Live Review: Arctic Monkeys at Old Trafford, Manchester

Let’s start by saying, if you weren’t at Arctic Monkeys this weekend, then where were you? 

They performed two sell-out shows at Old Trafford playing to massive crowds who cumulatively made up well over 100,000 fans - and that is just the people that were there. Not least considering the digital footprint because if you don’t post about it on your Instagram Stories, then it didn’t happen. More than an indie-rock gig, it was an event which took over the city, its tramlines and your social media accounts during their two-day stint in the 0161.

There was simply nowhere better to be during a balmy summer’s evening in Manchester - or, as LG likes to call it, the centre of the universe. And on Saturday night, it felt like it.

Photo: Arctic Monkeys / Facebook.com

Not to mention with the infamous Manchester Derby also going on at the same time, if you were  trying to get a tram south of the city, then just forget it. Nonetheless, it was nice to see how the whole city came together for the love of music and football. 

Arguably, the biggest band in the world right now, it is hard to talk about Arctic Monkeys without talking about their evolving sound. Stylistically, we are a long way off the slick and electric riffs from 2013’s AM. Their most recent LPs Tranquillity Base Hotel and Casino and last year’s The Car have divided opinions, and can sometimes be seen as a little too experiential for some of their original fans. They mustn't lose what we love about them. 

So, in the hours that led up to their much-anticipated show, it had us wondering exactly how they would translate their disjointed styles into a live show that would feel whole and entertain new gen fans without isolating their core audience. 

Support acts don’t come much better than early 2000s legends The Hives. It ain’t their first rodeo. We were in experienced hands, dressed the part in their iconic matching monochrome suits giving us bangers for days. We heard gig-goers remark that the frontman, Pelle, still has the same energy from when they first started, and with his quick wit and good humour, we don’t doubt it. 

Kicking off the show with the classic tune Mardy Bum, thus reassuring the crowd that the show would not be short of much-loved favourites. Followed next by Brianstorm where we must give our appreciation to Matt Helders on drums which succeeded in riling up circa 50,000 fans - it’s no mean feat.

Midway through their extensive 20-song plus set, Cornerstone started to slow things down for the next few tracks. Interestingly, Four Out of Five’s position in the setlist highlighted to us how the new sound is here to stay but doesn’t clash with older songs as you might imagine. This led nicely into Arabella, which saw Turner ditching the guitar to sing  to the crowd in his newly adopted crooner style. 

Despite little to no crowd interaction, Pretty Visitors saw Alex Turner acting like the frontman he is playfully using a mic stand as a metal detector. This was supported again by clever drumming and tempo adjustments for the verse and chorus.

Fluorescent Adolescent was an out-and-out treat for fans. The whole atmosphere in the crowd turned into a dance and a singsong. Followed by the unmistakable riff of Do I Wanna Know?, which was ramping up to a grand finale.

Despite the tour being for their 2022 album, The Car, the band only played a handful of songs including There'd Better Be a Mirrorball which was timed perfectly for the sunset. And yes - a disco-style mirror ball did indeed come down for the beautifully done 505.

Next up was John Cooper Clarke’s I Wanna Be Yours, a fitting tribute to the city and a true Manchester legend.

Although the newer material hasn't connected with everyone, it says a lot about their confidence in The Car that Body Paint is chosen to close the main set, quickly becoming a favourite song. It was catchy and performed magnificently live.

The crowd was a mixed match with the younger fans going mad for AM bangers but older fans being a lot more interested in the indie bread and butter taken from the first and second albums.

An encore of Sculptures of Anything Goes, loses the guitars for a return to show. This was a real statement of intent for their new style and reminds us of just how serious they can be. Lyrically, we see their cynicism around fans who love them only for AM and the pressure they can feel to take on a far-removed persona when they perform those songs, so it is an interesting and evocative choice. 

Finally, I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor was one for the old timers and R U Mine? made for an explosive outro from a fantastic set.

Aside from a few headline dates at iconic festivals like Reading and Leeds last summer, it is worth noting that this is their first dedicated UK tour since back in 2018. And what a way to take back the stage. Despite not being a Best Of tour, they gave us a greatest-hits-esque rundown with highlights from each era from their back catalogue well blended and well represented, making this a real treat for all. 

All in all, they certainly now deserve to be at a stadium level and look confident and self-assured on stage. So for us - 4 stars out of 5. (Not a Tranquillity Base Hotel and Casino pun).

Meg Roberts

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.