LIVE: Wednesday 13, The Soapbox Girls, Nocturnal Affair
Wednesday 13, The Soapbox Girls, Nocturnal Affair
O2 Ritz Manchester
05/11/2025
Review by Oli Gonzalez, Photos by Rob Lindesay (@rock.the.lens)
It was Bonfire Night here in Manchester, an annual remembrance of an attempted overthrow of the government, marked by lighting the blackened skies with copious amounts of fireworks. Though at the O2 Ritz, different fireworks were going to be lit, metaphorical and perhaps literally. Fireworks in the shape of Wednesday 13, the enigmatic Rock band from the USA. They arrived here riding the momentum of the “Mid Death Crisis” release earlier in 2025.
A mixed crowd had gathered, older, younger, taller, shorter, and some even dressed for the occasion in replica Wednesday 13 cosplay! Not the largest crowd at 7pm doors though, and the upstairs balcony was closed, as were some of the downstairs bars. Would things pick up? Let’s see. First, though, it was time for our opening act…
Nocturnal Affair
Traditionally, the lights going down and a walk on stage accompanied by a backing track of some description would signal the beginning of a band’s set. Nocturnal Affair’s drummer decided to defy this convention with a few ear piercings strikes of the Snare drum, shattering any semblance of calm in the O2 Ritz! Louder than any firework in Manchester that evening!
Vocalist Brendan was the melodic focus in the early stages and the centrepiece for the band. He would have to work hard to engage the crowd at this early hour. The crowd, which was sparse but soon became more, engaged as they warmed to his natural charisma.
“I forgot how hard you like to party“
“I love this city“
Brendan clearly recognised the Manchester crowd’s energy and seemed genuinely appreciative of this. The band’s alternative metal stylings and Brendon’s aforementioned charisma were more than enough. They understood the assignment of being the opening act and executed this admirably well.
https://www.facebook.com/thenocturnalaffair
The Soap Girls
Answer. No.
Question. Would I have the confidence to wear the same revealing outfits The Soap Girls wear?
Either a deliberate attempt to shock, or a raw message of empowerment and being true to yourself. This is open to interpretation. A larger crowd had assembled though, so clearly people cared about their music, and that’s what matters most, right? Speaking of shocking, remember that ‘Spider’ scene from The Exorcist when the little girl runs down the stairs inverted on her hands and feet arachnid style? (If not, YouTube is your friend). Try to imagine bassist Camille doing that whilst still playing her instrument, and you’ll see why this moment prompted a sea of phones to appear to capture the insane moment that would make a contortionist blush!
As for the music itself, there was a raw, defiant edge as bold as the band’s political stance! The spirit of 90s grunge was well and truly evoked with the bowel-shaking grooves and dirty low-end rumble, along with the brass dual vocal attack of Camille and Noemie!
No doubt this was going to be one of the more memorable sets in recent times for multiple reasons.
https://www.facebook.com/thesoapgirls
Wednesday 13
Residents in central Manchester may have heard a loud rumble at around 9.15pm on this night. It wasn’t a firework, however. It was the roar of the crowd as the lights went down and signalled the beginning of Wednesday 13’s set! A simple walk onto the stage draped in their eye-catching stage attire, there was a calm yet subtly supreme confidence. More than just show, though, they filled that stage with blistering presence. There was minimal verbal interaction with the crowd, no extended monologues between songs. After all, they said more with their music and actions. Plus, the red-hot crowd needed little more encouragement or prompting, as you could see many singing along and throwing their arms in the air. The energy made you forget that it was a mid-week Wednesday show! They burned through many of their classics and some more contemporary hits, and even if you didn’t know them, you’d find yourself singing along.
There was chance for drummer Mike to get some more time in the spotlight with a drum solo, as the rest of the band momentarily left the stage, which got a phenomenal reaction. Acting as respite, the band returned and the hits continued, until you blinked and the set had come to an end.
“WEDNESDAY!! WEDNESDAY! WEDNESDAY”
The crowd cried, desperate for their heroes to return. There was a moment of doubt and anxiety that the night had ended and they had played their final song…until they made their way back to their stage and played not one, but two more songs! The announcement that some of the footage would be used in a live video and upcoming live album next year was enough to send their fans into a frenzy, ending their set in the strongest way.
https://www.facebook.com/officialwednesday13
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Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal. Photography the property of Rob Lindesay @rock.the.lens. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
