The 1975 were truly ‘At their very best’ on Wednesday, playing an intimate gig at Gorilla in Manchester.
After finishing their 45-show international tour in Belfast just two days before, The 1975 decided to strip it back to basics, playing to 520 fans in aid of War Child, a charity supporting children in conflict.
The lucky 500 people did not know what to expect. Would it be anything like the tour, with front man, Matty Healy eating raw meat and kissing fans?
As the venue filled up, speculation was in the air as a single rectangle shone on the small stage. The gig started with War Child CEO, Rob Williams, making a speech about the importance of the charity, then leaving fans with an anxious wait. “I wonder who the support act will be, what if it is Taylor Swift?”
That’s when the lights went down and The 1975 burst into their first song, The 1975 from their Self- Titled album. This was the first time in 10 years the band had played their Self-Titled album back-to-back, with it turning 10 years old later this year. Hits like The City and M.O.N.E.Y. which has not been played since 2017 followed. “Hardcore fans will probably know what we’re up to,” Matty said. “It’s just us, isn’t it?” This gave everyone the confirmation they needed; they really were hearing Self-Titled live in 2023.
The band continued (with Matty drinking red wine and smoking cigarettes in between songs), ending the album playing the piano, with the emotional ‘Is there someone who can watch you’. Throughout the performance Matty said they felt less pressure, there wasn’t any concept like their arena shows. The frontman took time to interact with the audience, thanking someone for coming all the way from Boston, and saying he recognised some people in the crowd.
They finished with fans screaming the lyrics to TikTok favourite, About You, ending the night on a high. It really was a special night and for a special cause.
Matty encouraged everyone to donate to War Child, saying they have gone from saving 140,000 children from conflict at their last show to 260,000 children now. A perfect end to their arena tour, The 1975 were truly at their very best at Gorilla on the 1st February 2023, it was a night that everyone will remember for a lifetime.
Setlist:
The 1975
The City
M.O.N.E.Y.
Chocolate
Sex (EP version)
Talk!
An Encounter
Heart Out
Settle Down
Robbers
Girls
12
She Way Out
Pressure
Is There Someone Who Can Watch You
It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)
Happiness
If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)
I’m in Love With You
Paris
Be My Mistake
About You
