The Twilight Sad

The Twilight Sad Live at New Century Hall, Manchester

Saturday, 2 May 2026

Prepare for an evening of raw emotion and electrifying sound as critically acclaimed Scottish band The Twilight Sad descends upon Manchester’s historic New Century Hall on Saturday, 2 May 2026. This is more than just a gig; it’s an immersion into the cathartic, powerful world forged by James Graham and his bandmates. Known for their intense live performances and a discography that has consistently pushed sonic boundaries, The Twilight Sad are set to deliver a night that will resonate long after the final chord fades. Expect an unforgettable journey through their acclaimed back catalogue, a testament to their enduring appeal and their ability to connect deeply with their audience. This is your chance to witness one of the most compelling live acts in contemporary music in the atmospheric setting of New Century Hall.

About The Twilight Sad

Formed in Kilsyth, Scotland, in 2003, The Twilight Sad have carved out a unique and deeply respected niche in the alternative music landscape. Their sound is an intoxicating blend of atmospheric post-punk, shoegaze-infused textures, and James Graham’s unmistakable, often anguished, vocal delivery. Over the course of their career, they have released a series of critically lauded albums that showcase their consistent evolution and unwavering commitment to their artistic vision.

Their debut, Fourteen Autumn Static (2007), immediately announced their arrival with its brooding intensity and haunting melodies. This was followed by the equally compelling I/O (2009), which further honed their distinctive sound. It was with No One Can Ever Know (2012) and Nobody Wants to Be Exactly Where You Are Right Now (2014) that the band began to explore a more abrasive, yet still deeply melodic, sonic palette, earning them widespread critical acclaim. Their fifth studio album, It! Won’t Be Like This All The Time (2019), was a significant milestone, a sprawling, ambitious record that delved into themes of loss and resilience with breathtaking honesty. Most recently, Forget The Night Ahead (2023) has been hailed as a masterpiece, a testament to their enduring creative power and their ability to craft songs that are both sonically adventurous and emotionally resonant.

Notable hits and fan favourites that you can expect to hear include the driving, anthemic “I Became A Prostitute”, the soaring, melancholic beauty of “Last Year”, the visceral power of “Reflection of the Light”, and the deeply affecting “Nobody Wants to Be Exactly Where You Are Right Now”. Their live shows are renowned for their raw energy and intimate connection with the audience, transforming familiar songs into cathartic, communal experiences.

Venue Information

New Century Hall, a magnificent Grade II listed building in the heart of Manchester, provides the perfect backdrop for the atmospheric intensity of The Twilight Sad. Originally built as a community hall in the early 20th century, it has been lovingly restored and reimagined as a vibrant live music venue. Its grand architecture, with its high ceilings and intricate detailing, offers a unique and memorable setting for any performance. The venue boasts excellent acoustics, ensuring that every nuance of The Twilight Sad’s powerful sound will be experienced in full. Its central location makes it easily accessible for local fans and visitors alike. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

A performance by The Twilight Sad is an experience that transcends the ordinary. James Graham is a magnetic frontman, a captivating presence who pours every ounce of his being into his performances. His raw, impassioned vocals, ranging from hushed vulnerability to guttural screams, are the heart and soul of the band. The interplay between Graham’s emotive delivery and the band’s meticulously crafted soundscapes – a tapestry of driving rhythms, shimmering guitars, and brooding synths – creates a powerful, often overwhelming, sonic journey.

Audiences can anticipate a setlist that draws heavily from their most celebrated albums, promising a potent mix of fan favourites and critically acclaimed tracks. Expect the kind of intensity that has become their hallmark: a relentless energy that builds and swells, pulling the audience into the heart of each song. Tracks like the anthemic “Last Year” will undoubtedly ignite the room, while the more introspective moments, such as the deeply personal “Videotape”, will create moments of profound connection. The band is known for their dynamic range, seamlessly shifting from explosive, wall-of-sound crescendos to delicate, haunting passages. Their performances are not merely a rendition of their recorded material; they are a living, breathing entity, infused with an urgent, visceral energy that makes each show unique. The duration of the performance will typically be around 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing ample time for them to delve deep into their extensive and compelling catalogue.

FAQs

Q1: Will The Twilight Sad play songs from their latest album, Forget The Night Ahead?

Absolutely. The Twilight Sad are known for championing their most recent work, and Forget The Night Ahead has been met with widespread critical acclaim. Expect to hear some of the powerful and poignant tracks from this album woven into their setlist, alongside beloved classics.

Q2: What is the typical atmosphere at a The Twilight Sad live show?

The atmosphere at a Twilight Sad gig is renowned for its intensity and emotional resonance. It’s a cathartic experience, where the audience often shares a deep connection with the music and the band. You can expect a passionate crowd, a palpable sense of shared energy, and a performance that is both exhilarating and deeply moving.

Q3: Is James Graham’s vocal delivery as intense live as it is on record?

Indeed, James Graham’s vocal performance live is often even more raw and potent than on their recordings. He is a truly captivating frontman who delivers his lyrics with an unbridled passion and emotional honesty that is central to the band’s live appeal. His ability to convey profound emotion through his voice is a highlight of every Twilight Sad show.

Q4: Can I expect to hear their older hits like “Reflection of the Light”?

Yes, The Twilight Sad are excellent at balancing their newer material with their most cherished older tracks. You can certainly anticipate hearing some of their seminal hits that have resonated with fans for years, including fan favourites like “Reflection of the Light” which are integral to their live set.

Q5: What kind of stage presence does The Twilight Sad have?

The band’s stage presence is understated yet incredibly powerful. James Graham is the focal point, drawing the audience in with his intense performance. The rest of the band provide a formidable musical foundation, their collective presence contributing to the overall immersive and compelling experience of their live shows. They create a powerful, unified force on stage.

Q6: Are there any support acts announced for The Twilight Sad’s Manchester show?

Support acts are typically announced closer to the date of the event. Please keep an eye on official ticketing channels and venue announcements for any updates regarding supporting artists for The Twilight Sad’s performance at New Century Hall.