Gig review: Sam Smith @ Manchester O2 Apollo

Before Sam hit the stage, you couldn’t help but digest the fact that you were about possibly hear one of world’s most prolific male voices of recent years, however, the 90-minute show didn’t live up to expectation.

Gig review: Muse @ Manchester Academy

Renowned for their energetic and extravagant live performances, the Devon rockers arrived on stage to a rapturous applause from the crowed and ripped through their back catalogue.

Gig review: Champs @ The Castle Hotel, Manchester

If the shadows under their eyes confessed to a long journey, their music remained uplifting and wonderfully melodic – Simon and Garfunkel-esque, alternating between the synth-pop rock of singles.

Review: Placebo @ O2 Apollo, Manchester

Placebo’s Manchester O2 Apollo set-list of oldies-but-goodies like Infra-Red and Every You Every Me and soon-to-be classics from their 2013 album Loud Like Love was never going to disappoint.

Review: The Cribs @ The Ritz, Manchester

Arguably the biggest cult band in the UK, brothers Gary, Ryan and Ross Jarman have racked up an army of die-hard fans over the years and after a two year hiatus the long-haired lads have returned to Manchester to play a sold-out gig at The Ritz.