Live Review: The Streets – Castlefield Bowl, Manchester 24/09/2021
The Streets taking the headline slot at Sounds Of The city, Manchester, was definitely worth waiting for. After 18 months of date changes, different act announcements and different stages, this gig had to go down well to treat the ever so eager audience.
The Skinner Brothers, a London based indie-rock band and Children OF Zeus, the Manchester born and bred duo both put on a great show in anticipation to get the night started. It was certain by 9pm the mixed age audience were ready to dance as soon as possible.
Mike Skinner took to the stage so casually wearing his joggers and his phone in hand, almost certain they would be putting on a great show, and they certainly did.
Although Mike Skinner seemed to do a lot more talking than performing, it is evident he still has it, with ‘Turn The Page’ the first track from the debut album ‘Original Pirate Material’ getting everyone going.
As the first few chords of ‘Don’t Mug Yourself’ played, the crowd screamed, everyone there re citing every lyric to the well-known single.
Skinner had the crowd laughing with his comments on how he’s glad Manchester isn’t the capital city and random facts about suffragettes and vegetarianism.
As the band moved onto the more emotional tunes ‘Dry Your Eyes Mate’, it became obvious that The Streets held every bit of attention in Castlefield Bowl. With the audience sounding beautiful singing the choruses back.
As the night came to a close, you could tell no one wanted to go home, Skinner was inviting everyone back to his room, 305 at The Midland Hotel.
It is no doubt that The Streets are still in great form and put on a great show each and every time they find themselves up North.
Words and Photography by Lucy Holden