The pandemic saw hundreds of UK gigs cancelled, rescheduled and postponed, leaving music fans feeling disappointed with an empty social calendar.
But it does mean that - now venues are back open at full capacity - 2022 is set to be a huge year for concerts.
And there are still some last minute tickets available for shows in Manchester on Ticketmaster - including Simply Red and former Spice Girl Melanie C.
Buying gig tickets can certainly help shake off the January blues, with artists playing at venues all over the city, from the AO Arena, O2 Ritz, O2 Apollo and Manchester Academy.
So here are eight Manchester gigs that still have tickets left for their February shows.
James Blunt
Friday, February 4 - Manchester AO Arena
James Blunt is embarking on a nine-date UK tour following the launch of his Greatest Hits album, ‘The Stars Beneath My Feet’.
The ‘You’re Beautiful’ singer first took the world by storm in 2004 with his debut album ‘Back To Bedlam’, going on to sell over 20 million albums worldwide.
The musician is a real fans' favourite thanks to hit amusing Twitter account - and now, he’s even joined TikTok.
The cheapest tickets for his show at the AO Arena are currently priced at £52.35 .
Simply Red
Sunday, February 6 - Manchester AO Arena
Fronted by Manchester-born Mick Hucknall, Simply Red are coming back to the red-headed singer’s home city in February.
Hucknall began his career in the late 70s in The Frantic Elevators before going on to form Simply Red,.
While the band has undergone numerous line-up changes, original members include Mick himself, and saxophonist Ian Kirkham.
The band split in 2010, reforming again in 2015 for a 30th anniversary tour, with their 2022 run of dates celebrating Simply Red’s 12th album Blue Eyed Soul, released in 2019.
Tickets are currently available for their show costing £57.50 each in the resale.
The Stranglers
Friday, February 11 - O2 Apollo Manchester
First formed in 1974, The Stranglers quickly became one of the best known punk bands of the era.
They released three albums – Rattus Norvegicus, No More Heroes and Black And White – within 13 months of each other, scoring a slew of hit singles such as ‘Peaches’, ‘No More Heroes’ and ‘Walk On By’.
They’ve since earned more than 20 top 40 singles and 18 top 40 albums.
General admission standing tickets at their O2 Apollo Manchester show are priced at £39.00.
Melanie C
Monday, February 14 - O2 Ritz Manchester
Ex-Spice Girl Melanie C is heading on a European tour to celebrate her self-titled eighth studio album, with four UK shows.
The popstar was known as Sporty Spice in the popular 90s girl group, which featured Geri Halliwell, Victoria Adams, Melanie Brown and Emma Bunton.
She achieved global success with the group, and built a glittering solo career, first teaming up with Canadian rocker Bryan Adams in 1998 for the hit single ‘When You're Gone’ and releasing her first solo single ‘Goin' Down’ in 1999.
Unreserved standing tickets still remain for her Manchester date of the tour, setting fans back £32.
KSI
Sunday, February 20 - Manchester Academy
KSI is an artist who has earned many a feather in his cap. He started his career on YouTube making game commentary videos, before moving to comedy, followed by rapping - amassing 30 million subscribers and seven billion views.
He’s also known for his boxing, going up against fellow YouTuber Joe Wells, and taking on Logan Paul twice.
Now, he’s focusing on his rap career, having collaborated on singles with Craig David and Anne-Marie.
His Manchester tickets are only available in the resale, marked up at £87.60 for unreserved standing.
Tom Odell
Sunday, February 20 - O2 Apollo Manchester
Tom Odell has been writing music from a young age, nominated for awards from the age of just 21.
He was nominated for the BBC Sound of 2013 poll, releasing his debut album Long Way Down later that year, which reached number one in the UK album charts.
At the 2014 Ivor Novello Awards, Odell was named Songwriter of the Year.
Last year, Tom announced that he was releasing his fourth album ‘Monsters’ released in June that year - which is supported by his February tour.
Tickets for his show - standing in the stalls - are still up for grabs at £34.35.
Samm Henshaw
Monday, February 21 - Manchester Gorilla
London-born Sam Henshaw draws on classical soul, pop and hip hop after learning to play instruments with his church where his father was the pastor.
He released his debut EP ‘The Sound Experiment’ in 2015, which caught the attention of James Bay and Chance the Rapper, who both asked him to support them on tour.
Now he’s heading out on his own headliner, with three UK dates, where Manchester tickets are only £17.25 for unreserved standing at Gorilla.
Dave
Thursday, February 14 - AO Arena
Nominated for four BRIT Awards in 2020, album of the year winner Dave is heading to Manchester for his ‘We’re All Alone in this Together’ tour.
He made his first live performance in 2015, coming into the spotlight the following year at the age of just 16.
Dave has earned a reputation for being a versatile rapper known for his clever, often profound lyrics and infectious beats.
Tickets to his Manchester gig range from £50.14 to £66.97 in the resale.
