From sellout shows in front of 50,000 people, to packed out arena shows, The Courteeners seem almost unrecognisable from the band critics 11 years ago stated would be unheard of in a decade. For anyone in the room and within the hazardously close radius of the infamous flares, a “dying sound” is far from the the cacophony of 13,000 voices who can still recite the St Jude album word for word.

Apart from the obvious foot-stompers like ‘Not Nineteen Forever’ which electrified the room, the newer songs did not go unappreciated, although received with less fervour. Performances of the more recent release ‘Small Bones’ and live debut track ‘Heavy Jacket’ were some of the most memorable of the night, with the passion that Fray ignites into his new and more treasured lyrics innate in these moments. Though not much can be said for an overwhelming staging, the band radiate a stage lacking in all but a few neon light to illuminate the whole arena.

However, it may be more apt to be writing this review about who some deem to be the true headliner of this gig– the charismatic Scotsman, Gerry Cinnamon. The mass chant for the down-to-Earth, acoustic singer’s arrival even before the first support, Zuzu, left the stage. Fresh from T in the Park and TRNSMT festival, charming renditions of EP hits ‘Belter’ and ‘Sometimes’, left the crowd charged and wondering if they had already witnessed the star of the show within the first hour. Let’s just say, the crowd were thoroughly warmed up well before the four Mancunian Courteeners took the stage.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan at your 6th show, or bought a ticket to hear one song specifically, The Courteeners remain to perform the hits with the same devotion as if was the first time they had sung it and continue to inspire through the way they work a crowd as a whole. And if this isn’t enough, maybe you will come away a new lover of the support act- just as I did!

Holly James

Header Image Credit: Press