3 concert venues in one place to see some of the best bands on the touring circuit (Manchester Academy (Manchester))

Member Name: mrjoegoodwin

Product:	Manchester Academy (Manchester)
Date:	26/05/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Refurbished Academy 1, intimate sized venues

Disadvantages: No on site parking, nearby Apollo is a better option if a band is big enough to sell out there

The Manchester Academy brand actually comprises 3 separate concert venues in 2 buildings along Oxford Road, just outside the city centre, and easily accessible on one of the busiest bus routes in Europe, and with parking facilities nearby.

The largest of the venues (Academy 1) has recently finished a large refurbishment project, and now boasts a 2000 capacity venue, improved bar and restroom facilities, VIP balcony and disabled viewing area, whilst still being trendy enough to attract big names and up-and-coming acts to perform there. On the face of it, the Academy 1 resembles a large drama studio, the main stage facing out into a square room with black curtains and walls. Whilst not offering a sloped floor like the nearby Apollo (see my other review for more details), the Academy is intimate enough to offer punters a good view from most places, the only exception being right at the very front and side on the barrier, depending on the location of the speaker stacks.

The Academy 1 is a good place to catch bands on the rise before they hit the big time - Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon and Starsailor are 3 bands that I've seen in the past few years that have gone on to bigger things since playing venues of this size.

Academy 2 and 3 are housed within the main students union building next door to Academy 1, and are similar in size but on separate floors. Be careful to listen out when you enter the main building if there's shows on in both venues on the night you attend - I've heard of people waiting in the wrong venue before, and rushing up/down stairs to correct their mistake as the show(s) starts! As with most modern concert venues, the curfew is 11pm on Monday - Saturday, with a slightly earlier 10.30pm curfew on Sundays. The headline act of most gigs here actually start between 8.30 - 9.30pm, despite what it may say on your ticket, I've seen enough bad support bands in my day to know when to arrive now.

The list of famous acts to grace the Academy stage is too great to mention here, but it's always worth a visit - you never know which of the bands you see will hit the big time, and be the next AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix or Nirvana, from the Academy to superstardom.

The Academy is only getting 4 stars because of the superior Apollo venue which is so close by, and can attract bigger names, offers seating/standing options and has a sloped floor for better views, but don't be put off visiting the Academy venues, all great places to see live shows.

Summary: A great place to see bands on the rise