It’s been a long time since Paolo Nutini performed in Manchester - eight years, in fact.
The 35-year-old Scot, from Paisley, quickly rose to fame following the release of his debut album These Streets , in 2006, followed by number one albums Sunny Side Up and Caustic Love .
Touring his most recent album, Last in the Bittersweet , released in July this year, his long-awaited return after his musical hiatus was one that was much sought after, and tonight was a clear example of why.
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Playing two nights in Trafford’s 02 Victoria Warehouse to sold out crowds, the Scottish singer-songwriter gave a performance of epic proportions.
First on stage supporting Paolo was NewDad , an indie rock band hailing from Galway, Ireland. Fronted by Julie Dawson, whose tender vocals contrasted with the grungy and haunting sounds of the rest of the band.
Their sound is reminiscent of the early Cranberries - relatable, emotional and punky. This band is definitely one to watch.
Now, it’s been a long time since the main man performed in Manchester, but he more than made up for it. Walking onto the stage, pint in hand, plus a huge grin, Paolo was met with chants of ‘Oh Paolo Nutini’ which echoed around the room.
The set started off with the first number on his newly released album Last Night in the Bittersweet, namely Afterneath. A quiet, foreboding sound, before his gravelly voice echoes. He is joined by a heavy beat and a funky tune and it’s already clear that the night is going to be legendary.
Keeping up the tempo with Lose It, and again with crowd-favourite Scream (Funk My Life Up) , the charismatic Scot danced his way across the stage, much to the delight of his fans. Taking things down a notch, another song from the new album, Acid Eyes, allowed Paolo to effortlessly exude the control over his voice, and even saw some of his charming Scottish lilt peeking through the gaps.
Another crowd-hit came in the form of the romantic-ballad Better Man. A beautiful and poignant tune which resonated with the thousand-strong choir in the audience. And it clearly resonated with Paolo too.
“That was some lovely singing,” he said. “Oh, you beautiful people - it’s a pleasure to be here.”
Sitting alone on the stage, with a single spotlight and a guitar, his performance of One Day was a standout - there were tears and emotional embraces from couples, friends and those who’d ventured far and wide.
Bringing back the upbeat energy with one of his most memorable songs Coming Up Easy led to even more singing from the crowd. Followed by Through the Echoes , Radio and Cherry Blossom , his jaunty moves continued with Petrified in Love and an alternate version of Pencil Full of Lead , in a way you’ve never heard before.
Another standout was the rock version of Jenny Don’t Be Hasty , followed by a cover of The Undertones Teenage Kicks , and then New Shoes . A cheeky, groovy ensemble which should be recorded just so more people can hear it.
Before the brief break, he played a personal favourite, Everywhere. A powerful ballad, which Paolo sung with pure, raw emotion.
For the encore the crowd were treated with the funky Let Me Down Easy, which eased us into the most powerful performance of the night. Iron Sky, a political powerhouse, particularly relevant with our current climate. During the song he climbed into the crowd, hugged fans, shook their hands and raised his fist.
The final dance-y number with the whole band was Shine A Light , complete with gorgeous lighting which danced and dipped in time to the beat. His band really do deserve a shout out - it was plain to see how much they loved it up on stage, with each as talented as the next, their love for their craft was infectious.
After his band did their bows to rapturous applause and cheers, Paolo was sat alone once again, guitar in one hand, pint glass in another. “If you want me to come back to Manchester, I will. If you want me to sing, I’ll come and sing for you. I love you,” he said, a smile beaming across his face.
Winding down, he played Writer , a new release from Last Night In The Bittersweet. A poetic ode to perhaps a past love, perhaps just a story, or something in between. Either way, it was a touching and symbolic end to what was a momentous two nights at the Victoria Warehouse.
His entire performance was phenomenal, a master musician and singer-songwriter whose connection with the crowd and his music was incredible.
His crew also deserve a shoutout, from helping those in the audience who needed it, to handing out water in what was an incredibly overcrowded venue, they were completely on it.
The only downside to the evening was the lack of capacity within the warehouse. The show was sold out (as was the night before), and lots of people were left unable to see or hear properly, with some, sadly, leaving early.
This was a shame, as Paolo’s performance was one that lots had waited a long time to see.
However, from the psychedelic screen backdrop, to the paired back acoustic tracks, he held the audience in the palm of his hand.
Earlier on in the evening, I got speaking to a dad and his daughter, who’d travelled over from Chorley. He said he first discovered Paolo’s music whilst they were living in America over 10 years ago, and he was blown away by his voice.
This was their first time seeing him in 10 years and both were beyond excited. I spoke to them again at the end of the gig. “We both cried,” he said. “It was well worth the wait - absolutely amazing.”
I don’t think I can put it any better than that.
Set List
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Afterneath
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Lose It
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Scream (Funk My Life Up)
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Acid Eyes
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Stranded Words (Interlude)
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Better Man
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Heart Filled Up
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One Day (acoustic)
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Coming Up Easy
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Through the Echoes
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Radio
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Cherry Blossom
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Petrified in Love
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Pencil Full of Lead
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Jenny Don’t Be Hasty/Teenage Kicks/New Shoes
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Take Me Take Mine
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Candy
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Everywhere
Encore
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Bus Talk (Interlude)
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Let Me Down Easy
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Iron Sky
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Shine a Light
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Writer (acoustic)
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