Indie Breakouts The Guest List Deliver a Powerful, Unforgettable Night in Manchester
- Paul Dixon
- 16 minutes ago
- 3 min read
New Century Hall Manchester – 21st November 2025
WORDS / IMAGES PAUL DIXON
Mani Remembered
Walking onto stage to “Adored” by the Stone Roses was a genuinely lovely touch and to a person the hall echoed with the opening lyrics..
The performance by The Guest List at Manchester's New Century Hall was a reminder of why they are rapidly becoming one of the most exciting indie bands on the scene today. The band rocked the stage with an energy that immediately pulled the crowd in, their set seamlessly blending new tracks with fan favourites, delivering a night full of raw emotion, catchy hooks, intelligent lyrics and undeniable chemistry.
From the moment they opened with the anthemic Ruine, the atmosphere was electric. The band’s frontman, Cai Alty, was in full command, his voice soaring effortlessly through the venue’s acoustic set up. He has a great balance of charisma and humility. Paired with their polished musicianship, it was clear that The Guest List have mastered the art of creating a connection with their audience, no matter the size of the venue. The lads from Altrincham were in town and the winter cold nor the packed Christmas markets were going to stop their fans getting along.
The setlist was a mix of the band’s best work. 161, ( the story of In 1914, when the Great War broke out Chapel Street, Altrincham, Cheshire saw 161 men volunteer for duty from just 60 houses.) stood out as a crowd favourite, with its catchy, upbeat rhythm and infectious chorus getting the entire venue moving. The track feels like a bridge between their earlier, more stripped-back work and the polished, radio-ready sound they’ve been cultivating recently.
The crowd was enthusiastic throughout, but it was during the encore that the real magic happened. When the band closed with Weatherman the entire room seemed to become one, as voices from all corners of the hall joined in harmony. It was a perfect send-off, leaving fans buzzing long after the last note faded.
Sound-wise, the venue was on point, and The Guest List managed to fill the room with their distinct blend of indie-rock without ever feeling overwhelming. Hearing songs that have been crafted for reflection and awareness around such hard topics as Male Suicide and Climate change…there’s no denying the talent in putting together relevant and thought provoking, yet catchy, songs.
While it’s clear the band has evolved musically, The Guest List still brings a raw, almost underground energy to their live shows, a quality that sets them apart from many of their contemporaries. Their ability to stay true to their roots while embracing new sounds will undoubtedly help them continue to grow their fanbase.
All in all, it was a fantastic night for The Guest List, and if this show was anything to go by, their future looks incredibly bright. If you haven’t seen them live yet, you’re missing out. The next time they hit your city, don’t hesitate to grab a ticket — they’re quickly becoming one of the must-see live acts in indie rock.
SET LIST
1. Ruine
2. Loose Tongue
3. Mary
4. Plasticine
5. She’s Not Around
6. Something Real
7. Steel Police
8. When The Lights Are Out
9. Sick Animal
10. Canada
11. London
12. Borderline
13. 161
14. Weatherman
FOLLOW THE GUEST LIST
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