Cupids at ‘When in Manchester’ festival, Gulliver’s

Photo: Bekka Simpson

Cupids

THESE DAYS, it’s not all that often fans of the wonderful Cupids get the chance to catch their constantly-improving heroes play live on their own patch, as it were.

Therefore when tune masters, multi-talented, original, harmonic foursome Jake, Sid, Ryan and James were set to headline the sold-out twin venue ‘When in Manchester’ all-day festival at the weekend, it was a show I was totally determined not to miss.

Unfortunately, daytime work commitments meant I was unable to catch the full day’s brilliantly put together line-up at the Castle and Gulliver’s - which included Oldham’s Paul Limer and his Louie Louie outfit early during the proceedings - so by the time I arrived at Gulliver’s around 8pm the Oldham Street haunt was already buzzing with live new music fans of all ages who were all clearly out to have a great time.

To be honest I wasn’t a fan of the set offered up by pre-Cupids outfit Hello Operator, from York.

They were a little too grungy for my liking, with the best thing about their band being the shoes worn by the bassist.

There was still a terrific vibe in the place, however, which increased ten-fold when Gullivers’ headliners Cupids hit the stage.

I gather there were some big-shot industry faces in the audience, and they, like the excited and hot-footed support in the now packed and sweaty venue, must have lapped it up.

Cupids skilfully and delightfully enchanted the crowd through another amazing set, which included rip-roaring numbers like ‘No-one talks about us’, ‘Drive’, ‘Confession Box’ and the incredible roof-raiser ‘Kickin’ In’.

Forthcoming single ‘Good things come to those who wait’ was another classy and perfectly-executed offering, before the crowd were whipped up into further hero worship courtesy of closing numbers ‘Corporate whipping boy’ and ‘Money’.

It had been another ‘I was there’ moment for me. Cupids simply have to make it big soon, don’t they?