The Strokes returned to the stage in Manchester on Monday night and delivered a full setlist, including the track Ode to the Mets, which had been missing from their Newcastle show the previous evening. The band's UK tour continued at the Co-op Arena after fans in Newcastle were left frustrated by an abruptly ended encore.
Newcastle Gig Ends Early
The Newcastle show at the Utilita Arena on Sunday marked the band's first-ever performance in the city, despite a career spanning more than two decades. Tickets for the gig, priced around £100, had sold out well in advance.
The band took the stage shortly after 9pm and opened with songs such as Lonely in the Future, Reptilia and Hard to Explain. The setlist was similar to their Paris show a few nights earlier, but the encore differed. In Paris, the audience heard Threat of Joy, Selfless and Ode to the Mets, while Newcastle only received New York City Cops after their biggest hit Last Nite, before the band made a quick exit.
Full Encore in Manchester
Fans who paid for tickets in Newcastle were understandably frustrated by the ending, drawing more attention to the Manchester show. In Manchester, the band completed the full encore, ending with Threat of Joy, Selfless and Ode to the Mets.
A spokesperson for the Utilita Arena clarified that the venue had no involvement in the earlier-than-expected finish, stating: "We’d like to clarify that all show timings are approximate and may be subject to change, as is the nature of live events. Our venue curfew is 11pm. We’re proud to have hosted this distinctive live show in Newcastle and would like to thank the band and their team for bringing this show to our city. We remain committed to providing live experiences for our audiences and appreciate their understanding."
The Manchester performance provided the full setlist that Newcastle fans had hoped to hear, bringing the band's UK tour to a more satisfying conclusion for those in attendance.
