Paul Draper’s Mansun Revival Is a Rough-Edged, Heartfelt Trip Through Britpop Memory
- Toni Slater
- 32 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Academy 3 Manchester - 18th March 2026
WORDS AND IMAGES TONI SLATER
An Intimate stroll down memory lane
This was the first night of an 8 date UK tour where the former lead singer of the 90’s indie group Mansun will perform “The Hits”, showcasing the bands most known songs from their first three albums. The show was originally booked to be held at The Ritz, but was moved to the smaller and more intimate venue of The Manchester Academy 3, better known to us locals as “The Hop and Grape”
Supported on all dates by Manchester based post punk band “Midnight Gallery” The 5 piece performed a competent 30 minute set which was well received by the crowd. Taking influence from bands such as “Interpol” their jangly guitars and dark, atmospheric sound gives a modern feel mixed in with an 80’s classic sound. Check out their EP “Black and White” which was released at the start of this year.
Paul Draper, along with a full electric band took to the stage at 9pm. Lots of encouragement from the audience, with a few heckles of “C’mon Paul” The set consisted of 13 songs purely from the Mansun era, a run through of the classics and most well-known hits from the bands studio albums. It was clear that the crowd formed a loyal following, I was reliably informed by someone I was talking to that a fan had travelled from japan just to follow Paul on his tour, he pointed him out to me, an excited face firmly placed at the front pf the barriers in prime spot to soak up the occasion.
The vocals and flow of the songs faltered a little at times but this was barely noticed by the audience who used their energy to sing along to the favourites that they still knew word for word. The set was just short of 90 minutes, a short encore to play “Take it easy Chicken” and “Taxloss” which came with a portion of indie swagger to make the songs even more authentic.
All in all a fun gig, the decision to downsize the venue as a wise one, as the room was filled with a nostalgic crowd, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the sounds of a band that still remains dear to their hearts.
SET LIST
1. Negative
2. She Makes My Nose Bleed
3. Six (full album version)
4. Legacy
5. Egg Shaped Fred
6. Stripper Vicar
7. Electric man
8. Fool
9. Being a girl (album version)
10. I can only disappoint U
11. Wide Open Space
ENCORE
12. Take it easy Chicken
13. Taxloss
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