Something like this has never happened before. Leprous are headlining Manchester prog metal festival Radar tonight, and they’ve brought all the bells and whistles needed for the job, from a dazzling lighting rig to 30-plus well-rehearsed songs. There’s only one wrinkle: the Norwegian art rockers have no idea what their setlist will be.
Leprous’ Sunday-night spot was announced as a ‘real-time song request’ concert, which lets the audience pick via show of hands what should be played next as the gig proceeds. It’s something they’ve attempted only once before, and even then it was during a pandemic-era livestream. If poorly prepared, it could hinder the reputation of one of the most consistently impressive live acts in progressive and alternative music.
