Manchester’s New Century Hall was a cauldron of emotion as indie rock stalwarts The Magic Gang played their final show in the city of Manchester. This sold-out event was not just a concert, but a heartfelt goodbye to their dedicated fanbase, marking a poignant moment in the band’s farewell tour. The much-loved indie rock band formed in Brighton in 2013 with the band consisting of members; Jack Kaye and Kristian Smith on vocals and guitars, bassist Angus Taylor, and drummer Paeris Gile. Support for this very special show came from the Great Alan Power. As the lights dimmed and the buzz of anticipation reached its peak, The Magic Gang took the stage. Opening with “Think”, they immediately reminded everyone why they’ve been such an influential presence in the indie music scene. Their performance was a perfect mix of energy and nostalgia, with frontman Jack Kaye leading the charge. His charismatic stage presence and heartfelt interactions with the audience highlighted the deep connection between the band and their fans. The setlist was a carefully curated journey through their long-standing discography, featuring fan favorites like “Alright,” “Jasmine,” and “Caroline.” Each song was met with enthusiastic sing-alongs, with the crowd echoing every lyric back to the band. The atmosphere was electric, a collective celebration of the music that had soundtracked so many lives and with many of those in the venue realising this was most likely the last time to celebrate this, they certainly gave it their all throughout the entire show. The band’s rapport with the audience was as strong as ever. Between songs, lead singer Jack Kaye shared heartfelt anecdotes and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from their Manchester fans. The true highlight of the night however was the surprise appearance of Stockport’s very own Tom Ogden from legendary Manchester band Blossoms who joined The Magic Gang just before the encore, Ogden added a special touch to an already unforgettable evening and the crowd went mental. Together, they delivered a rousing rendition of “Take Back The Track,” blending their distinctive sounds into a powerful performance that had the audience roaring in approval. In the end, The Magic Gang’s farewell show was a testament to their talent, their connection with their fans, and the enduring power of their music. It was a night Manchester won’t soon forget, and this band certainly won’t ever be forgotten.
THE MAGIC GANG
TOM OGDEN (BLOSSOMS)
Photos & Words By Lewis Roberts | Exclusively For Music, Why Not!