Rock Zone Gig Guide
The following events were correct at the time of compilation. It is advisable to check with the venue before travelling to avoid disappointment. The list was compiled from information found on the following web sites:
- Ents24
- The Witchwood, Ashton
- Bike and Hound, Hyde
- The verge/Cheshire Ring, Hyde
- Baker’s Vaults, Stockport
- Stockport Plaza
- Buxton Opera House
- Manchester Evening News Arena
- Manchester Academy
Saturday 7th April 2012 from 8:30pm, until 11:45pm
People’s Republic Of Mercia
The Cheshire Ring (The Verge), Hyde
Four Piece Rock n’ Roll Combo.
People’s Republic Of Mercia
The Cheshire Ring (The Verge), Hyde
Four Piece Rock n’ Roll Combo.
Friday 20th April 2012
Lostprophets
Manchester Academy
Lostprophets released their first album, ‘thefakesoundofprogress’, just over ten years ago. These have been years of shifts in both style and attitude as the band made the ascent through the British rock spectrum. Now on their fifth album, the band encompass all the sound and experience that they have developed along the way. It’s simultaneously a return to form, reminiscent of the chaos of their early work, and an expression of newfound maturity and growth.
Lostprophets
Manchester Academy
Lostprophets released their first album, ‘thefakesoundofprogress’, just over ten years ago. These have been years of shifts in both style and attitude as the band made the ascent through the British rock spectrum. Now on their fifth album, the band encompass all the sound and experience that they have developed along the way. It’s simultaneously a return to form, reminiscent of the chaos of their early work, and an expression of newfound maturity and growth.
Saturday 21st April
AC / DC UK
The Witchwood, Ashton.
A tribute to be reckoned with! Back in Black, Whole Lotta Rosie - all the classics played with precision and perfection!
AC / DC UK
The Witchwood, Ashton.
A tribute to be reckoned with! Back in Black, Whole Lotta Rosie - all the classics played with precision and perfection!
Sunday 22 April
Ian Anderson - 40th Anniversary Thick As A Brick Tour
Manchester Opera House
Scottish singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his work as the leader and flautist of British rock band Jethro Tull. Thick as a Brick is a concept album, and the fifth studio album, by Jethro Tull released in 1972. Its lyrics are based on a poem written by a fictitious boy, Gerald Bostock, said to have been adapted to music by Jethro Tull - although the band’s Ian Anderson in fact wrote the lyrics himself. The album features only one song, lasting nearly 44 minutes. To accommodate the album on LP vinyl and cassette, the seamless track was split on both sides of the record.
Ian Anderson - 40th Anniversary Thick As A Brick Tour
Manchester Opera House
Scottish singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his work as the leader and flautist of British rock band Jethro Tull. Thick as a Brick is a concept album, and the fifth studio album, by Jethro Tull released in 1972. Its lyrics are based on a poem written by a fictitious boy, Gerald Bostock, said to have been adapted to music by Jethro Tull - although the band’s Ian Anderson in fact wrote the lyrics himself. The album features only one song, lasting nearly 44 minutes. To accommodate the album on LP vinyl and cassette, the seamless track was split on both sides of the record.
Saturday 5th May
Cold Flame
Bakers Vaults, Stockport
Cold Flame are one of the more exciting and original rock/blues bands playing in the north of England and the Midlands. Whilst often encompassing the blues, the band also incorporate elements of folk rock and music covering the full rock spectrum. If you are lucky, you might catch the band doing their acclaimed tribute show to Jethro Tull. The band also play occasional acoustic gigs throughout the north of England featuring both original and traditional tunes.
Cold Flame
Bakers Vaults, Stockport
Cold Flame are one of the more exciting and original rock/blues bands playing in the north of England and the Midlands. Whilst often encompassing the blues, the band also incorporate elements of folk rock and music covering the full rock spectrum. If you are lucky, you might catch the band doing their acclaimed tribute show to Jethro Tull. The band also play occasional acoustic gigs throughout the north of England featuring both original and traditional tunes.
Saturday 12th May
Are You Experienced
The Witchwood, Ashton.
The Worlds’ number one Jimi Hendrix tribute. If you haven’t seen these guys yet don’t miss this, they are truly stunning at what they do and any Hendrix fan will be blown away by how authentic they are.
Are You Experienced
The Witchwood, Ashton.
The Worlds’ number one Jimi Hendrix tribute. If you haven’t seen these guys yet don’t miss this, they are truly stunning at what they do and any Hendrix fan will be blown away by how authentic they are.
Saturday 19th May
Who’s Next
The Witchwood, Ashton.
A welcome return for this excellent Who tribute. Playing all of Qudrophenia plus ALL the greatest hits.
Who’s Next
The Witchwood, Ashton.
A welcome return for this excellent Who tribute. Playing all of Qudrophenia plus ALL the greatest hits.
Saturday 26 May
Judas Priest
Hammersmith Apollo, London.
English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. They have been cited as one of the most influential heavy metal musicians and bands. Their popularity and status as one of the definitive heavy metal bands has earned them the nickname “Metal Gods” from their song of the same name.
Judas Priest
Hammersmith Apollo, London.
English heavy metal band from Birmingham, England, formed in 1969. They have been cited as one of the most influential heavy metal musicians and bands. Their popularity and status as one of the definitive heavy metal bands has earned them the nickname “Metal Gods” from their song of the same name.
Saturday 26th May
Genes-ish
The Witchwood, Ashton.
Brilliant Genesis tribute concentrating mainly on their earlier more prog rock material.
Genes-ish
The Witchwood, Ashton.
Brilliant Genesis tribute concentrating mainly on their earlier more prog rock material.
Saturday 26 May
Glenn Hughes and Fish
Manchester Academy 2(?)
Glenn Hughes and Fish
Manchester Academy 2(?)
Friday 1st June 2012 from 7:30pm
Limehouse Lizzy
Manchester Academy
The UK’s most hard working and best loved Thin Lizzy tribute band. Expect to hear the cream of Lynott & Co’s live tracks, with some classic album songs thrown in as well. Wayne Ellis is an uncanny ringer for Phil Lynott, joined by outstanding musicians. Renowned for an action-packed pyrothechnic-fuelled explosion of a show, Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive, well and dominating stages worldwide. Their attention to detail, playful audience interaction and that all important X-factor that leaves you with the feeling of witnessing the real thing have led to their performance being described as ‘beyond tribute’ by both audience and critics alike.
Limehouse Lizzy
Manchester Academy
The UK’s most hard working and best loved Thin Lizzy tribute band. Expect to hear the cream of Lynott & Co’s live tracks, with some classic album songs thrown in as well. Wayne Ellis is an uncanny ringer for Phil Lynott, joined by outstanding musicians. Renowned for an action-packed pyrothechnic-fuelled explosion of a show, Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band Thin Lizzy alive, well and dominating stages worldwide. Their attention to detail, playful audience interaction and that all important X-factor that leaves you with the feeling of witnessing the real thing have led to their performance being described as ‘beyond tribute’ by both audience and critics alike.
Saturday 2 June
Lynryd Skynyrd
Manchester Apollo
American Country and Southern rock band prominent in spreading Southern Rock during the 1970s. Originally formed as the “Noble Five” in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tune, “Free Bird”. At the peak of their success, three members died in an airplane crash in 1977, putting an abrupt end to the band’s most popular incarnation. Surviving members re-formed in 1987 for a reunion tour with lead singer Ronnie Van Zant’s younger brother Johnny as frontman. A version of the band continues to tour and record, with only Gary Rossington of its original members remaining as of 2012.
Lynryd Skynyrd
Manchester Apollo
American Country and Southern rock band prominent in spreading Southern Rock during the 1970s. Originally formed as the “Noble Five” in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1964, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tune, “Free Bird”. At the peak of their success, three members died in an airplane crash in 1977, putting an abrupt end to the band’s most popular incarnation. Surviving members re-formed in 1987 for a reunion tour with lead singer Ronnie Van Zant’s younger brother Johnny as frontman. A version of the band continues to tour and record, with only Gary Rossington of its original members remaining as of 2012.
Saturday 9 June
Metallica
Headline at Download Festival, Donington
American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California whose early releases included fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship that placed them as one of the founding “big four” of thrash metal alongside Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. They formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper.
Metallica
Headline at Download Festival, Donington
American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California whose early releases included fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship that placed them as one of the founding “big four” of thrash metal alongside Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. They formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper.
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th June
Coldplay
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
The rock superstars with the melodic tunes who have had a meteoric and well deserved rise to the top since the release of ‘Parachutes’ in 2000, winning countless awards along the way. Coldplay have left a massive impression on the UK’s rock scene and have admirably used their fame to raise the profile of various charity campaigns including Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair and Amnesty International.
Coldplay
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
The rock superstars with the melodic tunes who have had a meteoric and well deserved rise to the top since the release of ‘Parachutes’ in 2000, winning countless awards along the way. Coldplay have left a massive impression on the UK’s rock scene and have admirably used their fame to raise the profile of various charity campaigns including Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair and Amnesty International.
Sunday 10 June
Black Sabbath
Headline at Download Festival, Donington
English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne (lead vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass guitar), and Bill Ward (drums). The band has been through multiple line-up changes in its history, but the current line-up is a reunion of that original line-up.
Black Sabbath
Headline at Download Festival, Donington
English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne (lead vocals), Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass guitar), and Bill Ward (drums). The band has been through multiple line-up changes in its history, but the current line-up is a reunion of that original line-up.
Monday 18 June
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Royal Albert Hall, London.
American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He has also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr. and Muddy Wilbury. He has recorded a number of hit singles with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist, many of which remain heavily played on adult contemporary and classic rock radio. His music, and notably his hits, have become popular among younger generations as he continues to host sold-out shows. Throughout his career, Petty and his collaborators have sold 60 million albums.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Royal Albert Hall, London.
American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He has also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr. and Muddy Wilbury. He has recorded a number of hit singles with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist, many of which remain heavily played on adult contemporary and classic rock radio. His music, and notably his hits, have become popular among younger generations as he continues to host sold-out shows. Throughout his career, Petty and his collaborators have sold 60 million albums.
Wednesday 20 June
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Royal Albert Hall, London.
American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He has also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr. and Muddy Wilbury. He has recorded a number of hit singles with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist, many of which remain heavily played on adult contemporary and classic rock radio. His music, and notably his hits, have become popular among younger generations as he continues to host sold-out shows. Throughout his career, Petty and his collaborators have sold 60 million albums.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Royal Albert Hall, London.
American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He is the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and was a founding member of the late 1980s supergroup Traveling Wilburys and Mudcrutch. He has also performed under the pseudonyms of Charlie T. Wilbury, Jr. and Muddy Wilbury. He has recorded a number of hit singles with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist, many of which remain heavily played on adult contemporary and classic rock radio. His music, and notably his hits, have become popular among younger generations as he continues to host sold-out shows. Throughout his career, Petty and his collaborators have sold 60 million albums.
Friday 22 June
Bruce Springsteen
Manchester Etihad Stadium
American singer-songwriter-performer who records and tours with the E Street Band. Springsteen is widely known for his brand of heartland rock, poetic lyrics, and Americana sentiments centred on his native New Jersey.
Bruce Springsteen
Manchester Etihad Stadium
American singer-songwriter-performer who records and tours with the E Street Band. Springsteen is widely known for his brand of heartland rock, poetic lyrics, and Americana sentiments centred on his native New Jersey.
Saturday 23rd June 2012 from 7:30pm
The Guns N Roses Experience
Witchwood Live, Ashton-under-Lyne
GNRE have the only singer able to deliver the exact same unique vocal style and stage show synonymous with classic Axl Rose. They have the only tribute band guitarist officially endorsed by Marshall Amps, just like the legend Slash himself. With a true Guns N Roses sound and stage show, GNRE meticulously recreate every visual detail and every musical note to capture that reckless spirit of the original Guns N Roses legendary live performances.
The Guns N Roses Experience
Witchwood Live, Ashton-under-Lyne
GNRE have the only singer able to deliver the exact same unique vocal style and stage show synonymous with classic Axl Rose. They have the only tribute band guitarist officially endorsed by Marshall Amps, just like the legend Slash himself. With a true Guns N Roses sound and stage show, GNRE meticulously recreate every visual detail and every musical note to capture that reckless spirit of the original Guns N Roses legendary live performances.
Saturday 21st July
Reet Hot Chilli Peppers
The Witchwood, Ashton.
A tribute to The Red Hot Chilli Peppers playing Under The Bridge, Californication and much much more.
Reet Hot Chilli Peppers
The Witchwood, Ashton.
A tribute to The Red Hot Chilli Peppers playing Under The Bridge, Californication and much much more.
Friday 31 August
Asia
Headline at Weyfest, Surrey
English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a supergroup as it included former members of several veteran progressive rock bands, namely John Wetton (formerly in King Crimson, Uriah Heep, U.K., Roxy Music and Wishbone Ash), Geoff Downes (of Yes and The Buggles), Steve Howe (formerly in Yes) and Carl Palmer (formerly in The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Atomic Rooster, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer). The band has been through multiple line-up changes in its history, but the current line-up is a reunion of that original line-up.
Asia
Headline at Weyfest, Surrey
English rock group formed in 1981. The band was labelled a supergroup as it included former members of several veteran progressive rock bands, namely John Wetton (formerly in King Crimson, Uriah Heep, U.K., Roxy Music and Wishbone Ash), Geoff Downes (of Yes and The Buggles), Steve Howe (formerly in Yes) and Carl Palmer (formerly in The Crazy World of Arthur Brown, Atomic Rooster, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer). The band has been through multiple line-up changes in its history, but the current line-up is a reunion of that original line-up.
Monday 10th September 2012 from 8:00pm
Marillion
Manchester Academy
Marillion have been making progressive rock since they formed in 1979. With a cult following and a career that is notable for having progressed steadily with the times, Marillion’s music has been likened to that of bands as diverse as Pink Floyd and Radiohead.
Marillion
Manchester Academy
Marillion have been making progressive rock since they formed in 1979. With a cult following and a career that is notable for having progressed steadily with the times, Marillion’s music has been likened to that of bands as diverse as Pink Floyd and Radiohead.
Saturday 29th September
Cold Flame
Bakers Vaults, Stockport
Cold Flame are one of the more exciting and original rock/blues bands playing in the north of England and the Midlands. Whilst often encompassing the blues, the band also incorporate elements of folk rock and music covering the full rock spectrum. If you are lucky, you might catch the band doing their acclaimed tribute show to Jethro Tull. The band also play occasional acoustic gigs throughout the north of England featuring both original and traditional tunes.
Cold Flame
Bakers Vaults, Stockport
Cold Flame are one of the more exciting and original rock/blues bands playing in the north of England and the Midlands. Whilst often encompassing the blues, the band also incorporate elements of folk rock and music covering the full rock spectrum. If you are lucky, you might catch the band doing their acclaimed tribute show to Jethro Tull. The band also play occasional acoustic gigs throughout the north of England featuring both original and traditional tunes.
Thursday 4th October
Nickelback
Manchester Arena
Following the release of Silver Side Up Nickelback released their biggest and most known hit today, “How You Remind Me”. Then, the band’s 4th album The Long Road spawned 5 singles and continued the band’s mainstream success with their hit single “Someday”. Afterwards, the band put out their biggest album to date, All The Right Reasons which produced 3 top 10 singles and 5 top 20 singles, songs like “Photograph”, “Far Away”, and “Rockstar”. The band’s Dark Horse album was another success which produced eight singles.
Nickelback
Manchester Arena
Following the release of Silver Side Up Nickelback released their biggest and most known hit today, “How You Remind Me”. Then, the band’s 4th album The Long Road spawned 5 singles and continued the band’s mainstream success with their hit single “Someday”. Afterwards, the band put out their biggest album to date, All The Right Reasons which produced 3 top 10 singles and 5 top 20 singles, songs like “Photograph”, “Far Away”, and “Rockstar”. The band’s Dark Horse album was another success which produced eight singles.
Monday 12 November - Saturday 24 November
American Idiot - Green Day Musical (Stage Version)
Manchester Palace Theatre
American Idiot is a one-act, through-sung stage musical. The show is an adaptation of punk rock band Green Day’s concept album of the same name. Additional Green Day songs were interpolated from other sources, including 21st Century Breakdown, American Idiot b-sides, and an unreleased song called “When It’s Time”. The book is by Green Day’s lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and director Michael Mayer. The music is by Green Day and the lyrics are by Armstrong. The story, expanded from that of the concept album, centres on three disaffected young men, Johnny, Will, and Tunny. Johnny and Tunny flee stifling suburbia and their parents’ restrictions. The pair look for meaning in life and try out the freedom and excitement of the city. Will stays home to work out his relationship with his pregnant girlfriend. Tunny quickly gives up on life in the city, joins the military, and is shipped off to war. Johnny finds a part of himself that he grows to dislike, has a relationship and experiences lost love.
American Idiot - Green Day Musical (Stage Version)
Manchester Palace Theatre
American Idiot is a one-act, through-sung stage musical. The show is an adaptation of punk rock band Green Day’s concept album of the same name. Additional Green Day songs were interpolated from other sources, including 21st Century Breakdown, American Idiot b-sides, and an unreleased song called “When It’s Time”. The book is by Green Day’s lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and director Michael Mayer. The music is by Green Day and the lyrics are by Armstrong. The story, expanded from that of the concept album, centres on three disaffected young men, Johnny, Will, and Tunny. Johnny and Tunny flee stifling suburbia and their parents’ restrictions. The pair look for meaning in life and try out the freedom and excitement of the city. Will stays home to work out his relationship with his pregnant girlfriend. Tunny quickly gives up on life in the city, joins the military, and is shipped off to war. Johnny finds a part of himself that he grows to dislike, has a relationship and experiences lost love.
