Manchester Evening News Arena

Have New Order ever played this venue, I have only ever seen New Order perform in Manchester at the Apollo, Old Trafford Cricket Ground and the G-Mex. I visited the MEN Arena last Wednesday to watch Duran Duran (girl friend blagged me!) and its a stunning arena. The venue would be awsome for New Order to play in, great acoustics and they would fill its 20,000 capacity in there own city, if they have'nt already done so.

Just to go back to the Duran gig, I always liked Durans songs when they were first out, but I was only about 10 or 11 at the time. When my better half got tickets for the gig I was'tn sure I would like it, I mean Duran have the image of a boy band and for being posers. But was I shocked, they were awsome, a truly great gig and I think old Le Bon as lost weight as he had so much energy. They could certainly play there instruments, John Taylor is probably only second to Mr Hook in the bass playing stakes, I would have to put this gig in my all time top 3 gigs ever witnesed. Did anyone else go this gig or see Duran on this tour or at any time in the past?

New Order played at the MEN on 29th Dec 98. Memorable for the version of Guilty Partner.

Used to like Duran when I was a kid. Planet Earth was one of the favourites and Save A Prayer. Did they play these two?

Was it a full house?

They played them both mate. You might be able to help me here, me and the missus are going Liverpool for a night out this Saturday, are hotels by the Albert Dock, whats Baby Cream on the dock like ie expensive, dress code etc etc?

How full would you say Al, less than half full and it must of been a bit of a downer, espically in there own city!

The MEN gig was reasonably attended despite the fact it was between Xmas & New Year.

There are hotels by the dock. From the docks themselves the Crowne Plaza hotel is quite decent. It's about a quarter of a mile on the left hand side and the Formula 1 hotel is just over the road. I think you just pay on the card for that one. Not the best one mind but for a night out who cares? I haven't been to Baby Cream but it is quite expensive drinks wise and the usual shirt and trousers and shoes should suffice.

If you get a chance the Rawhide Comedy Club is worth a look too. Some good acts. Hope this is of interest.

Agree with you on this Al, they seemed out of sorts with the place which took me unawares, but not as unawares as the Mondays took me, they seemed to thrive on it, though I reckon that was a one off big home gig thing, I thought they might've fooked up royal but they played a blinder.

It is of intrest mate, my missus was telling me about a comedy club in Chester, but if there one in Liverpool then even better. I've been in Blue on the Albert dock before and for a bottle of becks and a white wine it cost £8.50ish, not saying im tight but that could hurt ya pocket on a big night out. I really like Liverpool for a night out, but what lets the place down is the lack of an international standard music venue, pitty the blues did'nt get there stadiumat the Kings Dock!

Originally posted by Dario Gradi MBE It is of intrest mate, my missus was telling me about a comedy club in Chester, but if there one in Liverpool then even better. I've been in Blue on the Albert dock before and for a bottle of becks and a white wine it cost £8.50ish, not saying im tight but that could hurt ya pocket on a big night out. I really like Liverpool for a night out, but what lets the place down is the lack of an international standard music venue, pitty the blues did'nt get there stadiumat the Kings Dock!

The Kings Dock is supposed to be getting it's long awaited concert venue. This is of course where Everton couldn't come up with the funds. The comedy club is actually on the same block as Baby Blue. We found it cheaper to get pitchers of beer rather than single pints.

I'd actually like to see New Order at the summer pops thing they put on each year. This is my campaign to get it sorted for next year.

Originally posted by Al Jarvis > Originally posted by Casey Ryback> The MEN gig was reasonably attended despite the fact it was between Xmas & New Year..

It wasn't capacity though - I'm not convinced it was even half-full. Certainly not a huge crowd stage front for New order.

As you said though, the date was off-putting - people would've been saving themselves for the big one two days later.

Ally Pally was mobbed by comparison.

Being pished and seeing double boosted the attendance Al.

Originally posted by Casey Ryback The MEN gig was reasonably attended despite the fact it was between Xmas & New Year.There are hotels by the dock. From the docks themselves the Crowne Plaza hotel is quite decent. It's about a quarter of a mile on the left hand side and the Formula 1 hotel is just over the road. I think you just pay on the card for that one. Not the best one mind but for a night out who cares? I haven't been to Baby Cream but it is quite expensive drinks wise and the usual shirt and trousers and shoes should suffice.If you get a chance the Rawhide Comedy Club is worth a look too. Some good acts. Hope this is of interest.

I stayed at the Formule #1 for the last NO Liverpool gig.

Basic but clean. £25. shared shower/toilet. As I was only going to get my head down for a few hours, It was ideal.

You gain entry via a card machine (credit cards only). There is a receptionist there around 5 pm.

Oh, & the gig was cracking.

I went to the MEN gig.

Wahey! And so did I!

I was full of a cold, hiding at the back while my little sister danced down the front.