WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
Snow Patrol‘s show at New Century Hall, Manchester, on September 18th, was a special treat for fans, as the band offered not one, but two intimate performances to support their latest album The Forest Is The Path. These stripped-back shows, limited to just eight songs each, provided a rare chance to see the band up close and personal. I was lucky enough to attend the first show of the night at 8pm, and from the moment I walked into the venue, it was clear this was going to be something unique.
The stage was remarkably minimal: just a keyboard, a couple of amps, a music stand, and two microphones on stands. With Gary Lightbody (vocals, guitar), Johnny McDaid (piano), and Nathan Connolly (lead guitar) walking on stage promptly at 8pm, the three-piece lineup signaled that tonight would be all about the music. No frills, no spectacle, just Snow Patrol and their audience.
They kicked off the evening with “Chocolate,” a fan-favorite from their 2003 album Final Straw. The opening chords immediately ignited the crowd, and the venue was filled with warmth and a sense of camaraderie as the band and audience sang together. This interaction between Snow Patrol and their fans was a hallmark of the night, giving the show an intimate, almost communal feel.
Next up was another classic from Final Straw: “Run.” The song’s emotional weight was amplified by the stripped-back arrangement, with Lightbody’s brooding vocals taking center stage. The performance of this Britpop power ballad was breathtaking, proving that even without the full band and production, Snow Patrol’s music loses none of its impact.
Following these older hits, the band shifted to material from their new album, starting with “The Beginning.” This new track held its own alongside the classics, showcasing Snow Patrol’s signature blend of melody and emotion. It was astonishing how well the audience already knew the words, and the song’s beautiful layers and indie ballad feel demonstrated that Snow Patrol still has their finger on the pulse of what makes a great song.
“Call Out In The Dark” followed, with Lightbody slipping into falsetto as he delivered the first single from Fallen Empires. The energy remained high, and the song’s upbeat rhythm provided a nice contrast to the more emotional numbers in the set.
Another new track, “All,” was next. Like “The Beginning,” it seamlessly fit into the setlist and held its own. Its soaring chorus and heartfelt melody were pure Snow Patrol, reinforcing their mastery of the indie ballad genre. The song truly shone, and I can imagine it becoming a future favorite for fans.
Then came the moment the entire audience had been waiting for: “Chasing Cars.” Stripped back to its bare essentials, this song was nothing short of epic. The band allowed the crowd to take over the chorus, creating one of those spine-tingling moments that live shows are made for.
The band closed the set with two more anthems: “Open Your Eyes” and “Just Say Yes.” Both songs were powerful finales, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement. The final notes of “Just Say Yes” rang out, bringing to an end what was, despite its brevity, an absolutely perfect evening.
Though the set was only eight songs long, every moment was packed with emotion, melody, and the raw power of Snow Patrol’s songwriting. The stripped-back format only heightened the intensity of their performance, proving once again that Snow Patrol are masters of the indie ballad. Their ability to craft songs that resonate so deeply with audiences is unparalleled, and there’s no doubt that this intimate show will remain a cherished memory for everyone in attendance.
Snow Patrol showed Manchester exactly why they’ve been at the top of their game for over two decades, and their new material promises that there’s much more to come. If this show is anything to go by, their upcoming arena tour in 2025 will be something truly special.
SET LIST
1/ Chocolate
2/ Run
3/ The Beginning
4/ Call Out in the Dark
5/ All
6/ Chasing Cars
7/ Open Your Eyes
8/ Just Say Yes
TOUR DATES
Feb 15th London O2
Feb 16th Birmingham Resorts World Arena
Feb 18th Cardiff Utilita Arena
Feb 19th Hull Connexin Live
Feb 21st Glasgow OVO Hydro
Feb 22nd Manchester Co-op Live Arena
Feb 25th Dublin 3Arena
Feb 27th Belfast SSE Arena
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
