Photo Credit: Georgia Cottrill
Words: Sophie Thompson
New Century Hall was already buzzing with energy long before the first strum of a guitar was played. A sold-out packed hometown crowd awaited one of Manchester’s fast arising newcomers.
The Guest List are currently riding the wave of a newly released EP, ‘When the Lights Are Out‘ and there was an undeniable level of anticipation in the air.
SaintClair kicked off the evening setting a dark and atmospheric tone drawing inspiration from the likes of Fontaines D.C and Wunderhorse. The London based fourpiece have built a sound built on electric guitars and dramatic riffs paired with pulsating lights gave the set sensational cinematic feel. With only one release under their belt SaintClair gave a taste of what’s to come, ending their set previewing their next single ‘Nevermind‘ which was met with huge cheers from the Manchester crowd.
Next up were, Cherryholt, a young band who have already had a taste for breakout success thanks to their viral TikTok hit ‘Irresistible‘. They delivered a tight and clean set, for such a young band they truly are on the brink of becoming one of the great indie names.
Then came The Guest List walking on the stage to their biggest hometown gig to the sounds of The Stone Roses in loving tribute to Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield who passed away just last week. A heartfelt nod to an artist whose influence runs deeply in The Guest List’s musical DNA
Fresh off their tours supporting the likes of Inhaler and Blossoms they’ve spent the past year playing in front of bigger rooms then they could ever imagine. The band arrived full of confidence, playing in front of a packed 1,300 strong crowd at Manchester’s New Century Hall, tonight these immense crowds were all for them.
Opening their set with ‘Ruine‘ the recently released single taken from their 2025 EP they made a punchy entrance before swiftly transitioning into their 2024 hit ‘Loose Tongue‘ which is consumed by a catchy chorus which was immediately echoed by the crowd.
Following was a musically defined set showcasing what the band have built so far. With heartfelt lyrics and impeccable chemistry, they certainly have defined who The Guest List are.
The closing three songs: ‘Borderline‘, ‘161‘ and ‘Weatherman‘ transformed the room as the crowd erupted and danced to the songs which catapulted them to the indie superstars they are.
‘161‘ was a standout as the anthemic song took the crowd directly to Altrincham on ‘Chapel Street’ rich in Manchester history. The track tells the story of the 161 men who volunteered in WW1 all from 60 houses on Chapel Street in Altrincham, the area in Manchester which The Guest List are from. It’s a song consumed by local pride and the crowd responded by belting the lyrics back to the band.
‘Weatherman‘ ended the night with one last surge of energy bringing to close their biggest ever headline hometown gig, a night which showcased them becoming more than just an up-and-coming band but one who have cemented their place in the indie music scene.
The Guest List have shown that they are more than just a Manchester band, but they are defining this new era of Manchester music.
Taped Magazine 