We Love Manchester

The O2 Apollo Manchester opened on August 29th 1938 and is one of the premier concert venues in England, with shows from every major rock, pop and comedy act on the touring circuit. 

The breadth of styles of events covers every market - the cutting edge of modern British music, through some of the biggest artists from overseas, popular comedy, and music for older generations. 

With both fully seated and part-standing formats, this versatile venue increases its footfall and presentations year on year. 

Art Deco in style, the Grade II listed building has been central to the British touring circuit for decades, attracting Best Venue nominations and patrons from across the globe.

1938
The Apollo Cine-Variety Theatre Ardwick is officially opened by actress Margaret Lockwood, inbetween takes for Hitchcock's 'The Lady Vanishes'
1941
During World War II, the Apollo narrowly avoids three Luftwaffe bombs
1965
The Beatles' tour bus spends 4 hours in Manchester stuck in fog, arriving 12 minutes after they were due on stage
1966
The Rolling Stones aren't far behind, playing a year later
1970s
The venue stops showing films and becomes a full-time live entertainment destination
1977
David Bowie plays keyboards and sings backing vocals for Iggy Pop on his Idiot World Tour
1978
The Jacksons touch down at the venue on their Destiny Tour
1978
The Jam fire up the crowds with dates in 1978, 1979 and 1982
1980
Ireland's finest U2 play some unforgettable dates, followed by 1982's Pre-War Tour and 1984's Unforgettable Fire Tour
1980
The Who's legendary stage-smashing ritual is keenly observed on stage
1981
Bruce Springsteen visits the venue on his River Tour
1982
During an Elton John gig, Freddie Mercury arrived on stage to duet on three songs
1985
The legendary Tina Turner introduces her Private Dancer tour
1995
Bob Dylan stops by on his Never Ending Tour, which has been going since 1988
1995
Manchester icons The Stone Roses rise again with a second coming
2001
Oasis celebrate 10 years of noise and confusion with two anniversary gigs
2002
The multi-talented Prince plays two nights here
2002
The venue is immortalised in 24 Hour Party People with scenes documenting New Order and Happy Mondays' gigs
2002
Peter Kay dominates the comedy scene with the first of 16 shows over the next three years
2007
The Arctic Monkeys film their Live At The Apollo DVD here on a cold December night. The IT Crowd's Richard Ayoade directs
2009
Morrissey's celebrates his 50th birthday with two gigs here. Souvenir laminates are given to every patron
2010
The venue changes name to O2 Apollo Manchester and is refurbished to celebrate the new partnership
2011
Snoop Dogg plays to a sell-out crowd as part of the Manchester International Festival
2012
Johnny Marr tells The Guardian we're his favourite music venue. He used to shin up the drainpipe with his mates to sneak in and watch bands
2013
The O2 Apollo Manchester turns 75!
2013
Gary Barlow performs live on his 42nd birthday
2016
Paul Simon returns to the venue on what could be his final tour.
2017
The venue hosts a secret workshop, for invited guests and fans, for new musical The Band, produced by David Pugh, Dafydd Rogers & Take That.