Liam Fray makes EPIC SURPRISE appearance, with Blossoms headlining at Radio X is TEN - Live from O2 Apollo in Manchester

Alex Duncan
12 minutes ago
3 min read

Manchester's Apollo were treated to a special night courtesy of Radio X on Monday. Headlined by Stockport's finest, Blossoms, Radio X celebrated ten years, supported by Merseyside band Circa Waves; legendary singer/songwriter Jake Bugg and classic indie outfit Hard-Fi - with Mancunian legend Liam Fray of the Courteeners making a shock appearance.

Radio X is TEN Live from Manchester (Image: Alex Duncan)

A night befitting of Radio X, filled with pure indie bangers, the O2 Apollo in Manchester was packed to the rafters as Circa Waves opened the night, with a dazzling but unfortunately short set. Fresh off the back of their latest album, the band treated fans playing latest single Old Balloons and finishing with their famed 2015 track,T-Shirt Weather,

getting the Mancunian crowd well and truly warmed up on what was a typically Mancunian, wet and jumper-weather evening.

Circa Waves Performing T-Shirt Weather — Circa Waves Performing T-*Shirt* *Weather*

The legendary Jake Bugg followed, described by Radio X Chris Moyles as: "one of the best singer-songwriters this country has ever produced" , and played a five song set, with his two greatest hits Two Fingers and Lightning Bolt featuring.

The man only needs an acoustic guitar and a willing audience to amaze, and Bugg did yet again sparking lightning on an already electric evening.

Legendary Jake Bugg performing in Manchester (Image: Alex Duncan)

Twenty Years on from their debut album Stars of CCTV , Hard-Fi brought the indie nostalgia to Manchester, playing a host of 00's tracks that had many gripped with joy. If you were to sum up their set in one word, it would be JOYOUS. Packed with jumping, dancing and a head rolling melodica (a funny looking keyboard you blow into) Hard-Fi brought bags of energy, and had the Apollo bouncing and Living For The Weekend, on a soaked Monday night.

Hard-Fi had heads turning with obscure melodica (Image: Alex Duncan)

As time ticked on, the crowd were beginning to murmur, and rumours were flying. It was rumoured down the front that a certain Mancunian legend by the name of Liam would be making a special appearance, all but confirmed by the soon appearance of a lone guitar on the stage.

Liam Fray of the iconic Courteeners soon took to the stage, sending the already buzzing crowd into a frenzy.

Liam Fray played a surprise four song set (Image: Alex Duncan)

The legendary front man treated fans to a four song acoustic set, with St Jude classics How Come, No You Didn't No you don't, and latest album title track Pink Cactus Café, before giving every single one of us the treat of the night with Not Nineteen Forever.

Fray has been known to play the odd acoustic set, even performing a string of shows in promotion for a new album, and prior to the 2025 Europa League Final, in Bilbao, supporting his boyhood club Manchester United, but this came as a true shock to all in attendance, and all but made up for the relatively short set times of artists prior.

Stockport's Blossoms opening with hit "Your Girlfriend" (Image: Alex Duncan)

Then came the headliners. A mere 20 minute drive from their hometown of Stockport, Blossoms, armed with their hugely loyal northern fan base, and an Eight-Foot gorilla, took to the stage and entertained as they always do. A Blossoms gig is unlike no other, with lavish outfits, unique and quirky song introductions, giant gorillas and most importantly indie bangers.

It's a testament to the band that they managed to make just over half an hour feel absolutely mega, performing hits Charlemagne, There's A Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls), Your Girlfriend, as well as a whole host of songs from their latest release Gary.