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 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 20 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) 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.
3) 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.
4) Queen of the Night
This tribute concert to Whitney Houston has played some of the biggest arenas in Britain.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) The Rock Opera by Candlelight
A collective of classical musicians breathing beautifully dark energy into legendary Rock & Metal covers.
8) 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".
9) 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.
10) Taylormania
With over 1 million tickets sold worldwide, Katy Ellis pays tribute to Taylor Swift.
11) 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.
12) The Drifters Girl
The remarkable story of soul legends The Drifters and the woman who made them, Faye Treadwell, their legendary manager.
13) 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.
14) 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.
15) 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.
16) 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.
17) 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.
18) Quadrophenia - A Mod Ballet
Pete Townshend's multi-million selling album performed as a ballet.
19) Candlelight - Hans Zimmer's Best Works
A string quartet perform the film music of the German composer by candlelight.
20) 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.
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 Shoop Shoop Show - The Cher Collection
- The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
- Weds 8 Apr 2026.
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