Before the main event, Manchester Academy welcomed ‘Dodgy’, Fronted by Nigel Clark on vocals/guitar, alongside Mathew Priest on drums, Andy Miller on guitar, Stu Thoy on bass and multi-instrumentalist Graham Mann on keys and brass.
I usually roll support acts into the main review, but I feel like Dodgy deserve their own spotlight. For me, they’re one of the most underrated bands of their era. Like many Britpop and indie outfits re-emerging today, some never truly disappeared—they’ve been quietly grafting away, playing for the sheer love of music. That dedication deserves recognition, and hearing them in Manchester, they reminded me why they still matter.
I was genuinely excited to see Dodgy bring a wave of Britpop nostalgia to the stage. The last time I saw—and photographed—them was at Stalyfest earlier this year, where they went down a treat. Back then, I didn’t write a review; I hadn’t yet discovered this passion for putting into words the love I have for the artists who shaped my life’s soundtrack. Saturday felt like closing a circle where I could give them the recognition they deserve.
If you’re not clued up on your Dodgy, a bit of history – Formed in Hounslow in1990, they quickly became a cornerstone of the Britpop movement with the release of The Dodgy Album (1993) and Homegrown (1994). But their defining moment came in 96 with the release of Free Peace Sweet – My favourite album that contained musical gems like “Staying Out for the Summer”, “If You’re Thinking of Me”, and the anthem “Good Enough” a song that soared into the UK Top 5 and became a soundtrack to the decade. With over 2 million records sold and 12 Top 40 singles, Dodgy’s sun-soaked harmonies and feel-good riffs for me, made them icons of the era.
On the night, Dodgy delivered exactly what fans expected. A set delivered with warmth and familiarity. From the opening chords, the crowd were loving it, singing along to every chorus as Nigel’s vocals soared effortlessly over tight, melodic arrangements.
The title track from their upcoming album was standout for me. Hello Beautiful feels like a little warm cuddle with a heartfelt message wrapped in Dodgy’s trademark optimism and rich musical craftsmanship. It left me excited to hear what the rest of the album has in store.
Dodgy, for me, are like a musical DeLorean. Every chord a time machine back to sun-soaked days and carefree drives of the 90’s. The opening riff of “Staying Out for the Summer” still sparks that same rush it did decades ago, a sound that had me instinctively reaching for the volume knob in my old (but pimped) grey mini. Back then, it was part of my soundtrack to endless road trips, windows down, warm breeze rolling in, and the promise of adventures, just over the horizon. Hearing it live feels like I’m flipping through a photo album of my youth. Every song feels like a snapshot (fittingly), a Polaroid of carefree late-’90s summers, sun-washed and alive with the promise of adventure and the lessons that come with it.
But Dodgy’s story isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about heart. In 2019, they re-recorded their classic hit “Staying Out for the Summer” as a charity single, donating all proceeds to Crisis, the UK charity supporting homeless individuals. The project was part of the Musicians Against Homelessness campaign, a movement that united artists to fight homelessness through the power of music. In an industry that (sometimes) seems to be driven by a “what’s in it for me” mindset, it feels important to celebrate bands like Dodgy who gave their time and talent to a cause that truly makes a difference. That generosity mirrors the warmth of their music and the spirit of their performance each time they perform—uplifting, inclusive, and full of heart.
One of the things that makes Dodgy special for me is what happens after the lights go down. While many artists vanish backstage, Dodgy steps out to meet the people who’ve sung along with them since the ’90s and those discovering them for the first time. They chat, share stories, pose for photos, and even sell their own merch, often with a smile and a laugh that feels like catching up with old friends. What’s not to like about this.
With their tour alongside Black Grape now in the rearview, the band is gearing up for an exciting 2026, headlined by the May release of their new album Hello Beautiful (a title that feels like a wink to fans who’ve been there since the start). Next year’s calendar is stacked with UK dates—everything from intimate club shows that echo their early days to sprawling festival fields where their anthems will once again become the soundtrack to sun-soaked afternoons.
Yes, Dodgy’s story does read like a Britpop novel about resilience: the early charm that won hearts, the radio-dominating peak, the inevitable rough patch, and a reinvention that’s as thoughtful as it is authentic, but that keeps them not just relevant, but vital. Through it all, the constants have been melody, harmony, and that unmistakable optimism. And, of course, the fact that they’re just genuinely lovely blokes.
Whether you’re hearing Staying Out for the Summer for the thousandth time or diving into their newer catalogue for the first, one thing is clear: decades on, Dodgy aren’t simply keeping the flame alive—they’re making it burn brighter than ever.
Words and Photos by Shavorne Wilbraham
Dodgy – Hello Beautiful 2026 UK Tour Dates
31 Jan 2026 – Strings Bar & Venue, Newport (Isle of Wight)
10 Mar 2026 – The Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
30 Apr 2026 – The Adrian Flux Waterfront, Norwich
01 May 2026 – Docks Academy, Grimsby
02 May 2026 – The Tivoli, Buckley
08 May 2026 – Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek
10 May 2026 – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
15 May 2026 – The Tunnels, Aberdeen
16 May 2026 – An Seòmar, Inverness
17 May 2026 – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
21 May 2026 – The Forum, Tunbridge Wells
22 May 2026 – Papillon, Southampton
23 May 2026 – Quarters, Brighton
17 Jul 2026 – Godney Gathering (Glastonbury area)
31 Jul 2026 – Poole Harbour Festival, Poole
