The Last Dinner Party bring The Pyre to Manchester in suitably lavish style and with glorious grace.

All live photography by Dominic Walsh

IMOGEN & THE KNIFE

Hailing from Newcastle, support act Imogen & The Knife had the crowd in a trance, greeting them with a band made up of saxophone, trumpet, drums and guitar. Imogen walks on stage in true British style; cup of tea in hand. If It Won’t Talk Of Rain particularly made the impression, Imogen labelled the track as a ‘love letter to Newcastle as a female artist growing up’.

Before taking to the stage for Girl Running, a gift to the crowd for turning up early, she thanked the crowd, “Thank you so much Manchester, this is so crazy.”  Paris Night had the venue so silent you could hear a pin drop. The track isn about Imogen’s relationship with her sister and was paired perfectly with a delicate piano and blue lighting. Overall, her presence stunned the audience and prepared them for a night of ethereal tunes.

THE LAST DINNER PARTY

Following the success of their latest album, From The Pyre, The Last Dinner Party commenced their show with the electric Angus Dei, giving fans an insight into their album and bringing it to life. The band stepped on stage with a wave of flashing lights, and Abigail immediately owned the space.

The Feminine Urge is next, taken from their debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, taking fans back to the start. “Welcome to The Pyre Manchester, we’re so happy to be back!” Abigail exclaimed as she held up the mic stand.

The mood changed with On Your Side, opening with the band telling the crowd to ‘hold each other tight’. Fans responded instantly, wrapping themselves in the moment as the venue glowed with the soft warmth of phone flashlights. 

When it’s 4 AM
And your heart is breaking
I will hold your hands
To stop them from shaking
If it takes all night
I will be on your side

FEMININE ENERGY

I Hold Your Anger and Woman is a Tree hold similar messages in the sense that they stand for female empowerment and identity. These tracks also had a similar vibe and were the slower songs on the album. On From The Pyre, they run back to back.

The opening to Gjuha began with Aurora telling the crowd, “This is about me being ashamed of not knowing about my mother tongue as well as English,” as she was born in Kosovo. She spoke about the Kneecap film and decided the track to be a ‘celebration of language’. 

Big Dog is unreleased with the band teasing fans with the track since 2023. Opening with a monologue from Georgia, the tune quickly turns rocky with more of a grunge vibe. It’s unclear why Big Dog is unreleased, but fans are eagerly awaiting its release. 

The Scythe is an anthem of death, love and reincarnation. Emily played the flute, and the crowd, naturally, sing back the lyrics. 

Sinner is a huge crowd favourite; the infectious energy from the song reflecting on the audience. The upbeat nature of the track contrasts with the message: queer relationships being viewed as sinful. The night closes with Nothing Matters, a suitable finale for the show. Abigail even joined the crowd and sang with them at the barrier.

The Last Dinner Party left Manchester mesmerised by their talent, in awe of the show they just witnessed. If you’re thinking about seeing The Last Dinner Party- this is your sign!

The Last Dinner Party: Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Threads

Imogen & The Knife: Website / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok

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