Less Than Jake at Manchester Academy, 05.03.2026

Although I’m not consciously trying to cut down on the gigs I shoot, I’m definitely behind the amount I shot in 2025.

We’re into March and I still haven’t shot my first one!

I was waiting for one I couldn’t say no to – or at least a gig 14-year-old me couldn’t say no to. Less Than Jake at Manchester Academy! And they brought some friends too…

First support act was The Barstool Preachers, an English punk band.

They’ve opened the show on all legs of this tour and weren’t daunted at all – even a few people in the crowd were repping BSP merch.

Good songs, plenty of energy, perfect openers.

Next were a band that 13-year-old me always dreamt of seeing.

The Aquabats – one of the most unique bands to emerge from the California ska punk scene in the 1990s.

They absolutely lived up to expectations – catchy songs, amazing stage presence, SO MUCH FUN!

Another band for the teenage bucket list, one I’d assumed I wouldn’t get to see: The Bouncing Souls!

So many hits – I feel like they played about 20 excellent songs in 40 minutes, no let up.

One heck of a back catalogue too.

And then the main event, the headline act of the Rock n Roll Circus: Less Than Jake at Manchester Academy!

So many great songs, and they didn’t leave the big hitters til the end either. I’d forgotten how stacked their discography was. It was so much fun being in the pit when they started up!

Another gig that I would’ve dreamt of in my teens, coming true in my 30’s. Awesome!