Hometown shows are always something to look forward too, the sense and feeling of a now successful artist returning to their roots and to the people that helped them grow their career into what it is today, there’s just undoubtedly a special aura that you don’t get with every show. Manchester’s very own Aitch was lucky enough to have this special feeling for his hometown show not once, but with as the UK grime/rap star finally returning to his hometown of Manchester for two jam-packed, sold-out shows at the Manchester O2 Victoria Warehouse to round off his ‘Close To Home’ tour in spectacular style. The 22-year-old Moston, Manchester raised rapper has seen his career reach new heights after every release, from first bursting onto the scene with immense viral freestyle track “Straight Rhymez” to now having collaborations with Ed Sheeran on his debut album. Aitch has always shown love to Manchester and the love has always been reciprocated tenfold, that’s why these shows were so incredibly special and we were very lucky to be a part of the opening night of what promised to be two unforgettable shows.
The tour had already been a great success with sold-out shows across the country and including a massive show at London’s Alexandra Palace, however production and atmosphere seemed to be taken to a whole new level for these Manchester shows. Fire and CO2 cannons and a huge LED screen took centre stage and were all available to Aitch’s disposal throughout the night. As the energy in the packed-out venue reached breaking point, the lights shut out and screams poured in as Aitch bounced onto the stage to greet his Mancunian followers. Aitch kicked off the show in great fashion with “Taste” and would go on to play a wide variety of songs from both his early day ‘Polaris’ and ‘AitcH20’ mixtapes and favourites from his recently released debut studio album. Fan favourite singles were also a huge hit with tracks like “Strike me a pose”, “Buss down” and “Baby” all receiving crazy reactions from those in attendance. Aitch also had a special surprise up his sleeve for the crowd and the roof almost lifted off the venue as fellow British rapper AJ Tracey bounced out onto the stage to perform their popular track “Rain” together and it further solidified that this was without a doubt a historic show in the making for Manchester rap music and for Aitch.
AITCH
Photos + Review by Lewis Roberts | Exclusively for Music, Why Not
