Posts by: Chris Hagues
Having spent half my life down south and the remainder in the north it could be argued that I'm neither here nor there, which would be a good description of where my musical taste lies, anything but middle of the road. I have spent over 30 years within media related industries, working in Fleet Street before it became just a name on the Monopoly board, in print media, broadcast media and more latterly it's virtual format. I have grasped every opportunity to pass my opinion on live music wherever you can find it, and I am at my happiest in the summer months sitting in a field basking in the sunshine listening to live bands. OK , maybe the sunshine is an exaggeration, although it's not as rare as you'd be led to believe, I've been attending UK festivals since the 70's, where you're likely to find me in the new bands tent rather than in front of the main stages. Nothing pleases me more than to see bands I have reviewed hit the big time, having first seen them in venues where you'd struggle to swing the proverbial cat.. I have lived and travelled throughout the UK but have now found my home where British music is at it's best, MANCHESTER.
GIG GUIDE
Our gig guide is handpicked and every act has been listened to before making it onto the list.
See this month's guide

ALBUM ROUNDUP WEEK ENDING 23 JANUARY 2026
ALBUM REVIEW - TYLER BALLGAME: FOR THE FIRST TIME, AGAIN
FEATURE: RETROSPECTIVE - DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL - DUSK AND SUMMER: CAUGHT BY EMOTION
ALBUM REVIEW - THE HARA: THE FALLOUT
LIVE REVIEW - SUPERHEAVEN: MANCHESTER RITZ - 17/01/2026
ALBUM REVIEW - PLANTOID: FLARE
ALBUM REVIEW - LEXA GATES: I AM
ALBUM ROUNDUP WEEK ENDING 16 JANUARY 2026
GIG GUIDE - JANUARY 2026
ALBUM ROUNDUP WEEK ENDING 9 JANUARY 2026



