One Republic
Ritz, Manchester
Reviewed by Rebecca Singleton
Had a brilliant night on Thursday 25th April attending the Ritz in Manchester to watch a One Republic gig with my sister.
Having never attended the Ritz before I was unsure what to expect from the venue, I was pleasantly surprised. The building dates back to the 1930s and was originally opened as a premier dance hall. It was later bought out by HMV and made into the venue it is today including the famous spring dance floor. With a capacity of just 1,500 it is small enough to feel exclusive but big enough to get the atmosphere you do from bigger crowds. The location couldn’t be better it is located just off Oxford Road two minutes’ walk from Oxford Road station and several major bus route making it perfect for those not wanting to pay the ridiculous city centre parking prices.
The supporting band were a new English band called Sons & Lovers they did a superb job of warming the crowd up with their catchy tunes and energy. I always like a band that can play their own instruments with lead singer Tom on keyboard, Dan on bass, Josh on drums and Tim on guitar their debut single Ghosts soon to be released is sure to feature high in the charts.
Colorado hailing band One Republic had the crowd wowed from the start with the vast array of instruments and musical dexterity. The band played some old well known songs such as ‘All the right moves’, ‘Secrets’ and ‘Good Life’ along with several from the new album ‘Native’ with favourites of mine being ‘Counting Stars’ and ‘Light It Up’. The spring dance floor had the crowd jumping and singing along throughout. The light display was dazzling even if they had to turn one off due to American plugs not being compatible.
Lead singer Ryan Tedder showed off not only his vocal skills the multi-talented star tinkled on the piano, the guitar and at one point bashed along on the tambourine. Lead guitar player Zach Filkins showed his musical abilities on guitar, Viola and acoustic guitar. Drew Brown impressed us with his musical capabilities on Rhythm guitar, Keyboard and at one point to the crowds delight even the Glockenspiel. Eddie Fisher provided the rhythm throughout on the drums and various other percussion instruments and lastly in this talented group Brent Kuzle wowed us on the base guitar and some beautifully melodic Cello solos. Proving that not only could this band sing and entertain the crowd they are actually a very talented group of individuals.
I enjoyed the concert so much I have already downloaded One Republic’s new album. All in all the venue provided the perfect backdrop to a superb band and a night to remember.
Rating: 5/5 
