By Ryan Baker
Dinosaur Pile-Up made their triumphant return with a ferocious set at Manchester’s New Century Hall, blowing away the cobwebs of a long hiatus.
Walking on to the sound of Beastie Boys’ Fight for Your Right, the band opened strong with ‘Bout to Lose It from their new album I’ve Felt Better. Fans were bouncing from minute one, screaming in unison with frontman, Matt Bigland.
Highlights included the titular track from their new album, I’ve Felt Better, a headbanging romp that channelled Matt’s well-documented health struggles. A surprise cover of Run-D.M.C.’s Tricky was another standout – despite Bigland joking he didn’t know all the words, the crowd carried it with him.
The set was a solid mix of both new tracks and fan-favourites from their nearly two decades of music, with My Rock and Roll and Peninsula both making appearances. Immense throughout, the crowd didn’t stop for breath. The band clearly thrived off the energy with the gaps between songs interspersed with barking from fans.
Nearly 20 years in, Dinosaur-Pile Up clearly aren’t slowing down. A blister chaotic performance that felt like being thrown around in the world’s most entertaining tumble dryer.
Support came from Snake Eyes, a two-piece band from Brighton, and Aberdeen’s Xcerts.
Unless otherwise stated, Photography & Text Copyright 2025 © Ryan Baker/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Ewan McDonald 
Kyle Horne