The Charlatans; ‘Kingdom of Ours’Is Truly Theirs
- Paul Dixon
- Dec 13, 2025
- 3 min read
Manchester Academy. - 11th December 2025
WORDS STEVE GLEAVE / IMAGES PAULDIXONPHOTOGRAPHY
Back in Manchester, with prior notice given to ticket holders two weeks ago that The Charlatans were to be supported by ‘more’ Charlatans, the expectation of the sold out crowd at the Academy was palpable; agreeing possibly with the assertion of the famous American astronomer Carl Sagan that ‘Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back’.
Not that the nicest man in rock; Lead singer Tim Burgess would abuse this power but the energy and love that he and his band transmitted to the Manchester audience on Thursday night was joyfully reciprocated by all in attendance. It was joyous to see the span of ages crammed into the Academy…from those in their late 50s down to kids of 15/16. Some hoisted on their parents shoulders!
This latest tour, promoting the bands 14th studio album ‘We are Love’, opens with the new album’s first track Kingdom of Ours. Kicking in with that familiar keyboard sound it is, for those that know the Charlatans history, particularly because of the tragic deaths of former band members Rob Collins and Jon Brookes, a reflective piece on loss and change. The Charlatans, however, have always been a resilient band and following the rapturous welcome from the eager crowd, the opening song ends positively with the line ‘I endeavour to find heaven’. With Tim affectionately dedicating the next song to ‘all the weirdos’ spirits are indeed immediately elevated as the distinctive Burgess fluid dance moves are revived to an all time Indie classic Weirdo.
This is NOT a nostalgia gig though. Within the 2 hour performance, almost a third of the setlist are songs taken from the latest album. Standouts from the Eight new tracks are For the Girls, We are Love, Deeper and Deeper and Appetite and none of these tracks pale in comparison to previous hits. The sentiments expressed in the title track; This is the place, these are the days, we are love as well as serving as a mission statement for the night also makes you question how they haven’t wrote this before.
The amazing back catalogue of songs, are gloriously mined. From the number one albums ‘Telling Stories’ and the self titled 30 years old ‘The Charlatans’, seven songs are played including obvious highlights North Country Boy, Just when you’re thinking things over and One to Another. There is a touching tribute at the start of the second set, with Us and Us only single Forever to Mani that also features video footage of Rob and Jon. This night of reflection and euphoria ends unsurprisingly with the iconic Sproston Green, much to the crowds delight and expectation. It, like the Charlatans, does not disappoint.
Throughout the gig, the musicianship of original member bass player Martin Blunt, guitarist Mark Collins and Tony Rogers keyboards and backing vocals is outstanding. Supported by ex Verve drummer Peter Salisbury they are an incredible unit. Fronting this powerhouse as always is the incredible Tim Burgess. Whether conducting or conversing with the audience, jumping into shadow boxing spurts that resemble Vic Reeves more than Mike Tyson, he is the main focus and is the perfect Spider-Man for everyone who, as the stand out song One to Another asks, is willing to be his Spider-woman. Madchester icons, Indie darlings, Brit pop stalwarts or with the brilliant Wonderland’ album Curtis Mayfield/Al Green disciples, The Charlatans defy any single categorisation and are simply truly wonderful. Those that have not caught them live yet, the advice would be not to dawdle ‘Just when You’re thinking things over’ but simply to ‘Get on it’ and enjoy true greatness.
Set List 1
1. Kingdon Of Ours
2. Weirdo
3. For The Girls
4. North Country Boy
5. Many A Day A Heartache
6. Oh Vanity
7. Let The Good Times
8. Blackened Blue Eyes
9. Then
Set List 2
1. Forever
2. We Are Love
3. Tellin’ Stories
4. Out On Our Own
5. Deeper And Deeper
6. Just When You’re Thinking
7. Toothache
8. Soul Saver
9. Appetite
10. In The Tall Grass
11. One To Another
12. The Only One I Know
13. Get On It
14. Now Everything
15. Tremelo Song
16. Sproston Green
FOLLOW THE CHARLATANS
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