{"id":482430,"date":"2025-10-08T08:03:17","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T08:03:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/482430\/"},"modified":"2025-10-08T08:03:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T08:03:17","slug":"edwyn-collins-albert-hall-review-inspirational-orange-juice-frontman-pays-an-emotional-farewell-to-manchester","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/482430\/","title":{"rendered":"Edwyn Collins Albert Hall review: Inspirational Orange Juice frontman pays an emotional farewell to Manchester"},"content":{"rendered":"

Edwyn Collins played his final gig in Manchester on Tuesday evening when he appeared at the city’s Albert Hall\"Craig<\/p>\n

Craig Jones joined Leeds Live from the Hull Daily Mail where he worked as what\u2019s on editor. In that role, he covered Hull\u2019s milestone UK City of Culture year in 2017. Craig was previously what\u2019s on writer for the Bristol Post and has also worked as a senior news reporter for the Swindon Advertiser and the Wiltshire Times. While, he also headed up Reach PLC’s what’s on content while on secondment in 2019 working with what’s on writers across the country.
\nHe has lots of experience covering music festivals and huge events. Mancunian Craig has previously reported on the ground from Glastonbury, Leeds Festival, Reading Festival, Big Weekend and the 6 Music Festival amongst many others. Craig is looking forward to covering all the great gigs Leeds has to offer as well as the city\u2019s thriving food and drink scene. He also heads up our food and drink, Emmerdale and days out coverage. <\/p>\n

\"EdwynEdwyn Collins performing on-stage at the Albert Hall as he said farewell to Manchester<\/p>\n

Edwyn Collins received the adulation he deserved when he played a final show in Manchester on Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n

On an emotional and moving night at the city\u2019s Albert Hall<\/a> the sold out venue was treated to hits from the Edinburgh singer\u2019s time fronting Orange Juice and his extensive solo back catalogue. Ahead of his performance, Collins, 66, posted on X how Manchester has held a special place in his heart for 45 years.<\/p>\n

Since his stroke, in 2005, the performer has overcome a number of challenges. Not least recapturing the ability to walk and talk. These miracles, alongside his timeless music triumphs, saw a very thankful Manchester audience give him a standing ovation as he took to the Albert Hall stage.<\/p>\n

Collins asked: \u201cManchester, are you ready to rock \u2018n\u2019 roll?\u201d The headline act was supported on the night by The Hanging Stars who recorded their song Sweet Light \u2018round Edwyn\u2019s gaff\u2019. Frontman Richard Olson was full of appreciation for the evening\u2019s main event.<\/p>\n

Orange Juice classic Falling and Laughing opened proceedings with Collins confessing to feeling \u2018nervous as f**k\u2019 ahead of an airing of The Campaign for Real Rock. But he needn\u2019t be worried as he was firmly among friends.<\/p>\n

Such was the feeling of goodwill towards Collins, one woman, in the seats down the front videoed his set for over an hour – firmly determined to document the milestone occasion. Tuesday was a touching, at times, raw evening with one of its most tender moments coming as Collins\u2019 son William joined him on-stage to share the vocals to In Your Eyes.<\/p>\n

Collins, who sat for most of the set, later declared: \u201cI hope you are enjoying the show, Manchester – I\u2019m enjoying the show also.\u201d<\/p>\n

Due to Tuesday\u2019s configuration of the Albert Hall there was a glaring spot down the front just waiting for the right time to become a dancefloor. Many took up the invitation, fittingly so, for Orange Juice anthem Rip It Up. The unmistakable riff, which still sounds fresh, reverberating all around the historic setting.<\/p>\n

After introducing his talented band, Collins announced: \u201cI\u2019m Edwyn Collins, the great one\u2026not really.\u201d There was lots of his wry humour and candour throughout the festivities.<\/p>\n

As the inspirational Collins closed his main set, he stood, with the assistance of cane, to put everything he had into Don\u2019t Shilly Shally and his 1994 internationally-renowned solo smash Girl Like You. Again, the makeshift dancefloor packed with patrons. Just a mere 30-years-later, the line \u2018too many protest singers, not enough protest songs\u2019 still has particular resonance.<\/p>\n

Bidding a brief farewell, before his four-song encore, Collins enthused: \u201cgood night, children.\u201d Blue Boy, brought a night, nobody wanted to end, to a close.<\/p>\n

Edwyn, Manchester<\/a> is all the better for knowing a boy like you.<\/p>\n

Setlist<\/p>\n