Photography: David Weddle @dweddlephotography
Artist: Happy Mondays
Venue: O2 City Hall Newcastle
Date: 13th of March 2026
Artist: Happy Mondays
Venue: O2 City Hall Newcastle
Date: 13th of March 2026
Friday the 13th of March was anything but unlucky for Newcastle, as Manchester's very own Happy Mondays kicked off their UK & Ireland tour at the historic O2 City Hall Newcastle. Celebrating 35 years of their iconic album Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches, it was a very Happy Friday in the toon.
The venue was packed to the rafters with fans young and old filling the place. The opening band, North Side, had to pull out of the show due to illness. It was a shame that they didn't make it, but the fans weren't going to leave feeling shortchanged, as the second support band, The Farm, had a little extra time on stage.
Legends in their own right The Farm put on a blistering performance, kicking it off with their hit Groovy Train, which they dedicated to their mate Gary, who was at the gig, having traveled up to Newcastle from Liverpool, spending 5 hours on a train that "wasn't groovy."
The Farm sounded as fresh as ever, and the crowd lapped it up. By the time they finished off with their mega hit All Together Now, the City Hall was absolutely buzzing. What an opener!
The venue was packed to the rafters with fans young and old filling the place. The opening band, North Side, had to pull out of the show due to illness. It was a shame that they didn't make it, but the fans weren't going to leave feeling shortchanged, as the second support band, The Farm, had a little extra time on stage.
Legends in their own right The Farm put on a blistering performance, kicking it off with their hit Groovy Train, which they dedicated to their mate Gary, who was at the gig, having traveled up to Newcastle from Liverpool, spending 5 hours on a train that "wasn't groovy."
The Farm sounded as fresh as ever, and the crowd lapped it up. By the time they finished off with their mega hit All Together Now, the City Hall was absolutely buzzing. What an opener!
The Farm - Photos: David Weddle
Unfortunately there was some sort of altercation in the crowd during the interval, but that was swiftly and professionally dealt with by the security staff, who ensured the people at the heart of the trouble were able to vacate the premises with smooth efficiency.
As the house lights dimmed once more, you could feel the excitement building in the crowd as Kinky Afro opened a night of old-school fun. As Firouzeh Berry sang her heart out, Shaun Ryder could be heard over the PA asking, "Where's Beswick?" as he stood just off stage. Bez soon joined him to watch on as the music got the crowd moving. The enigmatic Dancer was on top form and, with maracas in hand, started his iconic dancing immediately as the opening song, Kinky Afro, kicked off proceedings.
As the house lights dimmed once more, you could feel the excitement building in the crowd as Kinky Afro opened a night of old-school fun. As Firouzeh Berry sang her heart out, Shaun Ryder could be heard over the PA asking, "Where's Beswick?" as he stood just off stage. Bez soon joined him to watch on as the music got the crowd moving. The enigmatic Dancer was on top form and, with maracas in hand, started his iconic dancing immediately as the opening song, Kinky Afro, kicked off proceedings.
Shaun's voice is still as distinctive as ever, and he seemed to be really enjoying himself, with the occasional smile beaming across his face. The whole gang was on point, with plenty of banter from Shaun. Saying, "So, we're doing the Pills 'n' Thrills album tonight, and if we did it and only played that album, we'd be off here in about 35 minutes. It's alright by me, but y'know." Before the opening chords of God's Cop filled the room.
Those in the front row were also treated to a face full of Bez as he hopped down to the barrier and had a great time meeting the fans, who seemed equally pleased to get up close and personal with him.
The night was filled with hit after hit, each one met with a rapturous reaction from the dedicated fans who knew every word. From Loose Fit to 24 Hour Party People, the energy didn't dip at all, and the positive vibes were flowing just as much as the massive cups of lager that many fans eagerly carried from the bar with two hands, trying their best not to avoid spills while dancing to Pills 'n' Thrills.
An awesome night from a band that has spanned the generations and is still going strong. With each performance, they prove that their music transcends time, bringing together fans old and new. As the excitement builds for the remaining shows, many are already discussing plans to catch them again before the tour wraps up at the end of April, and it is definitely a gig worth going to.
The night was filled with hit after hit, each one met with a rapturous reaction from the dedicated fans who knew every word. From Loose Fit to 24 Hour Party People, the energy didn't dip at all, and the positive vibes were flowing just as much as the massive cups of lager that many fans eagerly carried from the bar with two hands, trying their best not to avoid spills while dancing to Pills 'n' Thrills.
An awesome night from a band that has spanned the generations and is still going strong. With each performance, they prove that their music transcends time, bringing together fans old and new. As the excitement builds for the remaining shows, many are already discussing plans to catch them again before the tour wraps up at the end of April, and it is definitely a gig worth going to.
