The 502’s Turn The O2 Ritz Manchester Into the Happiest Place on Earth
- Toni Slater
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The O2 Ritz, Manchester – January 22nd 2026
WORDS AND IMAGES TONI SLATER
Possibly “The happiest band on Earth”.
The energetic sound of a folk orchestra filled a packed-out O2 Ritz in Manchester, delivering singalong anthems and a bucketload of smiles from start to finish.
The evening was opened by solo singer-songwriter Jamie McKintyre. The musician from Galway gave a solid, engaging performance, mixing feel-good original songs with well-chosen covers. Light-hearted anecdotes between tracks helped build a warm rapport with the crowd and set the tone nicely for the night ahead.
The audience was a huge mix of ages, with families and groups of friends waiting in anticipation to be entertained.
The 502’s skipped on stage at 9pm, beaming with smiles, and went straight into their lively set. From the outset, the band delivered charisma and energy in abundance, creating countless moments that had the crowd swaying, clapping, and singing along in unison.
It would have been easy to believe it was a warm summer’s evening outside. Dressed mainly in whites and pastel colours, the band gave off a breezy, beachy, flamboyant vibe that perfectly matched their uplifting sound.
Together since 2015, The 502’s performance spanned their discography, with a strong focus on tracks from Could It Get Better Than This and Easy Street. Across 24 happy, uplifting tunes, the band showcased eclectic instrumental arrangements featuring banjo, piano, and horns. The result was a joyful, warm live set filled with tight vocal harmonies, playful banter, and constant positive engagement with the audience.
Songs such as “Honey, Honey,” “Enjoy the Ride,” and “Magdalene” slotted seamlessly into the set and were met with enthusiastic singalongs.
For the final song, the band were joined on stage by Jamie McKintyre for a rousing rendition of the Oasis classic “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” providing a fitting and emotional end to an already feel-good night.
Are The 502’s the happiest band on Earth? Very possibly, yes.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening — I couldn’t help but leave with a strong sense that I’d been very much entertained.
SET LIST
Sayonara
Hey Julia
Friday Night
Like My Father
Summer Fling
Waves
Skinny Dipping and Mimosas
Backstage in Glasgow
Something’s Gonna Go Our Way
Olivia
End of the World
Sweet Tooth
Hi There Hello!
You Belong
Enjoy the Ride
Your Nonsense Makes Sense
Magdalene
Hey, Honey
Perfect Portrait of Young Love
Feels Good to Be Me
Stories to Tell
Just a Little While
Don’t Look Back in Anger (Oasis cover)
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