2024/03/30 – Happy Mondays – o2 Academy, Birmingham

Review & Photos: G. Rossington.

Whoever had the idea to make a UK Tour made up of a Madchester revival made up of Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, and Stereo MC’s needs to be congratulated. The Manchester icons brought their iconic sounds to a completely packed house, a nostalgic journey through some of the best music of the late ’80s and early ’90s, with each band delivering a standout performance that thrilled both long-time fans and new listeners.

The night kicked off with the Stereo MC’s, and from the first beat, it was clear that the energy was going to be off the charts. Opening with ‘Pressure’ the band set a high bar for the evening. Rob Birch’s charismatic stage presence and dynamic vocals, coupled with Nick Hallam’s infectious beats, got the crowd moving. Tracks like ‘Elevate My Mind’ and ‘Ground Level’ showcased the band’s seamless blend of hip-hop and electronic beats, reminding everyone why they were pioneers in their genre. Naturally, it was their two biggest hits that brought the early singalongs. ‘Connected’ reminded us all why they became so iconic and ‘Step It Up’ closed the set off with perfect vitality.

Next up were Inspiral Carpets, who brought a wave of organ-driven rock to the stage. Opening with ‘Generations’, they immediately struck a chord with the audience. Stephen Holt’s distinctive voice and Clint Boon’s iconic Farfisa organ sounds created a rich, layered atmosphere. The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites like ‘Two Worlds Collide’, ‘Commercial Rain’ and ‘This Is How It Feels’ along with deeper cuts that pleased the die-hard fans. The band’s tight performance and infectious melodies had the crowd singing along and dancing throughout their set. Their set concluded with the joyous ‘Saturn 5’ which caused another of the night’s singalongs.

As headliners go, any of the previous acts would have been more than enough for one night. But tonight, it is the turn of Happy Mondays. One by one, the band took the stage to a raucous reception. Rowetta comes on first and as the band launch in to the opening notes, she immediately shows off her stunning vocals for all to see. After a few moments, Bez and Shaun Ryder arrive to further cheer and the Mondays kick off with ‘Kinky Afro’.

The band quickly had the entire venue in the palm of their hand. Shaun Ryder’s charismatic, albeit somewhat chaotic, presence, coupled with Rowetta’s powerful vocals, created a dynamic that was both unpredictable and exhilarating. The iconic comedy of Bez’s frenetic dancing adds an element of joyous anarchy to the performance. The setlist was a greatest hits parade, including anthems like ‘Donovan’, ‘Loose Fit’ and ‘Hallelujah’ each met with thunderous applause and energetic dancing.

The band’s blend of rock, house, and funk sounded as fresh as ever, and their performance was a testament to their lasting influence on the music scene. The crowd’s response was ecstatic, with every song turning into a massive sing-along. The band closed their set with an explosive rendition of ‘24 Hour Party People’ followed by ‘Step On’ which quite simply encapsulates the spirit of the Madchester movement.

The band return after a few moments to treat us with one final track, the slinky and pulsating ‘Wrote For Luck’ booms around the venue, band and audience singing along in unison. What started as a small movement in the backstreets of Manchester, suddenly exploded and went World Wide. Tonight’s celebration of this scene by three of it’s legendary artists was just spectacular.

The triple bill of Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, and Stereo MC’s was a masterclass in how to deliver a memorable live performance. For fans of the Madchester scene and newcomers alike, it was an unforgettable night that celebrated the enduring legacy of three iconic bands. A true triumph and a must-see for anyone who loves great music.