Primal Scream at Aviva Studios

Johnny James, Managing Editor

Book now

Primal Scream

Aviva Studios, Manchester
11 April 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Bobby Gillespie of Primal Scream,  standing in front of a postbox in a black and white photo with a dripping red paint effect.
The artwork for Primal Scream's 'Come Ahead', image courtesy of Aviva Studios.
Book now

Following the release of their 12th album, Come Ahead, the iconic Glasgow band Primal Scream perform in the Warehouse space at Aviva Studios, home of Factory International.

Formed by Bobby Gillespie and Jim Beattie in 1982, when Gillespie was drumming for noise-pop pioneers the Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream pursued a different kind of indie pop – something more sweet and jangly, slotting right into the burgeoning C-86 indie scene. But an altogether different sound entered the equation when Alan McGee, head of Creation Records, introduced Gillespie to acid house, leading to an album that would change the face of British pop music in the ’90s: Screamadelica.

Fusing indie pop, psychedelia and dance, Screamadelica was revolutionary in the way it brought these quite tribal scenes together, while producing anthems like ‘Movin’ on Up’ and ‘Loaded’, which are still adored today. The logical next move would have been to dig deeper into this sound, but instead the band abruptly switched things up again for the rocky Give Out But Don’t Give Up, and again for the twin releases of 1997’s heady dance album Vanishing Point and its experimental successor XTRMNTR.

The underground would be where the band remained as the noughties took hold and the band’s line-up felt forever in flux. Occasionally, though, they’d pop their head above water for a casually massive hit, including 2006’s ‘Country Girl, taken from art-pop album Riot City Blues. But the musical formula didn’t change all that much from here on in – that is, until 2024’s Come Ahead, which embraces a new flavour: Gillespie’s long-standing love of funk and soul. Its 11, gospel choir-embellished tracks offer a lush backdrop for Gillespie’s most personal lyrics to date, most notably on existential opener ‘Ready to Go Home’, which he sang to his dying father in hospital.

2025 sees the band tour the album, including a date at Manchester’s blockbuster new arts venue, Aviva Studios. Support comes in the form of the left field singer-songwriter Baxter Dury. Spinning wry stories of life among the well-heeled yet poorly behaved, Baxter Dury has that rare knack for making the ordinary sound extraordinary, while serving up haunting melodies that really get under your skin. He’ll cap off what’s sure to be one of the standout gigs at Aviva next year.

What's on at Aviva Studios

Where to go near Primal Scream at Aviva Studios

Castlefield
Event venue
Old Granada Studios

Manchester’s old Granada Studios is an iconic piece of the city’s history and home to Sidney Bernstein’s television empire.

Manchester Opera House by Phil Tragen
City Centre
Theatre
Manchester Opera House

A commercial touring theatre, the Manchester Opera House is reopening in August 2021, all set to host the city’s finest mainstream theatrical productions, music gigs, opera and ballet.

City Centre
Music venue
Low Four Studio

Old Granada Studios has announced Low Four: a new studio and music project that will stream and archive live music performance as part of a new generation of music TV programming. The inclusion of a viewing balcony also means that these recordings, along with special events and concerts, will be made open to a few […]

Manchester
Restaurant
20 Stories

High-end restaurant and cocktail bar, with stunning views of the Manchester skyline.

Manchester
Gallery
Smolensky Gallery

This appointment-only gallery is a hidden gem in Manchester. Art lovers and collectors can browse many high quality pieces.

Manchester
Hotel
Moxy Manchester City

Moxy Manchester City is a stylish 146-bedroom hotel in Spinningfields, with an attractive living room lobby and modern, well-stocked bar.

What's on: Music

Music
MusicStockport
That Night In Manchester

Join the electrifying musical ‘That Night in Manchester’. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Manchester indie scene. Step into the Madchester time machine as you hear a father recount the highs and lows of his life to his only son during the Madchester era spanning his life through the 70’s 80’s & 90’s as you experience the music performed live on stage.

Culture Guides

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.