Manchester Theatre News & Reviews
Rock'n'Roll Never Dies
Tribute Shows in Manchester
This week, Queen's incredible second album, Queen II, has re-entered the UK Top 20, at no.14, its highest position since it originally reached no.5 on its release in March 1974.
Described as being the album that "changed the life" of artists such as Guns 'n'Roses legend Axl Rose, James frontman Tim Booth, and Smashing Pumpkins lead singer Billy Corgan, it is also cited as the favourite of Rob Halford of Judas Priest, Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe and, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, among many others.
A quick run down of this week's UK Top 40 Album Chart sees it sit alongside other classic albums like Fleetwood Mac's Rumours (no.24), Oasis' What's The Story Morning Glory (no.27), and Arctic Monkeys' AM (no.31), plus greatest hits compilations from Fleetwood Mac (no.8), Michael Jackson (no.11), Oasis (no.18), ABBA (no.25), Elton John (no.26), Eminem (no.33), Pitbull (no.35), Red Hot Chili Peppers (no.37), 50 cent (no.38) and Maroon 5 (no.40), with Queen's own Greatest Hits - the best selling album of all time in the UK - marking its 1200th week on the chart (at no.45).
It therefore probably comes as no surprise that some of the most popular shows on ManchesterTheatres.com over the years have been tribute acts.
Below, we take a look at the Top 20 most popular tribute shows over the past three years...
Our Top 50 Most Popular Tribute Shows
1) Tina - The Tina Turner Musical
Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her iconic hits, the offical Tina Turner musical tells the tale of the Nutbush "Queen of Rock'n'Roll".
2) Home Alone in Concert
An orchestra perform John Williams' charming score as the movie plays on a large screen above them.
3) A Fairytale for Christmas
Previously known as Fairytale of New York, this Christmas concert pays tribute to the rich tapestry of Irish folk music as well as performing Christmas classics with traditional Irish dancers.
4) Fastlove
Another show to have played the biggest arenas in the country, this tribute to George Michael has sold over half a million tickets to date.
5) Luminiscence
Christopher Eccleston narrates the history of Manchester with the help of a spectacular light display as the Collectives Gospel Choir and orchestra perform classic hits from the city's most famous rock and pop stars.
6) Hacienda Classical
With a tribute show that regularly tours across Europe, legendary DJ Graeme Park joins forces with Manchester Camerata and special guests to perform the greatest hits from The Hacienda's dancefloor.
7) Manchester Adored
This massive annual festival celebrates Manchester music over 4 arenas with guest DJs in the past including the likes of Peter Hook, Mani, Shaun Ryder, Clint Boon, and Graeme Park supporting the finest tribute acts to the biggest names from the Madchester scene and beyond.
8) The Holiday in Concert
A full orchestra perform the soundtrack of the Christmas favourite as the film is screened above them.
9) The Magic of Motown
Tribute artists perform Motown classics.
10) Quadrophenia - A Mod Ballet
Pete Townshend's multi-million selling album performed as a ballet.
11) Queen of the Night
This tribute concert to Whitney Houston has played some of the biggest arenas in Britain.
12) Sunny Afternoon - The Kinks Musical
The multi-award winning West End musical which celebrates the raw energy, passion, and timeless sound of one of Britain’s most iconic bands, The Kinks.
13) The Eminem Show
James Wythes pays tribute to Eminem.
14) The Music of Hans Zimmer v John Williams
An classical concert celebrating the very best epic scores from two of the greatest film composers of all time.
15) What's Love Got To Do With It?
The second tribute to Tina Turner to make our list, Holly Bannis, the daughter of Greg Bannis, former lead singer of Hot Chocolate, performs as the "Queen of Rock'n'Roll".
16) The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
A collective of classical musicians breathing beautifully dark energy into legendary Rock & Metal covers.
17) Taylormania
With over 1 million tickets sold worldwide, Katy Ellis pays tribute to Taylor Swift.
18) The Magical Music of Harry Potter
With illusions from Rob Lake, one of the world's leading magicians, and featuring original actors, this tribute show sees star soloists, a choir and an orchestra perform music from the Harry Potter soundtracks by John Williams, Nicholas Hooper, Patrick Doyle and Alexander Desplat.
19) Northern Live - Do I Love You
An 11-piece band with 4 lead vocalists perform over 30 original hits from the famous dancefloors of Wigan Casino and Manchester's Twisted Wheel.
20) The Drifters Girl
The remarkable story of soul legends The Drifters and the woman who made them, Faye Treadwell, their legendary manager.
21) The Battle
The brand new musical which provided a wickedly funny dive into one of the greatest rivalries in rock history, Oasis v Blur, enjoyed its World Premiere in Manchester in March 2026.
22) The Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert
An orchestra perform Miles Goodman and Paul Williams beloved soundtrack as the movie plays on a large screen above them.
23) Jersey Boys
The smash hit musical which tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons .
24) Frankie
A tribute show celebrating Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
25) The Music of Lord of the Rings and Beyond
An orchestral tribute to the music from Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Game of Thrones and more.
26) Candlelight - Hans Zimmer's Best Works
A string quartet perform the film music of the German composer by candlelight.
27) Love Actually in Concert
A full orchestra perform Craig Armstrong’s evocative score as the movie plays on a large screen above them.
28) Ibiza Proms in the Cathedral
A 40 Piece Orchestra with special guest vocalists perform the most iconic Ibiza Dance anthems in the country's grandest cathedrals.
29) Lost in Music - One Night at the Disco
A tribute show reliving some of the greatest disco songs of all time from artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic.
30) Rockstock Tribute Festival
A two day family-friendly music festival in Stockport with over 30 tribute acts ranging from classic rock and heavy metal to indie and pop.
31) The Music of Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight
A West End cast pay tribute to Fleetwood Mac in spectacular cathedrals.
32) The Clone Roses
The UK’s leading tribute to The Stone Roses, who have performed at some of the same iconic venues from the Manchester band's career.
33) Michael Starring Ben
The magic of Michael Jackson starring Ben Bowman.
34) Mania
Formed in 1999 - as ABBA Mania - and recognised as the world's leading ABBA tribute act.
35) 80's Live
Tribute band Electric Dreams perform over two dozen chart topping anthems from 1980s pop artists.
36) Disney in Concert - The Sound of Magic
The renowned Novello Orchestra bring to life the soundtracks from the Walt Disney Animation Studios.
37) The World Famous Elvis Show
Celebrated Elvis tribute act Chris Connor has been breaking box office records around the world.
38) The Music of Queen by Candlelight
A West End cast pay tribute to Queen in spectacular cathedrals.
39) Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra - Ibiza Classics
The legendary DJ is joined by Jules Buckley & The Heritage Orchestra for a symphonic tribute to Ibiza dance classics.
40) Elvis with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The very best of Elvis in concert, on-screen performing his greatest hits accompanied live on stage by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
41) Candelight - A Tribute to ABBA
A string quartet perform the music of ABBA under the gentle glow of candlelight.
42) The Drifters
Continuing the legacy of George and Faye Treadwell, the latest line-up of The Drifters perform the songs made famous during the famous soul band's three "golden eras" with Clyde McPhatter, Ben E. King, and Johnny Moore.
43) Candelight - A Tribute to Taylor Swift
A string quartet perform the music of Taylor Swift under the gentle glow of candlelight.
44) ABBA Believe in Angels Brunch
An ABBA themed bottomless brunch with tribute duo I Believe in Angels and drag queens.
45) Seven Drunken Nights
A tribute show commemorating the story of Irish folk legends The Dubliners.
46) The Simon & Garfunkel Story
The leading West End tribute to folk legends Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.
47) New Dawn Fades
A play which tells the story of Joy Division, Factory Records and Manchester's history.
48) The Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour
An Elvis tribute show which stars four of the leading award-winning international Elvis tribute acts, Moses Snow, Arron Walker, Chris Connor and Gordon Hendricks.
49) Luther Live & Velvet Voices
A tribute to Luther Vandross and other soul greats like Alexander O'Neal, Marvin Gaye, Bobby Brown, and George Benson.
50) Just For One Day - The Live Aid Musical
The Live Aid musical tells the story of the most famous concert in history.
Exclusive Special Offer
The Shoop Shoop Show - The Cher Collection
- The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
- Weds 8 Apr 2026.
-
Exclusive 20% Off Tickets & More Info
