Culture, Entertainment, Manchester, Music, Review

Live Review: Lukas Graham at Manchester Academy

0 709

Humanity Hallows Issue 5 Out Now
Pick up your copy on campus or read online


By Andrew Deyes
Photography: Georgina Hurdsfield


Lukas Graham played to a packed out room at Manchester’s Academy this week. Originally from Denmark, the four piece band made their mark on UK soil in 2016 with the release of their self titled album and the release of their number one single ‘7 years’. Currently on tour, they are set to continue to take the world by storm.

Hein Cooper was the perfect warm up act for the excited crowd. He strummed his guitar with vigour and balanced this out with harmonies and numerous song covers. His album Autumn Escape kept the audience’s attention as he played the more well known songs and Cooper delivered on teasing the crowd into wanting more as they waited for the gig’s headliners.

As the lights went down, the audience roared as they knew the band’s appearance was imminent. Lead vocalist Lukas Forchhammer began with a rapping commentary to set the scene for the evening which created the perfect beginning to what was obviously going to be a glorious set. Starting the night with ‘Take the world by storm’ Forchhammer began to build momentum with the audience as he jumped around the stage and got the crowd to sing lyrics back. This was an exciting start to what was an unprecedented night of music.

As the set continued, the frontman began to tell stories relevant to each song which encouraged the audience to feel a part of his life. Marry this with him telling us about how the band started, all part of Lukas Graham’s success story. Forchhammer knows how to play a crowd and as he continued to sing, the audience got louder as the atmosphere was filled with a constant screams and cheers.

The gig’s finale delivered on every level as Forchhammer thanked the O2 for their continuing support over the years, the crowd chanting, “MORE, MORE MORE!” Finishing the set off with their number one single ‘7 years’ made for a perfect ending. Lukas Graham showed off their musical ability as a band while also welcoming the whole audience as part of their family.

About the author / 

Andrew Deyes

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published.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

More News Stories:

  • The Slates @ Gorilla review – packed rooms and big ambitions for the Yorkshire Lads

    Featured image and gallery: Sam Holmes From Mirfield to Manchester, this Yorkshire-born four-piece bring their funk-interwoven indie rock to a sold-out Gorilla for their biggest headline show to date. Fresh off the back of their new single ‘Watch Life Burn’ and signing their first record deal with This Feeling/ LAB Records, there is already a…

  • Manchester Film Festival 2026: Northern talent shines in record-breaking edition

    Feature image: Press The Manchester Film Festival has wrapped its 12th edition, running over 11 days and showcasing a strong line-up of local and international talent from across the independent film industry. Festival director Neil Jeram-Croft reflected on this year’s programme, filled with a mix of features, shorts and documentaries spanning the cities’ cinema hotspots:…

  • Toots and the Maytals bring ‘Reggae Got Soul’ 50th anniversary tour to Manchester

    Featured image: Press Toots and the Maytals return to Manchester for their ‘Reggae Got Soul’ 50th anniversary tour. Following their hugely successful 2025 tour, Toots and the Maytals return to Manchester to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their landmark album, Reggae Got Soul. Fronted for decades by Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert – named by Rolling Stone…