Live Music in Manchester
Having produced The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Simply Red and The Chemical Brothers, so something tells us that Manchester's got this live music lark under wraps. A great change from any ol' bog standard night in the city, take in some relaxing or heart-racing music while you dine and drink out; so whether you're after the latest popular band or a talented local act, you can find it all in many of Manchester's most famous musical haunts. Why not catch your favourite band or discover a new one in one of the Warehouse City's thriving venues?
Last updated on 4th May 2017
You say live music in Manchester, we say Deaf Institute. While known for their late night romps, floral interiors and delectable food, it's really made a name for itself by putting on some of the best concerts this fair city has ever seen. Intrinsically indie with a smattering of electro-pop thrown in for good measure, the sound system and impressive history will keep you coming back for more. Where better to see one of your favourite bands than at this well-established, late night haven?
As a former theatre, and run by the Trof family of bars and restaurants, Gorilla definitely knows how to put on live music in Manchester. Located on Whitworth Street underneath the city's railway arches, this trendy little spot has a minimal sixties feel to it. Behind the main dining room and bar sits a 600 capacity live music hall, decked out with an impressive lighting and sound system.
Revolucion De Cuba is a cool and buzzing Latin-themed bar music bar in Manchester. Ignore this quirky venue at your peril as it serves up some of the best cocktails in town and some delicious food too. There's also live Latin Music playing into the evening, making it a unique evening with friends or even a date.
Live Jazz, folk, gypsy, salsa, swing and ska at Matt and Phred's make this one of Manchester best live music venues. Enjoy one of their great cocktails, beers or even a bite to eat with friends while taking in a great eclectic mix of music 6 nights a week from 9pm in this prohibition style Jazz oasis.
An electic mix of artists play The Night and Day Cafe, from Jessie J to The Manic Street Preachers. It's a unique venue, reopening its doors in the evening and licensed till 2am from Monday until Saturday for live events. There really is something for everyone in this cosy little venue in the Northern Quarter.
Having been completely refurbished and expanding in 2014, Oddest Bar is now a hidden gem in Manchester's live music scene. Alongside boasting a delectable food menu full of flavour, including a new hangover menu to combat those heavy-headed Sunday mornings, their stage and sound system has everything you look for in a quaint, intimate little music hotspot. Who knows, you might see the next Neol Gallagher in this Wilbraham Road hangout.
DRY Live is a live music venue beneath the famous DRY Bar on Oldham Street in the heart of the Northern Quarter. Expect a cool crowd here drawn in by a wide variety of live music including Rock & Roll, Indie and DJs playing Dub and Grime. Licensed till 4am on Fridays and Saturdays it's a popular spot and most nights sell out so booking is recommended.
The oldest nightclub in the city, HMV Ritz is also a live music venue dating back to the 1920's. Hosting legendary acts such as The Beatles, it's now run by HMV and offers a wide variety of live bands from world famous punk acts to local indie acts. So don't miss out on your favourite bands playing right round the corner from Oxford Road.
Over two floors of a Grade II listed building is The Whiskey Jar in the Northern Quarter. Head downstairs to enjoy your favourite premium whiskey, a local ale or even a cocktail and take in a live band, acoustic set or a live DJ in this charming gem in Manchester.
When it comes to live swing and vintage music in Manchester, there's only the one name that can fit the bill just right, and that's Fitzgerald. One of the most noted speakeasy themed bars in the city, head on down for jazz bands and retro live music aplenty on a selection of weeknights.
