Courteeners: From Garage Band to 35,000 Fans

Courteeners, the indie band formed by four school friends in Middleton, are marking two decades since they hit the Manchester music scene in 2006. Lead singer Liam Fray recently spoke about their journey, recalling early performances in intimate settings like a pub's function room with a small stage.

Fray reminisced about personally buying tickets for his solo shows to ensure they were marked 'Sold Out' before reselling them to fans at venues like the legendary club 42s. He also shared memories of early gigs with bandmate Michael Campbell, which were so oversold that venue staff struggled to reach the stage.

The band, which has released a new best-of compilation, 'God Bless The Band,' is preparing for a significant homecoming concert at Wythenshawe Park, expected to draw up to 35,000 attendees. This event highlights their remarkable growth from local beginnings to international recognition.

Supporting grassroots music venues remains a priority for Fray and the band. They emphasize the crucial role these smaller stages played in their development, acknowledging that without them, their success would not have been possible. A portion of ticket sales from the Wythenshawe Park concert will benefit the Music Venue Trust.