As the start of a new year looms, there is nothing better than to clear those post-Christmas blues with some amazing live music. Have a look at what’s going on throughout Manchester in January.
January 8th 2025
The Jesus Lizard – Academy
Formed in Chicago in 1987, The Jesus Lizard has nearly 40 years of rocking experience behind them, and a new album will be released in September. The Band will take the stage of Manchester’s Academy at 7:30 pm on their near sold-out tour.
January 10th 2025
The Black Charade & Fell Out Boy – Academy
Anyone wanting to smash their heads back and forth to some of the music that shaped a generation in the early 2000s should get themselves down to Manchester Academy for two tribute acts. My Chemical Romance & Fall Out Boy are going back-to-back with non-stop hits from the emo and pop punk era. Doors are at 6 pm!
January 17th 2025
Ist Ist – Gorilla
The Manchester Post-punk quartet returned to one of the venues that gave them their starting points in this city, before their debut album in 2020. Following their latest album ‘Light a Bigger Fire’ reaching 25 in the UK album charts, they are bound to bring the energy they are known for, with a night of stinging guitar and booming drums, 7:30 is the time to arrive.
January 18th 2025
Paganfest Tour – Victoria Warehouse
It’s a busy month for metal fans! The Paganfest Tour is coming to Manchester. Bands such as Alestrom, Ensiferum, Tyr, Heidevolk, and Elvenking are taking Victoria Warehouse by storm. Entry begins at 5 pm
Desperate Journalist – YES Pink Room
For those wanting to tap into their more indie side of music, Desperate Journalist is bringing their tour to YES, coming off the coattails of their newest album No Hero in 2024, it is promised to be a good one! The venue opens at 7 pm.
Jim Moray – Gulivers
Releasing his first record in 2002 Jim Moray has had a very successful career including Glastonbury and the Royal Albert Hall. Just past the middle of the month, he is bringing his wonderful music to Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Gulivers, all things look like it isn’t one to be missed.
January 20th, 2025
Ron Pope – Night & Day Café
The world-famous Night & Day Café is hosting its first gig of the year on the 20th bringing Nashville singer-songwriter Ron Pope to the city for a night of Americana and roots.
Be there at 7:45 pm to see it unfold.
January 22nd, 2025
Magnum – Academy
Nearly a year ago to the date, Magnum guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder Tony Clarkin tragically passed away, and all band activity was therefore cancelled.
But the band has decided to play a tour solely dedicated to honouring their bandmate, playing only five dates in the UK, all things look to be an emotional night and a good send-off for Tony Clarkin.
January 24th 2025
The Meffs/Carsick – The Deaf Institute
Following their newest album ‘What A Life’ in September, and supporting rock legend Alice Cooper on his UK Tour, The Meffs are becoming a rising band that people should go out of their way to see.
Supported by Carsick, it is looking to be a hectic one
Get to Deaf Institute at 7 pm to see both of these amazing bands.
January 25th 2025
Josh Rouse – Academy 3
Bringing the tone a little bit softer is Josh Rouse, with a mixture of folk, pop, and country, Rouse’s talents are next to none, and he will be playing Academy 3 near the end of the month. Supported by Later Youth who is set to release his debut album this year, it promises to be a great night. The music is set to start at 8 pm.
Day Fever – New Century Hall
If clubbing is more your scene, Manchester’s New Century Hall is hosting Day Fever, the new event created by Jon McClure, of Reverend & The Makers, Filmmaker and broadcaster Jonny Owen, and Actress Vicky McClure. Targeted at an older generation of fans, this daytime event lets you dance the day away between the hours of 3-8 pm.
January 26th 2025
Femi Kuti – Band on the Wall
Femi Kuti has a career spanning nearly fifty years, starting playing his first instrument at 15, and joining his father (Fela Kuti) in his band Egypt 80, this January, Band on the Wall will be graced with Femi Kuti’s presence. Be there at 8 pm.
Du Blonde – Yes Pink Room
With her newest album released in November of 2024, met with very high regard, this Newcastle artist who puts her heart on her sleeve, shows off a discography mixing a vibe of indie pop, with punchy and rough guitar tones. Doors are at 7:30 pm.
January 27th 2025
Do Nothing – Yes Basement
Formed in Nottingham in 2012, Do Nothing quickly made a name for themselves, releasing 2 EPs and 4 Singles under the name Field Studies, they rebranded to Do Nothing in 2016 and released their debut album 7 years later, met with positive reviews from the likes of Clash and NME, it will certainly not be a gig to miss out on!
January 28th 2025
Soul Asylum – Club Academy
Soul Asylum is best known for their hit song ‘Runaway Train’ in 1993, which won the Best Rock Song Grammy that year. And recently released their 12th studio album, Soul Asylum have proven themselves as a rock band that must be watched, and this January you can at Club Academy.
January 30th 2025
Willie Watson – Night & Day
Willie Watson released his debut album a little over ten years ago, his work is highly regarded in the world of Americana. Watson uses his voice as a weapon, to strike through the hearts of his fans and make them remember the stories and words he sings, and seeing him live would be a delight, he will be performing at Night & Day at 7:30 pm.
Aswad, Dawn Penn and Musical Youth – Manchester Cathedral
On the last couple days of the month, Manchester is being treated to what is being called an “unforgettable night of Reggae”. Staged in the spectacular Manchester Cathedral, this event is promising to show off some of the pioneers of Reggae music to the city. 6 pm is the time to be there.
Bullet For My Valentine – Co-op Live
Celebrating 20 years of their album ‘The Poison’ the Welsh metal band brings their anniversary tour to the Co-Op Live in Manchester, which promises to give fans their favourite songs from the album they have come to love over 20 years. Doors open at 6 pm.
January 31st 2025
Emily Barker – Deaf Institute
Award-winning singer-songwriter Emily Barker is bringing her amazing voice to the Deaf Institute on the last day of the month, with her latest single ‘Tonight, Tonight’ being released just a few months ago, hopefully meaning more music from the songwriter. The event starts at 7 pm.
The Rifles – Gorilla
If you’re looking for something a little bit heavier, The Rifles will be straight up your street, heavily influenced by bands such as The Clash and The Jam are prevalent in this band from the capital city. The doors open at 7 pm with The Rifles expected to start at 9 pm.
JPEGMafia – Academy
The final gig this month is the highly regarded American Rap artist JPEGMafia, originally this gig was meant to be held in Manchester’s Albert Hall, JPEGMafia is known for his incredible range of genres from Hip-Hop to R&B, and it is most certainly going to be a loud one.
Doors are at 7 pm and music is meant to go on until 11 pm.
