Fozzy's Chris Jericho
Inbetween Download and Leeds Festival, we've seen a lot of bands this summer, but it's not all been thousands of people in a field.
Over June, July and August we saw a handful of bands across a range of venues in Manchester.
From legendary guitarists (Slash) to a former WWE Champion (Fozzy's Chris Jericho), we thought we'd do a quick round-up of a few of those shows, and give you a preview of what we've got planned for the rest of the year.
Summer
3 Doors Down (16th June)
Making their return to the UK as part of a four-date tour, 3 Doors Down put on a fantastic show at Manchester's Academy 1.
Depending on the band, the venue can seem intimate or big, and 3 Doors Down put on a grand light show to make this feel special.
The effects on their screen made this feel like an arena show which, whilst largely a good thing, did reduce the intimacy somewhat.
Regardless, songs like 'Loser' sounded stunning, mixed in with material from the band's latest album.
It was a triumphant return that cemented the band as a great live act.
Check out our interview with 3 Doors Down
Fozzy (30th June)
Moho Live is an intimate, sweaty venue, and the perfect fit for hard-rock/metal act Fozzy
Unsurprisingly, front-man (and former wrestler) Chris Jericho was as charasmatic as ever, getting the crowd involved after taking to the stage to a Justin Bieber song.
He proved over the set that he has the vocal talent to carry a song, although the rest of Fozzy more than held their own.
It was an intimate, energetic show in a perfect venue, and it wouldn't be a stretch to expect Fozzy to be moving up to one of the Academy venues in the next year or two.
Check out our interview with Chris Jericho
Papa Roach (17th July)
Putting on an energetic show, Papa Roach were in Sheffield for one of only two UK dates this year.
Covering their back catalogue, whilst playing five new tracks, the band were fronted by Jacoby Shaddix, described by our reviewer Lais as "one of the most ridiculously energetic frontmen" in the world.
The band should be back to tour after their next album, and we can't wait for their return.
Check out our review of Papa Roach, plus our interview with Jacoby Shaddix.
Slash (21st July)
Fronted by the hugely underrated Myles Kennedy, Slash put on a fantastic set that covered his extensive back catalogue.
Tracks from previous solo project Slash's Snakepit blended wonderfully with the likes of 'Nightrain' and 'Slither' in what was a stunning live show.
Slash himself tweeted that it was over capacity, and it over-ran when the band launched into an impromptu rendition of 'Patience'.
Supported with a solid set from Japanese Voyeurs, it was a truly special night, coming to a close with 'Paradise City', the fans faithfully singing back every word.
Check out our review of Slash, and interview with Japanese Voyeurs.
Taking Back Sunday (24th August)
In a contrast to 3 Doors Down's show at Academy 1 in June, Taking Back Sunday made the room feel small and intimate, resulting in an energetic, special night for everyone in attendance.
Adam Lazzara was fantastic as a front-man, constantly racing across the stage, even performing a few songs from amongst the fans.
Rare performances of tracks like 'Ghost On Third' made this feel like a truly special evening.
A stunning performance of 'Cute Without The 'E' (Cut From The Team)' ended the main set, before 'There's No 'I' In Team' brought an incredible show to a close.
Check out our review of Taking Back Sunday, and our interview with support act The New Regime.
The Future?
So, what do we have planned for the rest of the year?
Besides seeing (and chatting to) Against Me! when they support Frank Turner at the Manchester Apollo, we'll be on hand to talk to You Me At Six before their set at Preston's 53 Degrees.
Next week we should be watching Young Guns in Manchester, whilst chatting to support bands Dangerous! and Every Avenue.
Also on the cards are interviews and reviews of Wheatus and Hanson, as well as more contemporary acts like Enter Shikari and Funeral For A Friend.
We also should be on hand at this year's Revival Tour in Manchester, this year seeing Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music) joined by the likes of Dave Hause (The Loved Ones), Dan Andriano (Alkaline Trio) and Brian Fallon (The Horrible Crowes, The Gaslight Anthem).
The next three months will be an exciting one for us in regards to live music, so keep checking back for all this and more.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge
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