Wolf Alice at the O2 Apollo, Manchester

By Anya Baxter.

After postponing their original Blue Weekend tour, London-grown Wolf Alice hit the Apollo stage in Manchester to a crowd of adoring fans two nights in a row.

Photo by Anya Baxter

The four piece have been captivating fans of all ages and tastes since 2010, and have cultivated a community of dedicated and passionate supporters. Following their astounding debut album My Love Is Cool, and their Mercury Prize winning sophomore album Visions Of A Life, Wolf Alice returned in 2021 with the jolting and electrifying Blue Weekend.

THE GIG

Following a performance from supporting band Lucia and the Best Boys, the audience were raring to go, and an intense buzz ran through the crowd. Opening with "Smile" from Blue Weekend, the band appeared in their usual format of Ellie Rowsell on guitar and vocals, Joff Oddie on lead guitar, Theo Ellis on bass and Joel Amey holding it steady on drums. Flowing through albums of the past with "You're a Germ" and "Formidable Cool", Rowsell commanded the stage with attention-grabbing punk rock elegance, complimented by the energy Ellis was able to throw into his instrument, and the fierce expertise of Oddie on guitar.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Upon the arrival of "Bros" from My Love Is Cool, the crowd fell into a deep nostalgia, connecting with the band as if they knew them personally. Experimental lighting aided an already stellar performance by creating gorgeous and unique silhouettes, illuminating the band's attention to detail and aesthetics, as well as their abilities as quality musicians. Loud and explosive numbers such as "Play The Greatest Hits" swung in and out of tender moments such as Rowsell's solo performance of "Safe From Heartbreak (if you never fall in love)" and a duet of "No Hard Feelings" between Rowsell and Oddie, placing the audience in the band's pocket.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Ending the set with the My Love Is Cool hit "Giant Peach", the band then returned to the impatiently waiting audience to begin the encore with chart-featuring Blue Weekend single, "The Last Man on Earth." The Apollo was filled with the sound of northerners singing in an intense southern accent, much like Rowsell, only showing the adoration they felt for such a striking band. Officially closing out their set with the hugely popular "Don't Delete The Kisses", Rowsell was thrown a bunch of flowers from a member of the pit, and she held them throughout the performance as the crowd came together for the final time that evening.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Following such a memorable and ignited performance, Wolf Alice clearly have a bright future in the music industry, and judging by the dedication and participation of the crowd, will be welcomed back to Manchester any time.

Photo by Anya Baxter