Pop star Tom Grennan will perform a free acoustic set at O'Connell's, one of Manchester's most popular Irish bars, next Wednesday (October 7). Tickets are free, but numbers are extremely limited and fans are urged to act quickly.
The intimate gig marks a homecoming of sorts for the singer, who played one of his first ever shows at the venue. Before it became O'Connell's in early 2025, the historic spot beneath the railway arches of Oxford Road train station was known for decades as The Thirsty Scholar.
Announcement and ticket details
Announcing the show on social media, O'Connell's said: “Join us next Wednesday for an intimate acoustic gig from @tom.grennan – who’s revisiting us after he played one of his first ever gigs here!”
Tickets for the gig are free, but extremely limited. O'Connell's urged fans not to miss the opportunity, adding: “Tickets are free, but very very limited! Don’t miss out!”
Acoustic set and venue rules
Grennan has teased on Instagram that he'll be playing a new acoustic set, and provided a link for fans to claim their free ticket. The Manchester date asks attendees to “join the waitlist” for tickets and emphasises that the venue is over 18s only. Entry is not guaranteed as capacity is limited and is on a first come, first served basis.
With Grennan now an established name in British pop, the intimate Manchester performance promises to be a very different experience from his usual larger-scale shows.
Career and Irish connections
Tom first appeared on the music charts in 2016 as a guest vocalist on Chase & Status’s track “All Goes Wrong”. He released his debut album, Lighting Matches, in July 2018. The record reached number five on the UK Albums Chart and featured the hit single “Found What I’ve Been Looking For”.
Born in England, Tom also has strong family ties to Ireland. His father, Martin, is from Ballycumber in County Offaly, and Tom spent much of his childhood visiting his grandmother’s farm in the Irish midlands. He has previously spoken about having a large extended family in Ireland, including cousins across Ballycumber, Shannonbridge and Horseleap. He has also paid tribute to his Offaly heritage with an “OY” tattoo on his knuckles, referencing the county’s car registration code.
