Manchester's best live music and club venue

Featured Events & Club Nights

Wednesday 22nd February 2012, 7:00pm

Rodrigo Y Gabriela + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £25 adv + booking fee

***** SOLD OUT *****

Rodrigo Y Gabriela is a duo from Mexico City who specializes in playing fast, rhythmic acoustic guitar. Their unique sound, strongly influenced by Latin rhythms and harmonies, straddles both world and rock, and includes covers of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" and Metallica's "Orion".

After meeting in a trash metal band, the two grew tired of the domestic scene and decided to move to Dublin. After busking in Copenhagen and Barcelona for a few years, they got their break in 2005 when asked to tour the UK with Damien Rice, a former busking buddy.

Their self-titled debut album, produced by John Leckie, was released shortly after, and entered the Irish Albums Chart as number one - beating both Arctic Monkeys and Johnny Cash.

Rodrigo y Gabriela will release their new album on January 23rd 2012 (24th in the USA). Entitled 'Area 52', the album is their first recorded collaboration with another group of musicians; a thirteen piece Cuban orchestra composed of some of Havana's finest young players, collectively known as the C.U.B.A.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Thursday 23rd February 2012, 8:00pm | 12am curfew

SBTRKT + Disclosure

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £11 adv + booking fee

***** SOLD OUT *****

PLEASE NOTE: This show has moved from Manchester Islington Mill. Original tickets remain valid.

SBTRKT is no stranger to writing, recording and releasing music. To date he's had multiple releases on Brainmath, Numbers, Ramp, Monkeytown and now home label Young Turks. Add to that reworkings of Radiohead and Goldie, and remixes of Modeselektor... and he is about to release his first full length album.

This event is Strictly Over 18s (Photographic ID may be required to gain entry).

Presented by Now Wave

Friday 24th February 2012, 6:30pm | 10pm curfew

Theory Of A Deadman

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £13 adv + booking fee

Canadian rockers THEORY OF A DEADMAN, who recently impressed crowds opening for UK labelmates, ALTER BRIDGE on their recent arena tour, have lined up a headline tour for early 2012.

Back in their homeland, THEORY OF A DEADMAN rack up gold and platinum sales and sell-out major venues. The band have spent much of the year on the road in the US with labelmates, Black Stone Cherry (who also were on the UK Alter Bridge bill), so investing a little time in the UK is on the agenda. Their current album, 'The Truth Is…' is in stores now.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Friday 24th February 2012, 10:30pm

Propaganda

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £4 + booking fee

Saturday 25th February 2012, 6:30pm | 10pm curfew

The Smyths and Re:Order

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £12.50 adv + booking fee

We are carting out a classic night of Manchester madness just for you, with two of the best-loved UK tribute bands - Smiths tribute The Smyths, and the hottest New Order/Joy Division tribute Re:Order, in one night, on one stage!

THE SMYTHS
Officially the best Smiths tribute on the circuit... A tribute band that could easily be mistaken for the real thing, The Smyths capture Smiths at their very best, live, 1982 - 1987. The Smyths are in their eighth year and are now the UK's longest-established tribute to the greatest band of all time. The Smyths are a band of devoted Smiths fans; you can expect all the classics including This Charming Man, Panic, How Soon Is Now, Big Mouth Strikes Again and What Difference Does It Make.
"...not to be missed if you are any kind of Smiths fan."

RE:ORDER
An electrifying tribute who reproduce the music of New Order using the technology from that era to create the most authentic Xerox possible. Re:Order cover all the hits including Blue Monday, True Faith and Bizarre Love Triangle. Expect Re:Order also to play the slightly more unusual tracks such as Truth and Cries & Whispers. If you cross your fingers tightly, you may even get a blast of Joy Division, how about that?

Presented by Next Best Fest

Saturday 25th February 2012, 10:30pm

Go-Go

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £5 + booking fee

Friday 2nd March 2012, 6:30pm

Gotye

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £10 adv + booking fee

***** SOLD OUT *****

Having already topped the charts in 5 countries and with over 48.5 million hits and counting on YouTube, Gotye will release the much anticipated single 'Somebody That I Used To Know' in the UK on 6th February via Communion / Island Records.

2012 looks set to be a very exciting year for hotly tipped Belgium born Melbourne based multi-instrumentalist and producer, Gotye. Following two sold out London shows in October, his album launch show at Wiltons Music Hall has sold out and his newly announced show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire looks set to do the same, proving that the current swell of worldwide support has its sights set firmly on the UK.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Saturday 3rd March 2012, 6:30pm | 10pm curfew

Simple Minds - 5X5 LIVE

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £37.50 adv + booking fee

PLEASE NOTE: There is no support act for this show.

***** SOLD OUT *****

Simple Minds are pleased to announce a very rare and exciting opportunity to see them perform material from their first five albums at four intimate UK venues, in February and March 2012.

The band will exclusively play five songs from each of their first five albums – Life In A Day, Real To Real Cacophony, Empires and Dance, Sons and Fascination/Sister Feelings Calling and New Gold Dream (81, 82, 83, 84) which celebrates its 30th anniversary next year – which were released in a prolific period from 1979 to 1982. These five albums have had a massive cultural impact from the time of their release during the birth of the new wave electro scene in the late 1970s, through the dance revolution of the ‘80s and ‘90s, to the music of the Manic Street Preachers and the recent sound of The Horrors’ Skying album, making them five of the most vital albums of the post-punk period and the last 35 years.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Saturday 10th March 2012, 7:00pm | 10pm curfew

The Presidents of The United States Of America + Straight Lines

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £18.50 adv + booking fee

THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA return to the UK for a series of special shows next year. Seattle’s purveyors of power-pop will perform their self-titled debut album in it’s entirety - as well as other hits from their 18 year career - starting in Bristol’s O2 Academy on 8th March 2012, ending at London's HMV Forum in Kentish Town on the 16th.

Presented by Mean Fiddler

Wednesday 14th March 2012, 7:00pm | 11pm curfew

Lloyd + Bluey Robinson

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £15 adv + booking fee

Unless you've been hiding in a cave for the last 2 months you can't have failed to have heard Lloyd's absolute smash Dedication To My Ex (Miss That). The unbelievably catchy, party hit featuring Andre 3000 and Lil Wayne spent over a month in the UK top 10 as well as getting continuous airplay on national and local radio.

Lloyd's ascent to one of the biggest R&B stars in the world has seen him collaborate with urban music's A list including Ashanti, Scarface, Ja Rule, Ludacris, Game, Chris Brown & R Kelly amongst others as well as a number of hook ups with long term friend Lil Wayne. Signing with hip hop and r&b giants Interscope last year saw Lloyd's meteoric rise continue, his album King Of Hearts is his 3rd US top 10 charting album and received huge critical acclaim.

This March see's Lloyd hit the UK in a short and exclusively limited tour. Featuring full live band playing smashes from his new album as well as hits from his back catalogue, don't miss this opportunity to see one of the most respected stars of r&b live, up close and personal.

Presented by Mean Fiddler

Thursday 15th March 2012, 7:00pm

Wu Lyf + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £12.50 adv + booking fee

2011 saw WU LYF release "Go Tell Fire To The Mountain", one the year's most acclaimed debut albums. Recorded in a disused Manchester church, "Go Tell Fire To The Mountain" was released in June on the band's own 100% independent LYF Recordings.

WU LYF are now pleased to announce details of a 2012 headline tour. The dates will take in the UK, Europe and USA and will include a 5 UK shows in March. The UK tour will kick off with a 1500 capacity hometown show at The Ritz, Manchester and feature two London shows at the capital's 1000 capacity Heaven venue.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Wednesday 21st March 2012, 7:00pm

Talib Kweli + Lowkey + Mic Righteous
+ No Fakin' DJ's

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £18.50 adv + booking fee

TALIB KWELI is one of the most critically acclaimed MC’s of our time. Originally from Brooklyn New York, he first came to prominence through his legendary collaboration, BLACK STAR, with fellow MC Mos Def.

Widely regarding as a "Conscientious MC", because of the considerable social/political content of his lyrics, to date, Talib has released three "official" studio albums and a number of bootlegs/internet demos. Currently, he is finishing his highlyanticipated next album with Reflection Eternal partner, Hi-Tek, for a summer release. His last album, "Eardrum", released in 2007, opened as Billboard's #1 Rap album topping Fergie's "The Dutchess" and Swizz Beatz, "One Man Band" and was his highest-selling opening of his career.

Presented by Mean Fiddler

Friday 23rd March 2012, 7:00pm | 10pm curfew

Wiley

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £12 + booking fee

Please note that due to a scheduling conflict this show has been rescheduled from 21st January to Friday 23rd March. All tickets remain valid.

Wiley is renowned for being one of the hardest grafters – whether producing or laying down bars – he has been recording near-on a track a day for the last year, up in his Manchester studio. His verbal dexterity has also seen him called upon to deliver lyrics to tracks for artists including Filthy Dukes, Speech Debelle, N Dubz, Riton & Primary1, Crookers, Jay Sean and Kano.

Presented by Mean Fiddler

Saturday 24th March 2012, 6:30pm | 10pm curfew

Inspiral Carpets

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £20 adv + booking fee

***** SOLD OUT *****

Holt formed Inspiral Carpets in 1983 with lead guitarist Graham Lambert and played a pivotal role in delivering 2 classic, genre defining EPs "Planecrash" & "Trainsurfing". As well as the legendary "Dung 4" 11 song cassette album (8000 copies sold in 1987), which many fans still see as a vital artefact in the history of one of Britain’s most influential band of the 80s and 90s.

As the band started to gain critical acclaim, Holt left in 1988, to be replaced by Hingley. The rest as they say is history; with Inspiral Carpets providing the world with 4 chart topping albums, 13 UK Top Forty singles and numerous sold out tours.

Now, Inspiral Carpets want to explore their early years, reverting to the original line up of Boon, Gill, Holt, Lambert and Walsh.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Sunday 25th March 2012, 3:00pm

The Ritz ReUnion Jazz Funk and Soul All Dayer

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £10 adv + booking fee

This event re-creates the glory days of the legendary Jazz Funk and Northern soul All Dayers at the Manchester Ritz Ballroom.

Between 1975 and 1980 Neil Rushton's "Heart of England Soul Club" ran monthly Sunday All Dayers with a top team of DJs playing a heady mix of brand new New York disco and rare/in demand Northern Soul. From it's launch the event merged the varying styles of the major venues of the day - Wigan Casino, The Blackpool Mecca and Cleethorpes Pier - and became so popular that it and attracted dedicated regular attendees from all over the UK. So strong was the response that Neil was soon promoting appearances at the All-Dayer of top USA acts, and particularly memorable appearances came from Tavares, Archie Bell & The Drells, Ronnie Laws, and The Moments. Attendances at those historic shows regularly topped 1,500 and the atmosphere generated had to be seen to be believed! Later, in the early 1990's Richard Searling promoted a series of Northern Soul All Nighters at The Ritz that ran successfully until 2002 when the building and surrounding areas went into a redevelopment which meant the All Nighters had to cease. The response to those events was incredible and proved that The Ritz remains a truly iconic venue for Soul fans.

So it's s great news that, armed with a newly refurbished venue, Neil and Richard are joining forces on Sunday March 25th 2012 to bring back the Sunday All Dayers withr the original Ritz DJ line-up of Ian Levine, Colin Curtis, Johnny Manship and Richard and Neil. Upstairs in the ballroom there will be an 8 - hour session of "Old Skool" Jazz Funk, Disco and Northern Soul, while in the brand new Ritz Lounge room downstairs a "New Skool" session of soulful dance, jazz and upfront soul will be running with DJs including Mike Stephens, Soul Kandi Brothers, Roger Williams, and DJ T.C.

Presented by Music & Media Consultancy and Soulvation

Wednesday 28th March 2012, 10:00pm | 3am curfew

The Love Train

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £6 - £8 + booking fee

The Love Train is a sincere parody of the disco years. Headed by the seventies 'legend' Brutus Gold - the original Medallion Man and 'the host with the boast', this is an interactive cabaret style show, which is a mixture of comedy, fun, mad-cap one liners from Brutus and music that dancing was made for!

The show is presented with a spectacular authentic Studio 54 style stage set, lighting, special effects, and a sensational sound system. The Love Train cast features talented performers dressed in meticulously re-created costumes, who deliver classic dance moves and routines to the soundtrack of the seventies.

In Previous years Brutus and The Love Train have been presented with the Molsen-Beda "Club Act of the Year" award by Angus Deayton and Zoe Ball at the prestigious ceremony in Birmingham.

Whether it's an exclusive party for a 100 guests or a festival of 10,000 people The Love Train brings people of all ages and nationalities together in total participation! With their unique charm they have the power to make even the hardest audience 'Don a Wig and Do the Hustle'.

Since 1989 the show has performed to over 3 million people worldwide, including the MTV Music Awards, celebrity parties, corporate events and music festivals in Switzerland, Denmark, Italy, and Israel.

Presented by 4G Events

Thursday 29th March 2012, 7:00pm

The Rifles + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £13.50 adv + booking fee

The Rifles announced earlier this year that they were to embark on a nationwide UK tour, and that they were set to release their much-anticipated third album 'Freedom Run' in September 2011. The album is out now, and their music has caught the imagination of indie-lovers everywhere, once again. 'Freedom Run' brings with it a definite air of the 60s and makes for a real uplifting number. The album was produced by Chris Potter no less, who has previously worked with musical masters The Verve and The Clash.

The Rifles always deliver a high-energy and ballsy show, this is definitely going to be a night to remember!

Presented by Live Nation

Friday 30th March 2012, 6:30pm | 10pm curfew

UFO + Heavy Metal Kids

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £20 adv + booking fee

UFO are an English heavy metal and hard rock band, who formed in 1969. UFO were a transitional group between early hard rock and heavy metal and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

UFO were ranked number 84 on VH1's '100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock' which puts them up there with the likes of Megadeth and Black Sabbath. They are currently on their twentieth studio album so they have had a lot of time to hone their skills and to always make sure they put on a good performance.

It has been said in the past that they decide on songs for their albums at live shows so make sure to come along and make sure the songs you want are on future album releases! Don’t miss out on this one, UFO have earned their place in rock and its something to come and admire!

Presented by The Gig Cartel

Saturday 31st March 2012, 6:30pm | 10pm curfew

Stiff Little Fingers + Spear of Destiny

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £17.50 + booking fee

Presented by SJM Concerts

Wednesday 4th April 2012, 7:00pm

Cast + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £20 adv + booking fee

PLEASE NOTE THIS SHOW HAS MOVED FROM MANCHESTER ACADEMY.
ORIGINAL TICKETS REMAIN VALID.

After announcing their reformation in 2010 and playing a sold out UK tour and major festivals, Cast have just finished recording a brand new album titled 'Troubled Times' with producer John Leckie.

"All Change", Cast's debut LP was released in 1995 and at the time became the fastest selling debut album on Polydor Records ever. It went Platinum, selling over a million records worldwide and began the bands successful career. Cast have had 10 top 10 singles and released 4 studio albums.

The band features the original line-up of: John Power (guitar/vocals); Liam 'Skin' Tyson (lead guitar); Pete Wilkinson (bass) and Keith O'Neill (drums).

Presented by SJM Concerts

Sunday 8th April 2012, 7:00pm

Tinariwen

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £16 adv + booking fee

Tinariwen’s music and sensibility have always been close to the American Blues and on ‘Tassili’ they re-enact the emotions of an individual who finds himself face to face with loneliness and doubt, gripped by torment, the prisoner of inextricable circumstances (‘Djeredjere’). But that individual also manages to find hope in the strength of his community (‘Imidiwan Wan Sahara’) or in the simple pleasure afforded by insignificant daily moments, as on the song ‘Takest Tamidarest’, sung by Abdallah, which drops us right in the middle of the desert, with its slow-baked pace that lends itself to pure contemplation of man’s surrounding and to profound inner meditation. For that reason, ‘Tassili’ isn’t just an extraordinary musical moment, in which Tinariwen repossess their own art to the extent that they feel completely relaxed about inviting others into their world, it’s also a shared human experience of rare quality.

Presented by Mean Fiddler

Sunday 8th April 2012, 10:00pm | 3:30am curfew

Caron Wheeler
The voice behind the hits of Soul II Soul

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £15 - £25 adv + booking fee

Presented by Legends of the Old School

Wednesday 11th April 2012, 7:00pm

Angels & Airwaves + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £19.50 adv + booking fee

The saga began last year, when multimedia artistic visionaries Angels & Airwaves bestowed their free album, LOVE, to nearly one million fans who downloaded the soaring, arena-ready rock opus. Then earlier this summer, more than 460 movie theaters nationwide broadcast the one-night-only Angels & Airwaves Presents LOVE Live event. Now, the wait is over for the next chapter in the ongoing, ever-changing Angels & Airwaves story, as the band release their fourth studio album, LOVE Part Two.

Fans will have a variety of choices when they step into AVA's world, with LOVE Part Two available for purchase as an album on its own, or in a variety of packages. The band has already released a high-tech video for "Anxiety", which was filmed at the state-of-the-art Sky Church venue at Seattle’s Experience Music Project Museum, boasting the world's largest indoor video screen and a 48,000-Watt sound system. So far, "Anxiety" has received more than 500,000 views online, including over 350,000 views in the first week alone.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Thursday 12th April 2012, 7:00pm

Emeli Sande + Seye + Daley

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £15 adv + booking fee

***** SOLD OUT *****

Pre-order Emeli Sande's debut album 'Our Version of Events' from hmv.com

If you're wondering which album will be the sound of 2012, look no further, Emeli Sande's "Our Version Of Events" will be the album to own in 2012.

Like the deferred medical student from Alford, Aberdeen, "Our Version Of Events" is warm, wise, frank, funny, thoughtful and as inimitable as her vertical shock of blond hair and the Frida Kahlo tattoo that takes up most of her right arm. Reflecting the fears, thoughts, heartbreak and hopes of a young women, the record effortlessly appeals to anyone with a love of imagery, imagination and, ultimately, bloody great songs. Stuffed full of stirring strings, epic choruses and heart-stopping vocals; there are songs to sing in the shower, tracks to fall in love to and compositions to accompany you when heartbroken. The album is written entirely by Emeli and produced by her creative partner Shahid ‘Naughty Boy’ Khan with contributions from Craze and Hoax, Mojam and Paul Herman.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Saturday 14th April 2012, 6:30pm | 10pm curfew

Emilie Autumn

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £14 adv + booking fee

World-class violinist. Fashion icon. Famously bipolar. The list goes on, but one thing is certain: We're talking about Emilie Autumn.

With world tours, glossy magazine covers, and guest spots on the albums of such artists as Courtney Love (with whom she performed on Leno and Letterman), Otep, Billy Corgan, and TV's 'Metalocalypse' under her corset strings, Emilie Autumn's devilishly dark lyrics, metal-shredding violin solos, pink-glittered pasties, and industrial-strength voice reinvent "gothic" for the masses, and goths have never had so much fun.

Presented by Mean Fiddler

Monday 16th April 2012, 7:00pm

Twin Atlantic + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £12 adv + booking fee

PLEASE NOTE THIS SHOW HAS MOVED FROM MANCHESTER ACADEMY 2.
ORIGINAL TICKETS REMAIN VALID.

From gracing the covers of Kerrang! and Rock Sound magazine, to performing in front of thousands of people at festivals all over Europe and headlining venues such as Glasgow Academy (and selling it out!), this hard working quartet have catapulted themselves into the new year already. Recently named as the iTunes Rewind Rock Artist of The Year and currently on the BBC Radio 1 A list with their blistering single “Free” - Twin Atlantic are thrilled to announce that they will head out this April on their biggest UK and Ireland headline tour!

Presented by SJM Concerts

Wednesday 18th April 2012, 7:00pm

Major Lazer + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £14 adv + booking fee

Major Lazer is a Jamaican commando who lost his arm in the secret Zombie War of 1984. The US military rescued him and repurposed experimental lazers as prosthetic limbs. Since then Major Lazer has been a hired renegade soldier for a rogue government operating in secrecy underneath the watch of M5 and the CIA. His cover is that of a dancehall night club owner from Trinidad and he enlisted the help of long-time allies and uber-producers, Diplo and Switch, to produce his first LP. His true mission is to protect the world from the dark forces of evil that live just under the surface of a civilized society. He fights vampires and various monsters, parties hard, and has a rocket powered skateboard.

Diplo (Philadelphia-based DJ and producer Wesley Pentz), incorporates such disparate influences as Miami Bass and Baile Funk into the high-tech ecclecticism of his productions. Known for his forward-thinking productions for MIA, Bonde Do Role and many others, and for the solo LP of cinematic, sample-based hip hop entitled Florida he recorded for the Ninja Tune imprint. Diplo is also the founder and owner of Mad Decent records, which has put out records by DJ Blaqstarr and Bonde do Role.

Switch (the pseudonym of British producer and DJ Dave Taylor) is the owner of one of the most progressive and respected underground dance music labels around, Dubsided. His work as producer is revered by critics, emulated by his fellow DJs, and sweated hard by dance floors on both sides of the Atlantic. Switch also permanently endeared himself to the bespectacled music cogniscenti with his contribution to Santigold’s critically acclaimed self-titled debut.

Presented by SJM Concerts & WHP

Sunday 22nd April 2012, 7:00pm | 11pm curfew

Of Montreal + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £14.50 adv + booking fee

PLEASE NOTE THIS SHOW HAS MOVED TO SOUND CONTROL.
ALL TICKETS REMAIN VALID.

Presented by DHP Concerts

Wednesday 2nd May 2012, 7:00pm

Simple Plan + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £15 adv + booking fee

Canadian pop-punkers Simple Plan have had a whirlwind year – in June they released their fourth album ‘Get Your Heart On’ and played a sold out show to fans in London as well as touring relentlessly around the world. 2012 is set to be busy as well for the five some as they head back out on the road for a headline tour which will hit our shores on 1 May at HMV Forum in London, followed by shows in Manchester and Glasgow.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Friday 4th May 2012, 7:00pm | 10pm curfew

The Farm
The original members of Liverpool's iconic bandTHE FARM perform their classic number 1 album, SPARTACUS

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £16 adv + booking fee

PLEASE NOTE THIS SHOW HAS MOVED TO MANCHESTER CLUB ACADEMY.
ALL TICKETS REMAIN VALID.

The original members of Liverpool's iconic band The Farm perform their classic number 1 album, Spartacus.

Twenty years after the release of the million selling album that spawned the hits "Stepping Stone", "Groovy Train" and the classic anthem "All Together Now", legendary Liverpool band The Farm reform to play Spartacus live again in 2012.

Presented by The Gig Cartel

Sunday 6th May 2012, 7:30pm

Marcus Miller
(A Band on the Wall fundraiser event)

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £22.50 adv + booking fee

Two-time Grammy-winner, composer, producer and one of the world’s most gifted, forward-thinking and eclectic bassists presents his highly anticipated new collection of songs at his first Manchester concert in 15 years.

Best known for his work with Jazz legend Miles Davis, Marcus Miller's resumé is brimming with over 500 recording credits on albums across the entire spectrum of musical styles. He has worked with artists such as David Sanborn, Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, George Benson, Wayne Shorter, Grover Washington, Paul Simon, Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Billy Idol, Al Jarreau and Michael Franks.

A true pioneer, Marcus Miller’s career continues to constantly evolve and change, keeping him at the forefront of jazz and one music's true great innovators. Presented by Band on the Wall and Jazz FM Live. A Band on the Wall fundraiser event.

Presented by Band on the Wall and Jazz FM

Tuesday 8th May 2012, 7:00pm

The Subways + special guests Royal Republic & Turbowolf

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £12 adv + booking fee

Entering the new year armed with a sold out UK tour, several sold out European live sorties and numerous festival appearances, two UK radio hits and a third album "Money And Celebrity" under their collective arm, The Subways have confirmed a Spring time UK tour.

The band release "It's A Party" on January 2nd 2012 - currently play-listed at Radio 1 and XFM and bring their bitter sweet infectious arsenal of hits to a venue near you as follows which will see the band continue their upwards trajectory since their return in the summer of 2011.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Thursday 10th May 2012, 7:00pm

Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £22.50 adv + booking fee

Guitar hero & rock legend Michael Schenker + Herman Rarebell and Francis Buchholz (Ex-Scorpions), and Doogie White (Ex Rainbow and Yngwie Malmsteen)

A high voltage pure Rock show with lots of Michael Schenker Classics from UFO to Scorpions and MSG as well as songs from the new album.

Presented by The Gig Cartel

Tuesday 15th May 2012, 7:00pm | 11pm curfew

Michael Kiwanuka

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £12.50 adv + booking fee

Presented by SJM Concerts

Saturday 19th May 2012, 6:00pm | 10pm curfew

The Horrors + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £14 adv + booking fee

The Horrors, from Southend, who suddenly exploded onto the London scene around 2006 have since taken the world by storm. When they met they bonded over obscure vinyls and a fondness for 60s garage, post punk, new wave and psychadelic music.

They were hyped by the media and their first single 'Sheena was a parasite' along with their first album 'Strange House (2007)' received positive reviews. They have since cgained a large cult following and even though only a few singles have entered the charts their album sales and peak positions are impressive.

Strange House was a garage rock, post punk inspired album, their second album 'Primary Colours (2009)' was a more psychadelic album and had lots of hype, it showed a definate leap forward in tehir musical style and showed their talents on a larger scale. It was critically acclaimed and nominated for the mercury prize.

New album 'Skying' released in July 2011, has a far more 80s new wave feel to it, with some post punk credentials. The well crafted synths along with lead singer Faris Baldwins bellowing baritone mean the album does not disappoint and has not disappointed critically or in the charts, peaking at 5th in the UK.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Wednesday 23rd May 2012, 7:00pm | 11pm curfew

White Denim + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £14 adv + booking fee

Presented by SJM Concerts

Friday 25th May 2012, 7:00pm | 10pm curfew

Mac Miller + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £15 adv + booking fee

The rapidly rising star in the hip hop community, Malcolm 'Mac Miller' McCormack has gone from being a local sensation in his native Pittsburgh to selling out venues all across the United States and Europe. A multitalented musician who can play numerous instruments and a young novice of the freestyle/cipher/battle circuit of his hometown, Mac has been paving his way to superstardom in his blue-collar hometown for years. He was inspired by artists such as The Beastie Boys, Outkast and Big L to develop his own art of rhyme and to deliver his jaw dropping freestyles.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Wednesday 30th May 2012, 7:00pm | 11pm curfew

Miike Snow + Nikki and The Dove + Alex Metric

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £14 adv + booking fee

"Radiant synth-pop" – The Times
"An almighty force of archaic-futurism" – NME
"Classy electronic pop" – Q

Miike Snow have announced details of their largest UK shows to date. The band, who are set to release their second album 'Happy To You' on Monday 19th March, will play Manchester's hmv Ritz on Wednesday 30th May. Niki And The Dove + Alex Metric will be special guests of the band at this show.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Friday 8th June 2012, 6:30pm | 10pm curfew

A$AP Rocky + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £12.50 adv + booking fee

A$AP Rocky has announced details of his first ever set of UK shows. The 23 year-old Harlem born rap sensation, who released his 'Live.LoveA$AP' mixtape online last year to widespread critical-acclaim and who has subsequently become one of the most talked about artists of 2012, is set to play the exclusive show in hmv Ritz.

Presented by SJM Concerts

Monday 11th June 2012, 7:00pm | 11pm curfew

Sunn O)))
Live in Quadraphonic surround sound

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £15 adv + booking fee

Now Wave are pleased to announce the return of Sunn O))) to Manchester this Summer, with an exclusive show at HMV Ritz. The celebrated Seattle band's live show is a notoriously deep and atmospheric one, and on 11th June an immersive quadraphonic surround sound system - with inward-facing speaker stacks on each corner of the venue's 1,250-capacity ballroom - promises to take this experience to a new level.

Known primarily as a doom metal band, Sunn O))) are in fact an inimitable mix of diverse genres including drone, ambient, noise and black metal. Their sound is unapologetic and boundary-breaking.

Presented by Now Wave

Tuesday 12th June 2012, 7:00pm | 11pm curfew

NOFX + guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £18.50 adv + booking fee

NOFX was formed in L.A. back in 1983 and has released 10 studio full lengths, about 6 EPs, and a metric ton of 7”s. They’ve somehow managed to sell over 6 million records worldwide, which is an unprecedented feat for an independent band. They’re true pioneers of the genre as they’ve toured all but one continent—no Antarctica yet, sorry. No band has achieved more success independently, and no band has turned down major labels and MTV more often. Although they’re reluctant to admit it, they’re musically influenced by bands like Bad Religion, Misfits, RKL, etc. At least they were back in the day, now they do all the influencing. After years of working with megaindie Epitaph, the band switched to Fat Mike’s own imprint. Thus began 2003’s War On Errorism, one of their most successful releases yet, and a record that catapulted the band into the mainstream of political press: Newsweek, CNN, NY Times, etc.

Presented by Mean Fiddler

Sunday 17th June 2012, 7:00pm | 11pm curfew

Best Coast

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £14 adv + booking fee

Best Coast - inspired by life and love and everything else.

Presented by Now Wave

Wednesday 27th June 2012, 7:00pm | 11pm curfew

Beth Hart

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £20 adv + booking fee

Beth Hart has been compared to Janis Joplin and Joan Armatrading, but anyone seeing her raucous and powerful live shows would do well to spot those references.

Beth Hart has always laid herself bare on record, leaving nothing in the studio. But never has she sounded like she does here. Her most recent album 'My California', moves her firmly into Melissa Etheridge territory in sound and style. Although more commercial sounding, there is still a rawness alongside some thumping tunes and moments of extreme tenderness.

Presented by DHP Concerts

Thursday 18th October 2012, 7:00pm | 11pm curfew

Ian Hunter + special guests

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £18.50 adv + booking fee

Presented by Mean Fiddler

Friday 19th October 2012, 7:00pm | 10pm curfew

John Lees' Barclay James Harvest

hmv Ritz, Manchester | Tickets: £22 adv + booking fee

Following a year of highly successful high profile concerts in 2011, John Lees' Barclay James Harvest have announced their most extensive series of UK dates in some years with a British tour taking place in October 2012.

2011 saw John Lees' Barclay James Harvest triumph with a series of headline festival appearances in Germany, Switzerland, France (with Status Quo) and the UK, including a headline spot at the High Voltage Festival in Victoria Park, London in July on a bill that included fellow rock legends Jethro Tull and Judas Priest. In 2012 the legacy of Barclay James Harvest is set to continue, with the band's most extensive UK tour in three years and studio recording underway.

Presented by Mean Fiddler