ELBOW DELIGHT AS THEY OPEN MANCHESTER’S SOUNDS OF THE CITY 2025
It may come as a surprise, but there aren’t many bands that have the same esteemed legacy as some. However, Elbow are not one of those bands. With a multitude of exceptional albums, a catalogue of extraordinary live performances and a relationship with their fans and the grassroots music scene like no other - this band are and will always be one of a kind.
As Manchester’s Sounds Of The City (courtesy of SJM) opened its stage with the exquisitely talented local legends, Elbow brought a show to the amphitheatre-like stage like no other. Bringing the delightful weather, joyous fans, wonderful atmosphere and abundance of train waves, the Manchester band were warmly welcomed home into the arms of Britain’s music capital.
Reflecting on the show, I took time to think about legacy within bands. I thought deeply about how it is extremely rare that we can see a band go for over 30 years, feel comfortable enough to play such a diverse set and keep their audience so deeply engaged and wanting more.
Elbow are much loved for a multitude of reasons - the first being their extraordinary additions to Manchester’s exceptional musical legacy. However, lead singer Guy Garvey is an extremely rare find as a frontman and an asset to his role. Storytelling comes as second nature to Garvey, with his charisma and delightful humour further lightening the stage and lifting spirits of fans. Championing the grassroots music scene of Manchester, empowering smaller artists and gifting hope to the industry - Elbow are a rarity in the modern age of music, leaving an unmatched legacy behind them, as they continue to grow and experiment.
Accompanying their beloved hits with newer tracks - Elbow shone a light on their most recent album, the impeccable Audio Vertigo (2024) along with latest EP Audio Vertigo Echo (2025). Fans were treated to the dangerously addictive riffs of single Adriana Again and encouraged to dance to Sober - a track that bled celebration and uplift, leaving the crowd of Castlefield Bowl dancing and singing with Garvey.
A highlight of the night included Garvey conducting what can only be described as an orchestra of whistles within the crowd - mimicking the song of delightful birds during the gorgeous rendition of renowned track Lippy Kids.
The entire night was a joyous celebration of Elbow’s impressive musical legacy - with the band announcing to the crowd..
“We love you so much Manchester, thank you for everything you’ve given us.’”
