The Empire: The place for live music this February

Empire is the place to be this February

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The Empire is once again flexing its muscles as Rochdale’s only staged music venue this February, proving it is the place for live music locally.

If you are looking for something different to do, you will find a plethora of live bands performing anything you could ever dream of listening to at Rochdale’s number one live music venue each and every weekend.

The former music hall theatre underwent a contemporary makeover in 2017. The bar is renowned for its luxury cocktails and friendly atmosphere whilst also boasting a safe environment plus disabled access – all within two minutes’ walk of public transport systems.

Such is the growing popularity of Packer Street’s oldest music venue that music lovers far and wide have been travelling to the former music hall. Built in 1904, it was even home to the first ever performance by Rochdale’s beloved daughter, Gracie Fields, who graced the stage at the tender age of 11.

Jon ‘DaFox’ Riley, who runs the club with Paul Whitham, said: “Last weekend we had around 1,200 people through the doors with people travelling from Burnley, Oldham, Bury and Bolton. We would not have dreamed it on a cold January weekend.

“The footfall is not only great for us, but also the neighbouring places. We all benefit and bounce off each other. Rochdale is the place to be at weekends.”

Word is definitely spreading about the big shows, and February certainly holds its own.

Thanks to The Empire, you no longer need to venture out into Manchester city centre for a night out, as Rochdale is firmly on the weekend map.

What’s on this February

Friday 2 – Ranura (party pop covers band)

Ranura are a party pop cover band performing songs from artists like: Robert Palmer – Sam Smith – Amy Winehouse – Fleetwood Mac – Blondie – Patti Smith – Taylor Swift – Coldplay – Florence and the Machine – Little Mix – Pink – Lady Gaga – Kinks – DNCE – Jess Glynne – Dolly Parton – Little Mix – Robin S - Rozalla – D:Ream - Tiffany – Bruno Mars – Starship – Bon Jovi.

Saturday 3 – Complete Madness (UK's no.1 tribute to the nutty boys)

A memorable night of singing and dancing with one of the finest tribute bands on the circuit – guaranteed. This is one live show you will NOT want to miss.

Sunday 4 – The Replicants – More Human Than Human

Taken from the cream of Manchester musicians, the guys are involved in many other musical projects, but come together at least once a month to jam for audiences across the North West. In June 2016, they became the first band in history to play Queen’s iconic ‘Flash’ theme song to Sam J Jones - Flash Gordon himself - at the ‘Dinner with the Stars’ event for Rochdale Sci Fi Convention Dale Con.

Sam, leading a standing ovation, described them as “astounding” and we are sure you will agree!

Friday 9 – Swede Dreamz (ABBA Tribute)

One of the UK's leading and most authentic ABBA tribute shows.

This ABBA tribute stage show is fully self-contained with superb live vocals and clever harmonies throughout, stunning replica costumes (up to seven costume changes per show) and a fantastic lightshow (with optional stage haze). A Swede Dreamz ABBA tribute show really does capture all the magic and excitement of one of the world's most successful and entertaining live bands. With audience participation encouraged throughout, you're sure to be having the time of your life!

Saturday 10 – A Band Called Malice (The Jam tribute)

Witness a show which will take you back to the late seventies and early eighties when The Jam played as one of the most iconic and influential bands in music history. If you like The Jam, then you will love A Band Called Malice: guaranteed to give you an unforgettable evening for the right reasons!

Sunday 11 – Smack the Monkey

Welcome to the jungle: fun, lively and loud rock classics to current punk and rock, including AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Sex Pistols, Audioslave, Nirvana, Deep Purple, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and so much more.

For those about to rock, we salute you!

Friday 16 – New Identity

Five-piece party band covering iconic hits from Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Barry White, Robbie Williams and Bruno Mars plus much more.

Saturday 17 – UB40 Experience (the UK's No.1 UB40 tribute)

Featuring 'Stars In Your Eyes ' winner Andi Bagnali as Ali Campbell, plus a line-up of hand-picked world-class musicians, the band are set to be one of the biggest and best tribute bands in Europe.

Delivering outstanding quality entertainment with full live band stage performance. Setting the mood for the groove, bringing the best of Reggae, Ska, 2-Tone and Rocksteady to make your ultimate UB40 Experience.

Sunday 18 – Victoria Shakes (professional function covers band)

They play a wide range of songs from 60s classics to modern pop hits, electric and acoustic covers.

Ranging from artists like Pulp, Oasis, Talking Heads, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, Madness, The Jam, Jackson 5, White Stripes, Undertones, Neil Diamond, The Proclaimers, B52's, Johnny Cash, ELO, The Fratellis, The Killers – and more.

Friday 23 – Chasing Crows (indie Britpop band)

This four-piece Britpop tribute band perform songs from classic Britpop artists like Oasis, Verve, Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses plus many more.

Saturday 24 – Elvis tribute

This live professional sound brings back that Elvis magic from Steve Storm: one of the UK’s finest tributes to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself.

The Live Band Tribute Show brings together Steve Storm and The Vegas Cruiser band featuring two-piece harmony backing singers, The Sweet Sensations.

The show will mainly cover the magic of the 70s including songs from the Vegas, Elvis on tour and Aloha from Hawaii concerts.

Sunday 25 – Ryan Gilmour

Local rock guitar vocalist Ryan Gilmour has a repertoire of 500 covers. He will be performing live on stage to your selections.

Friday and Saturday: Free admission 6pm ‘til 9pm - £3 after 9pm.
Sunday: Free admission

Over 18s only. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Contact: The Empire Rochdale
01706 551515

www.facebook.com/empirerochdale/