The winners of Netflix’s The Next Act, December 10, bring their ‘Introducing’ tour to Manchester. 

INTRODUCING

Since the airing of The Next Act, which saw Danny, Josh, Cruz, Hendrik, John, Nicolas and Sean triumphant and forming a band there has been plenty of online hype around December 10, and that anticipation is in the air tonight before the band takes the stage, as pop bangers blast through the sound system to warm up the eager crowd pre-show. 

BUILDING MOMENTUM

With no support act the boys take to the stage for their second show of the night, and there are plenty of friends and family there to support local Chorley lads, Danny and Josh, at what for them is a homecoming show. 

The deafening screams of the mostly – but not exclusively – female crowd is reminiscent of the reaction given to the top tier boy bands of yesteryear. Which isn’t particularly surprising given the hype surrounding the band (tickets and merchandise seem to disappear in the blink of an eye) and the distinct lack of high profile boy bands in recent years. 

RUN MY WAY

Opening with an acoustic version of their debut single Run My Way before working through a tight set which includes covers of Bruce Springsteens Dancing In The Dark, NSYNCs Bye Bye Bye and originals. There is little to suggest that the band are in their infancy, as shown by their stage presence and the way that they captivate their audience – notably during Angel, which saw one lucky fan serenaded on stage (with the audience singing Happy Birthday afterwards). The show concludes with a full – and very well received – version of opener Run My Way. 

REALITY TV LINEAGE

It is easy, and sometimes commonplace, to take an elitist attitude towards manufactured pop acts; particularly if they have been manufactured so publicly. But it is also worth recognising the enormous record sales and cultural importance of these acts in recent years, with One Direction, Little Mix and more recently Katseye to name but a few.

THE NEXT ACT

Whether December 10 can reach these heights remains to be seen – but all the makings are on show tonight with a great blend of solo vocals, tight harmonies, instrument playing (there’s guitars, keyboards and drums played by the lads tonight) and classic boyband dancing. And of course, banter and camaraderie.

Whatever happens next, the Introducing Tour did exactly what it was meant to do and the future is looking bright for December 10.

December 10: Website

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