By Alisha Lawton
On a cold and rainy night in Manchester, it’s easy to forget what happened just a week ago, but for the audience at the O2 Ritz, it’s quite possible they will be talking about this night for months to come.
None other than American singer-songwriter MJ Lenderman headlined at the Ritz with his band and gave his Manchester audience a night to remember.
Starting the evening off strong, fellow alt group Trace Mountains took to the stage. They have been supporting MJ Lenderman on the UK and European leg of his tour, and are the perfect support act. Their sound complements MJ’s, and they entertained the audience perfectly, getting them ready for a night of alternative music.
It wasn’t long before the crowd began cheering when MJ Lenderman and The Wind took the stage, kicking off their twenty-track set with Rudolph – prompting the crowd to do some gentle head-banging to show their appreciation for the band.
The venue was completely packed from front to back and top to bottom, and at both the beginning and end of each song, the audience cheered. Manchester clearly welcomed the band, especially as the show was upgraded from the smaller Gorilla venue, just across the road.
It was a night of great alternative music and camaraderie, as the audience wrapped their arms around each other’s shoulders, swaying side to side to the beat.
Unless otherwise stated, Photography & Text Copyright 2025 © Lauren Meaney/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Chloe Morris 
Rachel Henderson