Alt Legends Still in Bloom: Pixies Drown Manchester in Sound
- Aleksandra Hogg
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
O2 Apollo Manchester 24th May 2025
IMAGES / WORDS ALEKSANDRA HOGG
The legends of American alternative music returned to Great Britain—and we had the chance to find out whether the Pixies are still killing it on stage while showcasing their latest material. As pioneers of alt-noise and sonic experimentation, the Pixies have influenced a generation of bands, from Radiohead and Nirvana to The Smashing Pumpkins. Their legacy speaks for itself—but could they still deliver the magic live?
On Saturday evening, I made my way to the O2 Apollo Manchester to see for myself whether a band that began in 1986 could still command a crowd. Spoiler alert: they absolutely can.
Opening the evening was Big Special, an energetic and unapologetically raw duo from the Midlands who’ve been carving their own path. At first glance, you might think, “Nothing special”—but that impression vanishes as soon as they hit the first note. Their performance was emotionally charged, painfully honest, and laced with everyday grit.
Despite being just two guys on stage, they filled the room with sound and presence. Their music blended chaos, poetry, and a distinct sense of rebellion. They didn’t just warm up the audience—they ignited it. Their set felt less like a support act and more like a vital part of the night’s narrative.
When the Pixies stepped on stage—on time and without fanfare—the energy shifted. What stood out instantly was the crowd’s diversity. From teenagers discovering the band for the first time to lifelong fans who’ve followed them for decades, it was a true mix of generations. That blend only added to the magic of the night.
This time around, the Pixies returned to the UK with fresh material. Their latest release, The Night the Zombies Came, dropped on October 25, 2024, and songs from the album were seamlessly woven into the setlist. Far from just playing the hits, the band balanced old and new with finesse—delivering a generous 30-song set that spanned their career.
A standout element of this new era is Emma Richardson, the band’s new bassist. She not only held her own musically but brought a fresh dynamic to the lineup. Her performance was tight, confident, and her backing vocals added a beautiful new texture to the band’s already iconic sound.
What makes the Pixies so special is their timelessness. Their unique blend of dissonance and melody, chaos and control, remains as captivating today as it was in the late '80s. On Saturday, they reminded us why they matter—and why they always will.
They’ve managed to evolve without losing their essence. Their latest songs shine live, full of the same edge and urgency that defined their early work. And amid the raw energy, the band also carved out quiet moments for reflection—letting the music breathe and the crowd absorb it all.
The Pixies know exactly how to keep an audience spellbound. With a legacy cemented in music history and a live show that still thrills, they continue to prove that relevance isn’t tied to time—it’s tied to spirit.
1. Monkey Gone to Heaven
2. Wave of Mutilation
Head On
U-Mass
In Heaven (Lady in the Radiator Song)
(Peter Ivers & David Lynch
Vamos
Nimrod's Son
Motorway to Roswell
Here Comes Your Man
(Dedicated to Chas Banks)
Death Horizon
11. Jane (The Night the Zombies Came)
12. Primrose
13. Kings of the Prairie
14. Chicken
15. Mercy Me
16. Motoroller
17. The Vegas Suite
18. Velouria
19. Blown Away
20. The Happening
21. Gouge Away
22. Debaser
23. Cactus
24. Tame
25. Caribou
26. Bone Machine
27. Mr. Grieves
28. Hey
29. Into the White
30. Where Is My Mind?
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