Words: Sophie Thompson
The Reytons’ arrival at Manchester’s Co-Op Live felt like another career-defining moment. With two UK number 1 albums behind them, an army of fiercely loyal fans and an arena-worthy stage production. The Rotherham four-piece delivered a night of unapologetic indie rock that demonstrated exactly why they belong on one of Europe’s biggest stages. Having headlined Wembley arena in December 2025 it was only right that they took on Manchester’s Co-Op Live. While the show may not have been a complete sell-out, the crowd more than made up for it, bringing an infectious level of energy that rivalled any sold-out performance.
Manchester’s own Alex Spencer was first on the bill for the night. At just 19 years old, Spencer has already enjoyed a remarkable 2026, touring across Europe with Louis Tomlinson, and the One Direction support doesn’t stop there as he is midway through a tour with Niall Horan. With some of the biggest names in music already backing him, the young musician is quickly establishing a name for himself. Having headlined Manchester Academy 2 earlier this year, Spencer’s return to his hometown marked another significant milestone: “I’ve wanted to play the Co-Op for so long,” he admitted, visibly delighted to be performing on one of the UK’s biggest stages.
Despite his young age, Spencer demonstrated an impressive ability to command the crowd effortlessly switching between Spanish and English during ‘Nightmares’. However, it was “Masks” that revealed a more vulnerable side to his songwriting. Dedicated to mental health awareness, the track showcased his remarkable ability to translate difficult emotions into deeply personal lyrics, “No matter how I feel I still just lie and say I’m okay. But I’m not, I’m not, I’m not, I’m not okay.” His sincerity extended far beyond the words as he reminded the Manchester crowd that they are never alone and encouraged everyone to check on those around them. Closing his set with “These Will Be the Days” Spencer delivered the poignant lyric “Oh God, I hope you all remember me,” and judging by his performance, Manchester will be remembering his name for years to come.
Next to take the stage were Cruz Beckham and The Breakers bringing infectious rhythms and youthful indie energy to Co-Op Live. While Cruz Beckham’s surname inevitably attracts attention, his performance said he was an artist determined to establish a musical identity far beyond his family’s fame. Embracing a guitar-driven indie-pop sound, heavily influenced by Britpop, he brought fresh energy to the evening’s lineup.
Between performances, DJ Lily Dimelow (Slice of Indie) ensured that the energy never dipped. With a selection of indie anthems from the likes of Sam Fender, Blossoms and
Courteeners. Her intervals transformed Co-Op Live into one massive singalong keeping the arena alive with anticipation as they awaited The Reytons.
The arena was packed with a multi-generational crowd ranging from teenagers to kids on shoulders to adults decked out in merch. The arrival of The Reytons triggered an immediate eruption across the floor with drinks flying and energetic mosh pits breaking out in every corner.
Their stage production was equally as impressive. Designed to resemble a street in Clifton, Rotherham where they grew up. The elaborate set bought a sense of working-class identity into one of the most modern venues in Manchester. Accompanied by explosive pyrotechnics and arena scale production, it demonstrated just how much The Reytons have grown without abandoning the humble beginnings that have shaped their music.
Their growth over the last year is impossible to ignore, having performed to just 5,000 last year at Manchester’s Aviva Studios, they are now performing to a crowd of approximately 15,000 at Co-Op Live. For a band that started their journey nearly a decade ago, the scale of the night was extraordinary.
Frontman Jonny Yerrell was quick to acknowledge the online criticism the band has faced this year, joking “I know that there will be people sat at home waiting to see how many people showed up.” It was a remark which perfectly captured The Reytons defiant attitude. Yerrell repeatedly thanked the fans who had supported the band throughout their journey, from the kids of the estate to Co-Op Live. They made the fans feel that the moment was a shared achievement.
One of the evenings standout moments came when Jonny Yerrell was joined by young Doncaster musician Freddie Halkon to perform a rendition of “Landslide”. The collaboration offered another reminder of the bands continued commitment to champion talent from their hometown bringing a sense of community to such a huge venue. Freddie wasn’t the only surprise of the night as they were later joined by X-Factor star Lucy Spraggan for a breathtaking performance of “Buskers Paradise”.
The celebrations didn’t stop there as the opening moments of “Kids of the Estate” rang out, confetti rained down over the crowd, accompanying was the announcement of the band’s hometown headline show at Clifton Park in July 2027. It was a fitting moment, bringing their journey back to where it started.
The appeal of The Reyton’s ultimately remains unchanged, it’s their relatable songwriting, relentless energy and loyal fanbase who have grown up alongside them. Their transition from grassroots venues to arenas.
For anyone still questioning whether The Reytons deserve their place on arena stages, the 15,000 people filling into Co-Op Live provided the answer. They aren’t a band built on the approval of TikTok but on the approval of the 15,000 who came to support them.
Tickets for The Reyton’s Clifton Park Show are available Friday 6th November.
