It's been a long time since I darkened the doorstep of Manchester Academy. I used to be there every other week before the unspecified virus took over the world. So coming back to the venue felt like coming home in a sense. I couldn't think of a better show to go to than the man himself Brian Fallon. There has always been a kinship between Brian and the Manchester audiences, with the banter, the laughs and out-loud sing-a-longs. It all feels so comforting and wholesome. Although the odd curse words get thrown around it's always in good jest. I will say walking down Oxford Road to the Academy just felt right, it felt natural, it felt like the warm embrace of an old friend and seeing Brian on stage, it felt like the clocks had turned back. Along for the ride on this great show were singer-songwriters Chris Farren and Jesse Malin. On paper, this was looking like it was going to be one hell of a night. 
Taking the stage first was Jesse Malin. A performer that I have admired for some time. The last time I got to see Jesse was when he opened for The Replacements in London. So, this was a long time coming. I have been in love with the album Sunset Kids since it came out in 2019 and Jesse played my favourite songs from the record. he has such an earnest presence to him. He's always come across as the every-man just playing the music he knows and loves. That came out here with a down to earth and soulful performance. Partnered with his backing guitarist/pianist/vocalist Derek Cruz, the duo captivated the Manchester crowd with their alternative acoustic rock. Especially, when they busted out a cover of The Pogues "If I Should Fall From Grace With God". A special moment for me was when they played "She Don't Love Me Now", which is one of my favourite songs from the album New York Before The War. An excellent set that got the crowd warmed up for what was to come. Jesse, it was good seeing you man, I hope it's not so long before I get to see you again.
Up next, were the comedic rock stylings of Chris Farren. Unlike the first act, I was going into this completely blind, as I had never heard of him before he was announced for this show. I thought it would be best to wait until the live performance to see what he brings to the table. I'm glad I did because this performance was a non-stop fun-filled show. Mr Farren brought his all to the set, basically playing a full show. So a show before the main show. I think everyone in the audience was pleased with the songs that he played. Before he came on stage, I noticed that a projector was being set up. If I knew what he was going to show on the projector, I would have prepared myself more. I mean, for the most part, it was just fancy patterns. It was just the odd moment that made me laugh out loud, for real. When he went into a guitar solo on the projector a big sign said GUITAR SOLO. Just for an example. The music itself was excellent too. Just fun pop-punk rock with so much charm and personality added to it. Farren's humour was on point and mixing that with a tight setlist that ran smoothly you get an excellent opener that gets the pallet wet for the main show. 
The lights dimmed, and the crowd was ready. Brian Fallon and The Howling Weather took the stage and you could feel the anticipation in the air. Let me say the night was exceptional. A great range of Brian's discography. Even a couple of songs by The Horrible Crows were thrown in for good measure. The atmosphere was excellent. It felt like the audience knew every song from the opening chords and, my god, when the chorus came, you heard all of Manchester Academy sing at the top of their voices. Some highlights were "Lonely For You Only", "Sleepwalkers" & "Rosemary". Brian is such a veteran of the stage at this point that he makes the performance look so effortless. His personality was so bright and it felt like he was just catching up with old friends. The whole section of the night with the crowd booing the idea that the next show of the tour was Leeds was honestly one of the best parts of the night. Brian is such a master of how he navigates from one song to the next. At one moment, he can be making laugh and the next he can bring you to the edge of tears with his soulful music. . 
I love that Brian doesn't mess around with an encore. He just plays until the venue closes. The final songs of the night left me with a good heart-warming feeling. A rendition of The Horrible Crows' "Behold The Hurricane", and the two fan-favourite songs "A Wonderful Life" and "Smoke" and like that the night was done. This was such a great night of entertainment, friendship, of community. It was everything that I needed for the night. Laughs, heart, soul, singing and overall... Fun. I have missed going to Machester Academy so much and I really couldn't think of a better show to come back to these hallowed halls.
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