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The 1975- Live at Manchester Arena

Libby Beacham
Feb 9, 2017
2 min read

13 December marked a new step in the world of indie rock band The 1975, as they returned to the familiar doorstep of the Manchester Arena where the band spent their days as young lads. The feeling of returning to a hometown as a successful group of musicians must be phenomenal, a sign that they have truly made it and especially to a music venue that they frequented to dance with girls on the dance floor.

The group released their second album last year, 'I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it', which topped the UK chart and the US Billboard 200, so what better way to celebrate than to commence a tour and add dates in North America (Matty Healy and the gang don't do things by halves).

Japanese House supported the group providing trance vibes with synth-pop and soaring vocals, a perfect match for the eclectic style of The 1975. It set a relaxed and chilled atmosphere and the talents of the up and coming band did not go unnoticed, with everyone transfixed on the stage and the chemistry of the band. The music was similar to the theme music you would expect in a lucid dream.

Japanese House Vevo- Face Like Thunder

The concert was truly inspiring, as the lads were clearly touched by the return to their roots. The band has come a long way since the release of their EPs and the hit single 'Chocolate' that caused girls to spiral out of control and draw 'I Heart Matty' on their schoolbooks. They experiment with their musical style more, such as the variation from the gospel track 'If I Believe You' to the jazz funk guitar in 'Love Me' and they increasingly engage with more serious topics, although this has been true since the beginning. For example, 'She Lays Down' raises the subject of his mother's postnatal depression accompanied by an acoustic guitar and soft vocals.

Matt Healy continued his well-known controversial streak by pausing between songs and discussing world topics. He spoke of his visit to America for some gigs, and how this coincided with the American election (causing the whole arena to erupt into boos) and how his last shows in the UK were during the EU Referendum (unfortunate timing for the lads). Healy spoke to the room full of phone lights shining from screaming fans and asked everyone to show love and band together in the time of need, a touching sentiment from a lad who is not afraid to speak his truth.

Later into the concert, he asked the arena to put away their phones and listen to the music rather than through their screens, and not a single light could be seen across the crowd. The gig felt welcoming and passionate, rather than alienating the audience as simple fans watching their idols. Healy with a glass of wine in his hand, telling the room to 'f***ing smoke' as he was warned not to, made the atmosphere feel casual with the attitude of a true rockstar.

Watch clips from the concert and compare the tracks to their original recordings!