WORDS MATTY BEZ / IMAGES DESH KAPUR
On a chilly Monday night, the area around Manchester’s Co-Op Live Arena was buzzing with excitement. From the young to the old, fans packed the venue early, filling the impressive, purpose-built arena designed specifically for live music. The energy in the air was electric, and the anticipation was palpable as people gathered to witness Teddy Swims, now a pop sensation, take the stage. The venue itself, with its state-of-the-art design, was the perfect setting for a night of soulful music, and from the moment the doors opened, it was clear that this was going to be something special.
Cian Ducrot took the stage as the opening act for Teddy Swims, and he certainly made the most it. Fresh off his Grammy win for Best R&B Song for co-writing SZA’s hit Saturn, Ducrot proved he’s not only a talented songwriter but also a captivating performer. With a style that echoes Ed Sheeran, whom he has supported in the past, Ducrot commanded the stage with raw emotional delivery and a natural showmanship that immediately drew the audience in.
Ducrot’s performance was a masterclass in versatility, seamlessly blending genres and tempos. He moved effortlessly from stripped-back, emotionally vulnerable ballads to larger-than-life pop-rock anthems. His focus on storytelling, painting vivid pictures with his words and melodies, fostered an intimate atmosphere in the arena, making the performance feel personal despite the venue’s size. Ducrot’s strong stage presence and heartfelt connection with the crowd made him a perfect complement to Swims, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
Teddy Swims‘ rise to fame has been nothing short of extraordinary. Born Jaten Dimsdale, he first gained attention with his soulful renditions of popular songs on YouTube, building an impressive fan base through his cover versions of artists like Shania Twain and Marvin Gaye. Before becoming a breakout solo artist, Swims fronted a post-hardcore band in his hometown of Atlanta, honing his raw vocal power and stage presence. His ability to seamlessly shift from gritty rock to velvety soul set him apart from the crowd, and by 2020, he had begun releasing original music, which quickly launched him into the mainstream.
By 2023, Swims had taken the stage at The Albert Hall, Manchester, where his first UK tour shows garnered glowing reviews for his authentic performance style and genre-bending sound. The following year, he packed out the O2 Apollo Manchester, showcasing the evolution of his music and solidifying his place as one of pop’s most exciting rising stars. Fast forward to 2025, and Swims has ascended to pop superstardom, headlining the massive Co-Op Live arena, an achievement that not only marks his skyrocketing trajectory but is also the third time All Music Magazine UK has covered him on tour, witnessing his growth every step of the way.
The sold-out gig at Co-Op Live was a triumph. From the moment the stage lights went up and Swims’ four-piece band began playing, it was clear this was going to be a night to remember. Hidden behind a gigantic curtain, the band set the tone with an electrifying opening before the curtain dramatically dropped to reveal Swims himself. Emerging on a platform in a striking outfit—a kilt and a long purple coat emblazoned with the word “Manchester” on the back—Swims was every bit the showman. He launched straight into “Not Your Man,” his commanding presence already filling the vast space with ease.
Swims’ signature style, which blends funky, soulful pop anthems with heartfelt ballads, transcended the generations that packed into the arena. His powerful, soulful voice, made for filling arenas, flowed effortlessly through his catchy verses and stadium-sized choruses. Songs like “Lose Control,” “Guilty,” “The Door,” and “Bad Dreams” had the entire venue singing along, while his connection with the audience felt personal and honest. This is one of the defining qualities of Swims—his sincerity, which shines not just in his music but in his interaction with fans.
The show was a well-crafted journey through Swims’ discography, focusing on tracks from his albums I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Parts 1 & 2). The songs, which deal with themes of heartbreak, obsession, jealousy, and love, are perfect pop creations—infectious, soulful, and irresistibly danceable. Swims was backed by a tight, dynamic band (whom he lovingly referred to as his “best friends” throughout the night), and they effortlessly navigated the diverse styles and moods of his set, from upbeat pop to tender piano ballads.
In true showman fashion, Swims treated the crowd to three costume changes throughout the night. One of the evening’s most memorable and unexpected moments saw him sitting on what looked like a toilet while belting out a heartfelt tune, showcasing his playful side and keeping the audience engaged and entertained. Another highlight was his cover of Michael Jackson‘s “Rock with You,” which had everyone grooving to its smooth, nostalgic vibe.
As pyrotechnics lit up the stage, Swims strutted along a sloping walkway that curved around the set, his magnetic presence impossible to ignore. With his distinctive tattooed face and imposing physique, he commanded attention without effort, embodying the essence of a modern pop star with the soul of a vintage crooner.
The night was a masterclass in live performance, featuring all the elements you could ask for in an arena show—tight musicianship, stunning visuals, and a magnetic frontman who knows how to hold an audience in the palm of his hand. Teddy Swims’ voice, a perfect match for such a grand venue, soared through the Co-Op Live Arena, reaching every corner. He’s a superstar in every sense of the word, and judging by this electrifying performance, his star is only set to rise even higher.
SET LIST
Full Band
1/ Not Your Man
2/ Hammer to the Heart
3/ Apple Juice
4/ She Loves the Rain
5/ Are You Even Real
6/ Devil in a Dress
7/ Bad Dreams
8/ It Ain’t Easy
9/ Funeral
10/ What More Can I Say
11/ 911
12/ Black & White
Acoustic
13/ If You Ever Change Your Mind
14/ All That Really Matters
15/ Some Things I’ll Never Know
Full Band
16/ Northern Lights
17/ Guilty
18/ Tell Me
19/ Rock With You
(Michael Jackson cover)
20/ Your Kind of Crazy
21/ Lose Control
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FOLLOW CIAN DUCROT
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
