Amidst the iconic city of Manchester, at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre on Saturday, 14th October, we were transformed into a time capsule. This was done as the Adored team were whisking enthusiastic partygoers back to the highly glamorous and euphoric era of the 1980s/1990s and beyond of the famous Manchester music sound. Remember the famous words of Tony Wilson? “This is Manchester, we do things differently here”.
Across four unique arenas punters were thoroughly spoilt for choice. Starting with the finest tribute acts live alongside the unforgettable sound of legendary DJ and host Dave Sweetmore on the main stage. Tributes to the cream of Manchester such as New Order, Happy Mondays, Stone Roses, Arctic Monkeys, Oasis and the Killers played whilst The Courtbetweeners closed their curtain on their career with their final gig.
Classic dance music fans had the exciting experience in the Acid House arena with household international DJ’s including Slipmatt, DJ Nipper, Alistair Whitehead, Adam Guy and Lee Crank. Sound and lightshow was hypnotic with an array of dancers and lasershows quite captivating.
In the Beer Emporium there were casks of real ale available, alongside of an eclectic music ensemble of acoustic performers pumping out sing a long anthems, DJ sets from 90’s favourites The Farm no less and even a show from the Oompah brass band, hosted by Adored resident DJ Ezi Eden. It is here you could also capture the ultimate selfie on the iconic Manchester Adored throne.
The Manchester Adored 80’s Guilty Pleasures room was a pulsating haven for all those enamoured by the magic of this iconic decade, as the venue shimmered with neon lights, oversized Rubix Cubes and reverberated with the beats of timeless hits. As host of this arena, John Leather focussed on this stage for the whole day. Here’s the view from the hidden gem.
GUILTY PLEASURES ARENA REVIEW
It was meticulously decorated to evoke the vibrant essence of the ’80s, becoming a playground for individuals eager to relive the glory of an era characterized by bold fashion, infectious rhythms, and unforgettable melodies. The dance floor, adorned with disco balls and kaleidoscopic lighting, was an irresistible invitation to groove and let loose in a sea of nostalgic euphoria.
Boy George Experience
The room kicked off in full force with a hit filled set from The Boy George Experience. An uncanny similarity with the man himself as he dazzled through mega hits such as “Do you Really Want to Hurt Me” and the big finish from “Karma Chamaeleon” There was even opportunities for fans to get photos mid set. There is no doubt the Boy George Experience delivered some true charm.
DJ Leo B Stanley
Next up was a new addition to the Guilty Pleasures arena for 2023 with Guest DJ and well known “Back in The Day” clubnight resident and Manchester DJ Leo B Stanley. Leo brought a real soulful journey playing tracks from the likes of Jocelyn Brown, Blondie alongside disco classics from Tavares and the O Jays. This culminated in a real crowd pleasing hit of Young Hearts Run Free which drove Leo, who was joined by DJ Emma Charles for a dance on the stage, which really ignited the room.
Duran
This was followed by a tribute to one of the most anthemic and iconic pop bands of the era in Duran – you might have guessed a homage to Duran Duran, who both looked and sounded the part, flawlessly capturing the 80’s. It was only 5pm but the room was at full capacity for a hit riddled set, everything from “Wild Boys” to “Rio”, “Notorious” to “Hungry Like the Wolf”. No 80’s guilty pleasures day would be complete without the wonderful Duran as punters were jumping to the classic hits.
Electric Emma
It was fast approaching 6pm, a moment which had been much hyped with good reason in the run up to the event. Emma Charles, AKA DJ Electric Emma was fresh from a triumphant set a couple weeks prior at the sold out Adored Festival at Heyside and as determined to deliver at Bowlers.
We’d heard so much but common themes like energy, upbeat disco and house got us excited for this and like us, I think everyone in the whole room was captivated.
What took place was an extremely polished, set of the truest fun loving upbeat disco fused with the the grooviest house music as the crowd were hit with waves of fantastic mixes of disco classics “Sweet Dreams”, You make me feel” and “I found love” which was an apt feeling the room were experiencing.
The sparkle was literally compounded as Emma treated the crowd to a rapturous glitter cannon which really raised the tempo!
By this time the crowd , a mix of all ages, found common ground in their love for the timeless classics, creating an atmosphere brimming with a palpable sense of unity and joy. Watch out for Electric Emma in future wherever she is playing as she is literally a disco queen, and a tough act to follow.
A Little Respect
This task fell to “A little Respect”, the synth anthems duo dedicated to Erasure.
The evening was now in full swing, and the mood was flowing. In the safe, fun hands of this Erasure tribute we went on a journey of the anthems. From crowd participation in “Stop”, the crowd singing back the entire song, to Sometimes seeing people on shoulders it was a set to behold. Hands in the air, smiles across the room singing at the tops of your voice kind of vibe.
They left us with one of the guiltiest pleasures of all time and an adored favourite “A little respect”, lighters appearing from pockets as the room was serenaded with this super rendition.
Manchester Ska Foundation
The penultimate live band in the Guilty Pleasures arena was a firm firm favourite. Not only in Adored but across the land. When you think of ska, two tone when it comes to tribute there really is only one band, the Manchester SKA Foundation.
Led by lead singer Lee Hollister, this 9 piece offers everything, all your ska hits. One Step Beyond, It Must Be Love, Night Boat to Cairo, A Message to You Rudy, even Three Little Birds, these guys not only make you dance but have you coming back for more and more.
We’ve seen these guys a few times at Adored and the crowd gets bigger and bigger. What was once a hidden gem, is now a behemoth and one of the highlights of the day likely across any arena. Jubilation and groove provided in bundles. What a show!
Chic to Chic
A tribute to perhaps the most iconic disco outfit of all time brought the live music programme to a close this fine evening. Chic to Chic, took us on a journey of absolute stonking disco hits in the iconic white outfits and sequins. As close to Studio 54 as you can get in Manchester Ladies and Gentlemen.
Just look at the stonking setlist on show below!
Hits made famous by the likes of Diana Ross, Sister Sledge, David Bowie and of course Chic masterminded by the brilliance of Nile Rodgers played with an authentic touch by Chic to Chic.
Making their debut at Adored ended the live sets with a bang!
DJ John Leather
It was now almost over, but there was just enough time for DJ John Leather to set sail on a ship of 80’s pop anthems before the night was over. One final bit of sparkle.
Only massive anthems to end the night ensued with Wham, Whitney Houston, Dolly Parton, A Ha all getting playlisted. The penultimate track of the night was singalong anthem by Simple Minds. Don’t you forget about me is an Adored anthem, the way it builds at the end with the euphoric release always gives us goosebumps.
But the final track and finisher is one not visited in a while an Ode to the Queen of Pop, La Isla Bonita, leaving the crowd with a true end of Summer vibe.
Ode to Adored
The Adored team organisation and attention to detail was meticulous, with a seamless entry process and attentive staff ensuring that attendees were able to immerse themselves fully in the nostalgic experience without any disruptions. Everyone from the artists, DJ’s, stage manager and staff were thoroughly professional making it a true night to remember.
As the night concluded, the echoes of the ’80s still reverberated within the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to be part of this mesmerizing journey through time. The Manchester Adored 80’s Guilty Pleasures room at Bowlers Exhibition Centre successfully revived the spirit of the 1980s, leaving a lasting impression of nostalgia and jubilation that will undoubtedly linger in the memories.
To Simon, Jade and family for making this wonderful happen, we truly salute you and thanks for the cakes!
Remember, this is just one small part of the story. There were three other huge rooms of unbelievable acts, memories and stories to tell. We can’t wait to hear them in time, but for now thanks for reading and thanks for everyone for allowing me to be part of this day.
Big Love, John Leather x
The next chapter
The next Manchester adored will be at Manchester Bowlers on Saturday 23rd March 2024. Tickets now onsale here
Great work John