After rapidly selling out Manchester’s Academy 2 venue in 2020, American indie-rock band made their way back to Manchester for an even bigger headline show just next door at the much bigger Manchester Academy venue and it was very clear that this time they were not here just to take part, they were here to take over. The group, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist Awsten Knight, and guitarist Geoff Wigington and drummer Otto Wood released their greatest hits album in 2021 and have been teasing the announcement of a fifth studio album that could be releasing in the very near future. The boys are currently sailing their way through their biggest Europe and UK tour to date with sold-out show across the region and we were lucky enough to see them in action as they landed into Manchester for what promised to be another special night in the northern capital. Support for the night came from Phem and Bad Suns.
Waterparks have built up an incredibly adoring fan base over the years and this stretches from their origins across the pond all around the globe and especially in Manchester. The venue was buzzing inside and out for hours before they took the stage and the environment was just electric with the anticipation of what was to come. As the lads made their way to the stage the roof may have well come off the venue, the reaction was that great. Waterparks stood in front of the huge LED screens and rising parts of the stage to start the night off with the catch track, “Stupid for you”. The production team behind the band have to be given the biggest of pats on the back too, they were on top form the entire night with smoke pyrotechnics and stunning visuals that were projected onto the LED screens, it added to and equalled the amazing performance that Waterparks were putting on and further solidified this as an incredible gig. Awsten Knight took the time to thank the Manchester crowd in attendance for following the band over the years and you could practically feel the gratitude flowing through the venue. As the night went on Waterparks played fan favourites like “I miss having sex but at least I don’t wanna die anymore”, “Watch what happens next” and their most recently released single “Funeral Grey”. Waterparks ended the night with “Turbulent” and we really can’t wait to hear what the lads have been cooking up for their fifth studio album!
WATERPARKS
Photos + Review by Lewis Roberts | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!