That’s enough looking back – it’s already the second Friday of the year for god’s sake! It’s time for us all to look at the year ahead with excitement: let’s talk about some shows that we’ve bought tickets for…
Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard And Soft was not just my favourite album of 2024 but has solidified my thought that Billie Eilish is my favourite new artist of the last decade. Her shows for previous album Happier Than Ever were outstanding, overhauling what an arena show for one of the biggest pop stars in the world needs to be. The way she performs this diverse and exciting music is so dynamic and Billie is only sounding better live every performance I see on video.
Will I be able to make it through Billie Eilish performing ‘Birds of a Feather’, ‘Wildflower’ and ‘The Greatest’ without shedding a tear? Definitely not. And I am so ready. Sam Atkins
Soft Play – Back in 2015 I had tickets to see these guys play, but their US tour got cancelled as one of the members broke their arm. I was very disappointed. I had first got into them because of seeing their live videos: two sweaty blokes smashing drums and having fun. Well they came back with a new album last year after a 6 year hiatus. And with the US leg of their tour coming this spring I finally will get to see the on-stage chaos for real. Matt Paul
Anna B Savage – Every year, I scour the Manchester gig guides looking for a show that will coincide with my birthday so I can drag people out, call it a birthday celebration so I look social, but then have an excuse not to talk to anyone for an hour or so while the band plays. Usually, mid Feb means not much to choose from. But when Anna B Savage announced a gig for the day after my birthday I rallied the troops for the least talkative night out I could imagine. Coupled with it being a birthday celebration I also, hopefully, get to make up for the fact that I missed her last tour through illness.
Anna has released two of my top ten albums of the 2020s so far, and I have no doubt she is about to release another that will be there or thereabouts. Whether packed with the new album, or dipping into material from across her career to this point, I have no doubt that this will be a captivating set that will momentarily make me forget I will just officially moved into middle age. Fran Slater
Skunk Anansie – Fran and I both first heard Skunk Anansie when we were kids. Fran and I both continued to be fans of Skunk Anansie when we got older. Fran and I both had tickets to see Skunk Anansie in Manchester a couple of years back. Fran and I both failed to go to that Skunk Anansie gig for one reason or another. Fran and I both have tickets for Skunk Anansie again this year. When we first arrive at the Skunk Anansie gig, Fran and I will first moan about the airport style queue for a pint at the Apollo, followed by the extraordinary price of that pint. Fran and I will then enjoy the Skunk Anansie gig. Fran and I will consider moshing but most likely decline. Fran and I will go home happy having finally seen one of the best bands of the 90s. James Spearing
Bawo – I’ve loved Bawo’s last two mixtapes, 2023’s Legitimate Cause and last year’s It Means Hope Where I’m From. He strikes me as a thoughtful artist who carefully chooses his words and his instrumentals in equal measure, quietly distinguishing himself from his contemporaries. I think his upcoming show at Manchester’s Band On The Wall will be a low key affair, but maybe that’s what I need in the cold of February? I’ll be there for the vibes in the dead of winter, and I’m looking forward to it. Tom Burrows
Oasis (Boring but true) – It’s a landmark event. Everyone and their mum wanted tickets (I luckily managed to buy one for my own mum) but I am genuinely excited about the prospect of seeing the Gallagher brothers make nice and sing some songs. Well, make as nice as they need to to actually make it through the tour. It’s boring to say, but the Oasis reunion is one of the most exciting shows of 2025 no matter how above it all anyone pretends to be. Sam Atkins
Confidence Man – I have loved all of Confidence Man’s albums. But similar to Soft Play, I got into them through watching them play festivals on YouTube. After talking on the pod about their most recent album (and talking to other friends who have been to their gigs) it’s clear that the live show is where it’s at. So that’s where I’ll be when they come to town. Matt Paul
Benefits – The only time I’ve seen Benefits live so far was at a festival, so a shorter set than what they might deliver at Salford’s The White Hotel in May. If it’s as loud as when I saw them previously, I am not sure my ears will survive a longer show – but it’ll be worth it. Who needs ears, anyway?
That previous show was one of the most cathartic, energising, and powerful things I have ever seen on stage. With new material due soon, I know this is going to be another mindblowing moment. Fran Slater
Rosie Lowe – I last saw Rosie Lowe a couple of weeks before the start of the first COVID lockdown. It goes without saying that there have been some pretty fundamental changes in the world since then. None of which have been more groundbreaking than Sam’s conversion into a Rosie Lowe fan. This means we can now together enjoy what can only possibly be an incredible gig. I say together… last time I stood at the very front of YES’s Pink Room, but this is not Sam’s preferred spot. Anyway, getting back to the music. I’m very much looking forward to hearing Rosie’s new electronic sounds, coupled with her slick, slick live performance. Her appearance on Later… a couple of months back hinted at a more stripped back band setup compared to 2020 but I’m sure songs from her earlier albums will shine alongside my new favourites. James Spearing
Father John Misty – Josh Tillman’s latest album under the Father John Misty moniker has a distinct note of finality about it. Its title, Mahashmashana, literally means ‘cremation ground’ in Sanskrit. So I’m very glad that I opted to buy a ticket to see one of my favourite artists of the last decade perform for what could be the last time under this guise. The only other time I’ve seen him was 10 years ago at Nottingham’s Rock City. Now I’ll be heading to Manchester’s Apollo to hear all the great songs released in the interim period. I’m alone among the Bastards in my affections for this guy. I feel bad for them that they’re missing out. Tom Burrows
Reached us from Twitter/X? Follow us on our new Bluesky account.
Picky Bastards 