Is there a better place to see live music than Castlefield Bowl when the weather is warm? The answer is no.
Last night, The Charlatans returned to their (sort-of) home city, taking to the stage at Manchester’s beloved Castlefield Bowl as part of Sounds of the City, delivering a euphoric, career-spanning set that reminded everyone exactly why they’ve endured – and why we keep coming back.
The Charlatans at Castlefield Bowl
Elbow delivered a magical set the night before, but Tim Burgess and co built on that energy and sent it skyward.
The sun was out, the sound in the bowl was pristine, and the crowd, good-natured, up for it roaring their heroes back into town. 30 years since the release of The Charlatans self-titled album, and the music still hits just as hard, just as pure.
Tim Burgess, the never ageing maestro, was in top form and clearly loving every second. This wasn’t a band going through the motions.
At one point, I found myself stood behind a father and son duo, arms around each other, singing every word of Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over like it was their shared anthem. That moment said it all. That’s what it’s all about.
“30 years, say it ain’t so? Say it ain’t so?” Tim mused, shaking his head with a grin as he dipped into the jukebox of anthems. He needn’t have worried.
From Weirdo to North Country Boy, The Only One I Know to Sproston Green, the songs sounded as fresh, sharp, and life-affirming as ever. Every note was laced with that signature Charlatans swagger and funkiness.
New music from the Charlatans
The group haven’t released any new music since their ‘Totally Eclipsing’ EP in 2018, itself following on from their 13th studio album, 2017’s ‘Different Days’.
However, we did get treated to a couple of new songs!
But this wasn’t just a night for the classics. Newer material, like We Are Love and Many A Day A Heartache, slotted seamlessly into the set, greeted with arms aloft and cheers from a crowd that clearly still wants to go on this journey with them.
Tim Burgess was electric, grinning, dancing, and completely at ease. At times, he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. The connection between band and fans was palpable, forged through decades of gigs, records, and Northern resilience.
When Sproston Green finally brought the night to a thundering close, the Bowl was bouncing, a sea of elation under the pink dusk sky.
Merch Market
And while we’re celebrating The Charlatans, it’s worth mentioning Tim Burgess’s ongoing commitment to backing up the Manchester scene. Earlier this year, he launched Merch Market, a brilliant initiative giving bands a free space to sell their merch, keep 100% of the income, and connect with fans.
It’s another example of Burgess giving back, building community, and making space for new voices, just as he always has.
An example for other bands to follow!
What was the Charlatans’ Castlefield bowl setlist?
- Forever
- Weirdo
- North Country Boy
- Can’t Get Out of Bed
- Here Comes a Soul Saver
- Just When You’re Thinkin’ Things Over
- Toothache
- We Are Love (new)
- One to Another
- Just Lookin’
- Blackened Blue Eyes
- Impossible
- The Only One I Know
- How High
Encore:
- I Don’t Want to See the Sights
- Many A Day A Heartache (new)
- Sproston Green
