By Ryan Baker
Spencer Sutherland brought The Drama to Manchester last Thursday with a swaggering performance at sold-out Gorilla. The Ohio-born singer-songwriter, known for his blend of pop, R&B, and theatrical rock influences, is currently on his The Drama world tour, supporting his 2024 sophomore album of the same name. Originally a show intended for Manchester’s smaller Deaf Institute, the venue had been upgraded due to high demand.
Arriving at the show, I didn’t know what to expect. Finding themselves without cover at the last minute, I agreed to head to the gig for ADRENALINE Magazine, unfamiliar with Sutherland, or his music.
In the little time I had to prepare, I managed to find out that he had been a contestant on X Factor in 2017, and was preparing myself to endure a ‘middle of the road’ prime-time TV performance.
How wrong I was!
McKenna Michels opened the night with a captivating performance, handing out white roses to the crowd before launching into a vibrant, technicolour set. By the time she reached her closing song, the audience was singing along with her, setting the perfect tone for the night.
Secondly came talented 18-year-old Floridian, Cloe Wilder. Clearly loving her time outside of the US, highlights included her new single, Cigarette, and the ethereal Cliff Diving.
The anticipation of the packed crowd waiting for Sutherland’s set was at its peak, as a golden red velvet throne was manoeuvred to centre-stage. A candle stick, golden goblet and floral arrangement were added, transforming Manchester’s Gorilla into something resembling a Baroque palace.
Shortly after the lights dimmed, orchestral music began to play, before a voice announced that we were about to experience a rock opera, with a polite warning that anyone not having the time of their life would be promptly escorted from the premises.
It was clear the crowd was now buzzing—ready for Spencer to make his appearance.
The build up didn’t disappoint, as Sutherland strutted on stage to the screams of the packed crowd. Dressed in a sequinned blazer and pearl necklace, the American announced his presence, to Everybody, reaching into the crowd and throwing high kicks.
The energy continued throughout the night, with highlights including Hater and Chicken Little—a song Sutherland released with Meghan Trainor.
Cloe Wilder made a reappearance during Spencer’s set, joining him for a duet of ABBA’s Dancing Queen, which the crowd lapped up, singing along in unison.
Midway through the set, Spencer announced he would be right back before suddenly making an exit from the stage. A few moments later, he reappeared from the balcony at the rear of the room, to the surprise of those at the back of the venue. After helping himself to a fan’s drink, he performed a soulful rendition of Modern Heartbreak, joined by many of the crowd surrounding him.
Returning to the stage, Spencer upped the tempo, with Jealousy being a particular favourite amongst fans. On the few occasions Spencer took a pause for air, he could be found slouching on his throne wearing a gold crown, solidifying his dramatic, golden, pop-star status.
As the end of the set approached, Spencer announced his message to ‘be yourself’, before closing with the titular song from his latest album, Drama.
The rapturous crowd demanded an encore, which Spencer was only too happy to oblige, returning to the stage wearing a fresh blazer, decorated with “The Drama” written in pearls, to perform Place Like This to the expectant fans.
Spencer is an impressive showman, and a musical powerhouse, and my preconceptions and perhaps, music snobbery, soon vanished when his set began.
It was an unfettered, feel-good performance, and it was easy to understand why the show needed to be upgraded to a bigger venue.
Photography & Text Copyright 2025 © Ryan Baker/ADRENALINE Magazine. All rights reserved.
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