Manchester indie legends Puressence have been forced to cancel their upcoming show at Castlefield Bowl, scheduled for July 2, due to unforeseen circumstances. The band announced the cancellation on social media last night, expressing their disappointment and assuring fans that they are working on alternative plans.
Band Statement on Cancellation
Issuing a statement on X, the band wrote: "To everyone who was planning to join us at Castlefield Bowl on 2nd July with The Chameleons, Due to unforeseen circumstances, we're absolutely gutted to announce that the show will no longer be going ahead as planned. This is not a decision that has been taken lightly... And we'd like to sincerely thank everyone who has already bought tickets and supported the event. The good news is that we're already working hard behind the scenes on alternative plans and hope to be able to announce a new date as soon as possible."
The band added: "We're currently exploring a number of options and are committed to bringing this show back in a way that does justice to everyone involved. All ticket holders will be contacted directly with further information. Thank you for your understanding, patience and continued support. It means the world to us, and we're as disappointed as you are that we won't be seeing you on 2nd July. We're confident we'll have some positive news for you very soon. Love, Puressence."
Background on Puressence
Puressence formed in Failsworth 35 years ago after meeting on a bus heading to watch the Stone Roses at the iconic Spike Island gig in 1990. They were peers of Oasis, performing at the same Boardwalk venue in Manchester in the early 1990s. Liam Gallagher recently recalled on social media how he would cheekily "turn their lights off then run off" at the same rehearsal rooms.
The band signed a major record deal with Island Records and achieved their biggest chart hit in 1996 with "This Feeling." They released six albums before splitting in 2013. Their comeback in 2024 was nearly derailed when frontman James Mudrickzi suffered a brain haemorrhage months before their scheduled return. Miraculously, he recovered and performed a sold-out show at Manchester's Albert Hall in June 2024, which fans described as "goosebumps" and "spine-tingling."
Impact on Sounds of the City Series
The cancelled gig was set to be Puressence's biggest ever UK headline show and was to kick off the Sounds of the City concert series at Castlefield Bowl. The series will now begin on July 3 with The K's, followed by Hacienda Classical on July 4. Wet Leg performs on July 8, Johnny Marr on July 9, The Streets on July 10 and 11, and Sex Pistols close the series on July 12.
Fans who purchased tickets will be contacted directly with further information regarding refunds or alternative arrangements. The band has not yet announced a new date but is actively working on rescheduling.
