July Gigs Round-Up

IT’S a juicy July for music lovers this month with a wide variety of bands and artists come to the city.

Death Cab For CutieGolden oldie Neil Diamond hits the MEN on Monday 4 and Wednesday 6 July (£65) Also at the MEN, country legend James Taylor performs the best of his hits on Thursday 7 July (£50).  Iron Maiden rock out the arena on Thursday 28 July (£37.50) and on the last day of the month Manchester Radio Station Key 103 hold their annual gig showcasing the best of chart topping music (Sunday 31 July, tickets priced from £25).

Across the city at the Academy, American rockers Death Cab for Cutie perform a sell out gig on Monday 4 July (£22). Also at Manchester Academy, Bright Eyes end their UK tour on Thursday 14 July (£19.25) and the Academy 3 plays host to ex Busted member Charlie Simpson on Saturday 2 July (£11.25) as he promotes his first solo album.

Ke$haHip hop star Snoop Dogg plays his only gig in the north at the 02 Apollo on Friday 15 July (£33.50) as part of Manchester International Festival. Earlier on in the month pop star Ke$ha showcases songs from her debut album on Monday 11 July (£26) whilst at the other end of the scale, Slash unveils his first album as well on Thursday 21 July (£32.50). Judas Priest are the only metal band to grace this stage on Saturday 16 July (£41.25).

Frankmusik is the standout gig at the Deaf Institute on Tuesday 12 July (£10). However, Karima Francis, who was named as the number one act to watch in 2009, continues her ascent on Saturday 9 July (£7). Much-loved musician George Borowski will play an exclusive gig at the Deaf Institute on Thursday 28 July (£8).

Karima FrancisUp and coming American band The Ruby’s play their debut gig at Night and Day on Saturday 9 July (£8). Two weeks later duo The Two Gallants will be setting the stage alight on Friday 22 July (£11).

Tamie Impala perform to the always enthusiastic Sound Control crowd on Wednesday 6 July. The next day at Manchester University the John Butler Trio will get everyone on their feet (£18.50).

The biggest bang at Moho live is Strung Out on Tuesday 26 July (£12) which support from this Confidential writer’s cousins’ band Chokeslam Charlie. Other acts on at Moho include Exit Ten (Saturday 23 July, tickets priced at £6.50) and Indigo (Friday 1 July, tickets at £5).

Liza Minnelli Finally at the Bridgewater Hall there will be two genuine music greats. Liza Minnelli and a full orchestra will belt out her extensive back catalogue on Monday 4 July (£35) meaning Roger Daltrey will have some big shoes to fill the next night on Tuesday 5 July when he sings the whole of The Who’s rock opera Tommy (£40).