ‘Kingdom of Ours’, a great opener for an album with glistening organs, and a psychedelic vibe, giving a sense that something is coming. I remember thinking that it would be a perfect choice to start a set, and the Charlatans confirmed this in the performance. Following the opener was the hard-hitting track ‘Weirdo’ with the famous organ riff, causing the crowd to erupt. The track was sandwiched in between another new song, ‘For the Girls’, which saw lead singer Tim Burgess pick up a guitar, which was a bit of a rarity. ‘North Country Boy’ was also performed in this first set, which got me thinking if they are playing such a big hit usually reserved for encores, this show is going to be the gift that keeps on giving.
The band had a short interval break, and upon return opened up the second set, dedicating the song ‘Forever’ to Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield. What a band, and what a touching moment. Following was the track ‘We Are Love’, and as a guitarist, this one stood out for me on the album. Intricate Johnny Marr-esque lines, putting this new track up there with their best. ‘Out on Our Own’, ‘Deeper and Deeper’ and ‘Appetite’ were included from their new album in this second set and a collection of their self-titled album ‘The Charlatans’, including a personal favourite ‘Just When You’re Thinking Things Over’. These songs were well placed in the set, creating a chilled atmosphere. However, with some massive songs left unplayed, it felt like a bit of a breather before the climax.
Sweaty, swaying, and singing nonstop, the crowd were spurred on for the final stretch with the iconic tracks ‘One to Another’ followed by ‘The Only One I Know’. Arguably, the band’s most famous songs. Famous riffs on the keys, and Madchester scene pulsating rhythms set the crowd into rapture. If it were not for bands like the Charlatans, this writer may not have even picked up an instrument, and got so keen to follow in the footsteps of those before me in Manchester, so hearing these two live for the first time in my life was a bit of a mind-blowing occasion. Perfect.
The crowd almost spent were treated with a three song encore beginning with ‘Now Everything’. It felt like a nod to the crowd, and a thank you. Singing along to the words, it felt like a spiritual event. A thank you to the crowd, a reciprocated thank you to the Charlatans, and a moment of pause before the end. Finishing with ‘Tremelo Song’, and then the big one ‘Sproston Green’ for everyone to sing-a-long to, and sign off the night.
This show was confirmation that The Charlatans are still a very big force on the music scene. Music for those who were there back then, and for those who want to be here now. I am not a nostalgia merchant, and after this performance, I believe The Charlatans have created something beautiful for the now. ‘We Are Love’ is an album and a tour that has created great songs and is on the way to making more great moments to remember.
The Charlatans have announced a UK tour in April and May of 2026. One thing for sure is that if this ‘We Are Love’ tour is just the start of the next chapter of the Charlatans, 2026 will confirm the band as a serious must see.
WORDS BY JOHN ARDOLINO
PHOTO CREDIT – HELS MILLINGTON
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