2025 has been a year of gigs that never stay still. From the long-awaited return of one of my all-time favourite bands, Scissor Sisters, to travelling across North America in pursuit of James, the live music scene has delivered unforgettable moments. I’ve rounded up my top ten favourites, each one a standout in its own right.
Lucy Spraggan – Arts Club, Liverpool
Though Lucy Spraggan isn’t originally from the North West, she’s always greeted with a warm welcome, and her return to one of my favourite venues, Liverpool’s Arts Club, earlier this year felt every bit like a homecoming. The tour supported her album Other Sides of the Moon – a stunning collection of reimagined songs from across her career – performed by Lucy and her longtime collaborator, pianist Josh Cana. Stripped back to just the two of them, the show offered fans an intimate glimpse into the heart of her music, capturing the same understated magic that made the album so special in the studio, and making the night feel even more memorable.
You can read my review of the show here.
You can read my interview with Lucy here.
Sea Fever – Cinemac, Macclesfield
Sea Fever’s return to Macclesfield’s Cinemac was a standout gig, brimming with infectious energy and impressive musicianship. Fronted by Iwan Gronow (Johnny Marr, Haven) and featuring members of New Order, the band generated an electric atmosphere, seamlessly blending fan favourites with new material that would later appear on their second album, Surface Sound. The dynamic interplay between Iwan and Beth Cassidy’s vocals (Section 25) was a particular highlight, showcasing both the band’s chemistry and Iwan’s growth as a frontman. From start to finish, the band delivered a performance full of intensity, precision, and undeniable energy, leaving the crowd completely captivated.
You can read my interview with Tom and Iwan from Sea Fever here.
You can read my review of Surface Sound here.
Role Model – O2 Apollo, Manchester
A friend introduced me to Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury) last year, and Kansas Anymore quickly made it into my top 10 albums of 2024. I missed out on a ticket for his Manchester show initially and spent months trying to get one on Twickets – thankfully, I was successful, as it’s likely that this will be the last time he plays a venue that size. Hearing tracks from Kansas Anymore live was incredible, each one coming to life with the energy and emotion of the record. I’ve never experienced a gig so loud, and I don’t just mean the sound system – the crowd matched Tucker’s vocals on every song with full-on singalongs. With a charming stage presence and playful jokes between tracks, Tucker delivered a light-hearted, unforgettable set.
Frank Turner – Academy 1, Manchester
Frank Turner cemented his reputation as a touring powerhouse earlier this year, celebrating his 3,000th show. Already looking ahead to the next milestone, he soon embarked on a 14-date UK tour in support of his latest album, Undefeated, which stopped in Manchester. A genuine performer, Frank gives his all at every show, creating an inclusive atmosphere where every fan feels part of the journey. The Manchester gig was hot and sweaty but so much fun, and his regular practice of taking requests via his personally managed email once again highlighted his strong connection with fans – he even played one of mine, Redemption, a song I’d never heard live before, making the night unforgettable.
You can read my review of the show here.
Franz Ferdinand – Aviva Studios, Manchester
Kicking off my 2025 gig calendar, Franz Ferdinand set the bar impossibly high. The intimate venue, with its stunning Hall setting, made the performance feel extra special, and the band unleashed an electrifying mix of classic hits and fresh tracks from their latest album, The Human Fear. The standout moment, however, was the surprise guest appearance by Johnny Marr. Joining the band for several songs, his iconic guitar work added an unforgettable edge to an already incredible night. With the crowd’s energy pulsing throughout, Franz Ferdinand proved they’re still at the top of their game.
Stereophonics – Coop Live, Manchester
I was obsessed with Stereophonics back when Language. Sex. Violence. Other? came out, and while I’ve seen them many times over the years, this was my first show in a while. Touring in support of Make ’Em Laugh, Make ’Em Cry, Make ’Em Wait, they made their debut at the vast Co-op Arena. From the opening riff to the final note, the band moved effortlessly between raw, high-energy rockers, tender acoustic moments, and the anthems that have defined their career. I was thrilled they played Rewind, one of my favourites, and as always, they delivered an unforgettable performance that proves why they remain such a force on stage.
You can read my review of the show here.
Johnny Marr – Amager Bio, Copenhagen
It wouldn’t be a proper list of gigs without a Johnny Marr show, though choosing just one was no easy task – I was lucky enough to catch three of his European tour dates, all in incredible venues. In the end, Copenhagen stood out. From start to finish, Johnny delivered a masterclass in musicianship, effortlessly blending the raw energy of his early Smiths classics with the nuance and depth of his solo material. Spanning decades of music, the set even included two new tracks, proving that he remains as inventive and vital as ever. More than a concert, it was a celebration of a remarkable career.
James – Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver
James are my favourite band, so picking a top gig from an incredible year wasn’t easy. I was lucky enough to catch them six times on their North American tour, during which they played their Laid album in full, but the Vancouver finale takes the crown. Stunning venue, flawless setlist, and an electric crowd – add the emotional weight of the final show so far from home, and it was unforgettable. Far from resting on their legacy, James continue to reinvent themselves with every show, constantly surprising and delivering, which makes them one of the most exciting bands to follow. With a 2026 arena tour on the horizon, I can’t wait to see what else they have in store.
Self Esteem presents A Complicated Woman – Duke of York’s Theatre, London
Self Esteem introduced her latest record, A Complicated Woman, by transforming London’s Duke of York’s Theatre into her own creative playground for a five-night run. There, she performed the album in full, unveiling it through a bold, genre-blurring production. Created in close collaboration with Tony Award-winning designer-director Tom Scutt, the show brought Rebecca’s vision vividly to life – a striking fusion of music, movement, and theatrical storytelling. I was only able to attend one performance, but it was more than a concert.
You can read my review of the show here.
You can read my review of A Complicated Woman here.
Scissor Sisters – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
After more than a decade away, one of my all-time favourite bands, Scissor Sisters, returned with the same sharpness and fearless energy I remembered from my younger days, when I used to see them constantly. When they went on hiatus over ten years ago, I never imagined I’d hear some of those songs live again—and as much as I love seeing Jake Shears solo, it’s just not the same. Their tour kicked off in Nottingham, delivering a night of heartfelt moments and wild, unrestrained chaos that reminded everyone exactly why they were so dearly missed.
You can read my review of the show here.
