For as long as I can remember I have heard the name I.C.O.N through good friends and acquaintances, every now and again you'll see a sticker at a gig or in other locations with the bands iron clad logo, tonight I get the chance to see just who this band is and what they are capable of live.

From the start of I.C.O.N's set we already see the band preparing for the Manchester based crowd with fans already at the barrier and so many already expecting something huge. Where I was from the start to the end of the band's set, was right near the front of the stage witnessing something incredible, this band not only holds the skill and power you want from an opening band but they have the presence to back up this energy and then some, showcasing skill and brilliance that is somewhat hypnotic. From the get-go, you are drawn in by this incredible tone that forces its way through you making you want to experience more of what this band has to offer.

In recent years there have been moments where I have seen a band open for a bigger act and sometimes have not had what it took in terms of keeping the crowd lively and energetic but I can say for a fact that I.C.O.N are a unique machine built for war with an army by their side, this army is the legions of I.C.O.N a loyal if not strong fan base that I can proudly say I have become a part of.

If you are looking for something old school but modern, then this is the band for you for I can safely say this is a band that will turn any shit day into a celebration of being a part of this Metal family we all belong to!

1. March of the Crabs
2. 666
3. Badass Rock 'n' Roll
4. Winged Assassins
5. Mothra
6. Swing Thing
(With Robb Reiner drum solo)
7. Die For a Lie
8. Metal on Metal

These days it is rare to see ANVIL hit the UK as much as they used to, as years back, the band would come around every year or two but even still, it is great to see these Canadian titans return in full force to bring the folks of Manchester a good old helping of Metal on Metal!

From the very start of ANVIL's set we are greeted by the tracks "March of the Crabs" and "666", some fan favorites to really kick things into overdrive and really bring the heat to the crowd. The band have always had an interesting way of performing in terms of the way they interact with their fans and really get to know you through the show by making things more than just personal but in a way of making it feel like a reunion between them all.

Throughout the set we see the usual awesome ideas that ANVIL bring to their stage shows from Robb Reiner bringing his thunderous drum solo into full gear to Lips using the usual sex toys to bring more effect to his flying v. One thing I found awesome about their show was how much energy the band had brought with them, for being a band that has been around for so long this is still a band that has a lot to offer fans both old and new.

One way to complete an ANVIL show is simply to get "Metal On Metal"! Every time you hear this iconic anthem, either on format or in person, it always sends a chill down your spine and prepares you always for a great time, it is in every way an anthem which has guided many fans to create their own style of this power and to see if they can follow in this tracks legacy. It is without a doubt tonight a song that has brought energy and joy to tonight's fans and has truly brought "Metal on Metal" to Manchester city.

Setlist:
1. March of the Crabs
2. 666
3. Badass Rock 'n' Roll
4. Winged Assassins
5. Mothra
6. Swing Thing
(With Robb Reiner drum solo)
7. Die For a Lie
8. Metal on Metal

For many Heavy Metal fans, the name U.D.O. is one of legends in our music scene; Udo Dirkschneider is best known as the original vocalist of German Heavy Metal Legends ACCEPT, and was a part of the creation of some of the most iconic songs in the genre from the power of "Balls to the Wall" down to the heavy harmony of "Midnight Mover". The legacy that this man has created over the years is one to be admired as he continues onward with his own band U.D.O creating new chapters in the book he has written over the course of his career.

Tonight, Manchester fans said farewell to the ACCEPT era of Udo's career as we are given a special set list built almost entirely out of ACCEPT material.

As Udo and his band approach the stage we can already see excited fans, both old and new, preparing for tonight's special set. As this is my second time seeing the man in person I could already expect a show that is both powerful and nostalgic as we see the band head into the first song of the night: "Starlight" off of ACCEPT's 1981 release, "Breaker". For many fans, having this as an opening song really struck a chord with many of tonight's older audience and attracting younger fans to its heavy beats and looking from where I was standing, I could feel a sense of excitement in the crowd which brought out the best in tonight's performance.

I don't know what it is, really, but I feel that when you get a chance to see a set of this nature played live, you just have to cherish every moment of it as it won't ever happen again, especially because Manchester rarely has a band of this magnitude play such a show.

As we continue through the set list I find some of my all-time favorites have been added for tonight's show. These include "Midnight Mover", "Head over Heels" and "Princess of the Dawn". these are songs that have helped to shape and define the style of Udo's vocal talents over the years and have remained some of the most iconic songs to have ever been recorded. For this show to have so many incredible songs placed into tonight's is just brilliant; I feel that younger fans coming to tonight's show will experience not only the best in ACCEPT material, but the best of the man himself.

Setlist:
1. Just a Gigolo (Louis Prima)
2. Starlight
3. Living for Tonite
4. Flash Rockin' Man
5. London Leatherboys
6. Midnight Mover
7. Breaker
8. Head Over Heels
9. Neon Nights
10. Princess of the Dawn
11. Winterdreams
12. Restless and Wild
13. Son of a Bitch
14. Up to the Limit
15. Wrong Is Right
16. Midnight Highway
17. Screaming for a Love-Bite
18. Monsterman
19. T.V. War
20. Losers and Winners
Encore:
21. Metal Heart
22. I'm a Rebel