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O2 Apollo data and concert informations

  • O2 Apollo
  • Manchester Apollo, Stockport Road, Ardwick Green, Manchester, M12 6AP
  • Manchester, UK
  • Show on map
  • upcoming concerts: 0
  • reviews: 42
  • photos: 1

O2 Apollo concerts by year

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Fans' concert reviews Read all

  • Brian Wilson Brian Wilson on Tue, 24 May 2016

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    Brian Wilson fan

    The Brian Wilson Pet Sounds Tour was everything I hoped it to be and more. Initially consisting of an 11 piece band, the show was split into two halves. The first an hour long set of Beach Boys classics, the second a full performance of Pet Sounds.
    The energy on stage was amazing! Brian was clearly feeling his years as he remained seated throughout the full show, but that doesn't mean he didn't input some wonderful heart felt energy because he had an enigmatic stage presence, talking to and including the audience, which ultimately ended in an audience sing along to Row Row Row Your Boat. We were treated to classics from the Hot Rod era like Little Deuce Coupe and Honda, along with the surfing years of California Girls and I Get Around.
    I was almost brought to tears at Don't Worry Baby as Al Jardine (founding member of The Beach Boys who joined Brian Wilson) introduced his son, Matt Jardine to do the lead vocals. It was beautiful to see the music was kept in the family, and his vocals sounded like they were taken from the recordings themselves. You could see how proud father and son were to be performing with each other.
    About three quarters through the first half, Blondie Chaplin just appeared on stage, having formed in thin air, completing a 12 man line-up. Having joined the Beach Boys in the early 70's, Blondie performed many of their more rock style hits, a high light of which was the much anticipated Sail On Sailor. Blondie definitely encompassed the most energy, owning the stage with what can only be described as "mad guitar skills". At the end of the first half, Brian left the stage much before everyone else, with crew at the side waiting to help him off stage. If anything, that is testament to how amazing the show is that he is putting on. This frail man receiving help off the stage put on one of the most magnificent shows I've witnessed.
    The second half was what the crowd was there for, the final full live performance of Pet Sounds. The highlights of which came from Wouldn't It Be Nice, You Still Believe In Me, Sloop John B (which the entire audience sang to) and God Only Knows, sung mostly by Brian. His vocals have obviously diminished over the years, but he forced out a beautiful rendition of God Only Knows, which was enhanced by the soft vocals of Matt Jardine. Blondie brought back his energy, as although Pet Sounds lacks the rocking guitars he's clearly used to, he was let loose on a Tambourine, again owning the stage. Al Jardine was a consistent presence, playing multiple guitars beautifully with a singing voice as strong as ever. The remaining band members, all linked to Brian in some way, were all insanely talented, each taking on the playing of multiple instruments, the sound of which was terrific!
    Upon leaving the stage, the band were sent off with a standing ovation. Obviously they returned for an encore of more of their greatest hits including Barbara Ann, Help Me Rhonda, Surfing USA and a personal favourite Fun Fun Fun, before playing which, the band showed how close they all truly are, jokingly introducing each other with satirical entrances.
    The night came to a close with a performance of Love and Mercy from Brian's film of the same name. Having watched the film detailing the struggles Brian went through in his time with the Beach Boys, this show can only be applauded even more.
    Worth absolutely every penny spent attending and purchasing merchandise, as this is definitely a show not to be forgotten.

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  • Ali Ali on Wed, 27 Apr 2016

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    Ali fan

    5 star loved evry min off the concert would go again FANSTASIC

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  • Dynamo Dynamo on Sat, 17 Oct 2015

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    Dynamo fan

    Not just one of the best - THE BEST!

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  • Dynamo Dynamo on Fri, 16 Oct 2015

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    Dynamo fan

    amazing night, dynamo was outstanding no complaints whatsoever, would of loved a photo opp though, would deffo go and see him again, highly recommended.

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  • Idina Menzel Idina Menzel on Tue, 23 Jun 2015

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    Idina Menzel fan

    Had a great night over 2 hours of just Idina and what a mix of songs and knowing the reasons behind why she picked some of the songs was just touching.

    I can't wait for her return

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  • Patti Smith Patti Smith on Mon, 08 Jun 2015

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    obidoug

    Horses was great and Patti was on good form between songs. The remainder of the set was a good selection but unfortunately missed out my favourite, Rock'n'roll nigger.

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  • Toto Toto on Mon, 25 May 2015

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    Toto fan

    A truly amazing night!

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  • Toto fan avatar
    Toto fan

    I've had the pleasure of seeing my favorite band Toto on many occasions, the first of which was at this very venue some 23 years ago. Well it has to be said this show was up there with the best performances from them. Huge sound, pinpoint vocals and terrific individual performances, and the songs of course from an immense back catalogue that most of today's major artists could only dream of. What more could you ask for? Let's hope it's not too long before they return!

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  • Blue Blue on Fri, 03 Apr 2015

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    Blue fan

    Excellent - great to see our boys Blue on top form - me and my daughter came, she is 21 this year and came to her first concert to see Blue when she was 9 - you all looked like you had as great a time as your audience - loved it - the time flew - thank you for bringing Monica out too - she was in top form too - our favourite Simon didn't let us down - well done to all and can't wait to the next one!

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  • Blue fan avatar
    Blue fan

    Absolutely amazing show! Loved it from start to finish and didn't want it to end! :)

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