Music

Sam Ryder @ Manchester Academy review and gallery – The Space Man has landed

0 573

Featured image and gallery: Ben Redshaw


Heading to the city as part of his debut UK tour, Sam Ryder performed to a sold out Manchester Academy crowd on Tuesday night. Now a household name following his stunning Eurovision performance last May, Sam Ryder started his journey performing covers of popular songs on TikTok during the pandemic. Since then, he has rapidly risen to stardom performing with big-hitters including Queen, Sigala and The Darkness.

After the impressive feat of getting the UK to the finals in last year’s Eurovision Song Contest, the singer-song writer has released his debut album, There’s Nothing but Space, Man! much to the delight of the Manchester crowd.

Support performers Charlotte Jane and Tros energised the audience before Ryder took to the stage. Charlotte Jane performed a mix of her top songs old and new, including ‘Refuge,’ ‘Baby Steps,’ and ’10 percent.’ She also dived into Chris Stapleton’s soothing ‘Tennessee Whisky’, which lit up the crowd and helped to warm up their vocals.

Soon after, Tros entered the stage and started to rock the completely packed audience. “Who’s ready to see Sam Ryder?” screamed lead singer Matt Weedon as they began to play. Tors launched into including ‘Amsterdam,’ ‘Wilder Days,’ and ‘Garden On The Kitchen Floor.’ Newly released single, “Anything Can Happen,” also featured in the set.

Tors supporting Sam Ryder at Manchester Academy

When Tors embark on their tour in June they will be coming back to Manchester and headlining at The Deaf Institute.

After a short interval, the Spaceman had landed. As he watched the audience roar, Ryder dashed onto the stage with stars in his eyes. He glanced out into the crowd as he began his performance with ‘Put A Light on Me,’ and the room was filled with torches. Ryder then channelled his inner Freddie Mercury as he led the crowd in the classic “Ayo” chant.

The relationship between Ryder and his passionate supporters was surreal, the singing, chanting, and overall atmosphere was inspiring and it felt like the audience was putting on their own show for Ryder.

Later on in the performance, the star returned to his roots and sang a medley of iconic pop songs. From Taylor Swift to Paramore, and Florence and the Machine he rocked the crowd with songs including ‘You’ve Got The Love,’ ‘We Will Never Get Back Together,’ and ‘Misery Business.’

“Thank you to all of you,” Ryder said before the end of the show. “For bringing open hearts and welcoming me into your beautiful city.”

Sam Ryder returned to the stage to a cheering audience who was screaming “Spaceman.” As his adoring fan sang along with the Spaceman, Ryder’s voice filled the whole Academy. His gaze made it clear that this night will go down in history.

Charlotte Jane supporting Sam Ryder at Manchester Academy

Tors supporting Sam Ryder at Manchester Academy

About the author / 

Ben Redshaw

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • “Well-slept characters aren’t as interesting” – The minds behind ‘Misper’ on Manchester Film Festival and the allure of writing people on the edge

    Feature Image: Press “It’s important to find your people. Don’t feel like you have to find this incredible producer or person who’s going to give you loads of money and change your life” says Lauerence Tratalos, one-half of the Northern duo responsible for Misper; a feature debut for director Harry Sheriff and script writer Tratalos….

  • Ignoring Izzy @ Fuel Café Bar review – a wonderfully bizarre set

    Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fuel Café Bar in Withington hosts the fifth stop of six-piece band Ignoring Izzy’s ‘Motorway Musk’ tour, following the release of their debut single. The room buzzes with the promise of chaos, and possibly a few flying vegetables. Opening the night is Manchester-based Leucotome, a witch-folk trio blending soft,…

  • Rick Astley / Gabrielle @ Co-op Live review – Manchester will never give them up

    Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Opening the night, Gabrielle eases the Co-op Live crowd into the spectacular night ahead. There’s no need for spectacle, her presence alone is enough with her deep vocals echoing around the arena. A performance rooted in control and feeling, each song reveals a different shade of her understated command. Operating…

  • Chalk @ Gorilla review – unrelenting and endlessly energetic

    Featured image and gallery: Sam Holmes Formed in Belfast in 2019, Chalk have already made a name for themselves. From support slots for Fontaines D.C., IDLES and Sprints, to taking to the stage at SXSW earlier this year, the band’s growth has been rapid and shows no signs of stopping. Touring their debut album Crystalpunk,…