What a 2025 it has been for Ash. Their acclaimed new album Ad Astra landed in October, and a huge tour followed and continues into the new year.
The latest record is packed with fun, energy, and collaborations with iconic Blur guitarist, Graham Coxon. Branded around the theme of space, the scene was set for their eagerly anticipated live shows.
And it’s a week to the day since we were in Manchester as the Ad Astra tour stopped off at New Century Hall, supported by impressive Isle of Wight band, Coach Party.
So ahead of the Northern Irish band’s run of shows closer to home in the lead-up to Christmas, we reflect on the event and delve into what you can expect from the live shows…
Ash arrived on stage the only way the Ad Astra tour should, with a live intro courtesy of album opener, Zarathustra, Ash’s take on the Richard Strauss sci-fi classic. It formed part of a four-strong opening that comprised only songs from the new album – this was a band confident in what they’ve produced, and this was a crowd who were more than obliging to hear them.
Frontman Tim Wheeler proceeds to tell the crowd that this is their first time playing at New Century, and that their first Manchester show was back in 1994. Ash have a loyal following, and it wouldn’t have been surprising if some of those from the 1994 show were in attendance last week.
Fan favourite A Life Less Ordinary precedes Tim offering to “warm the crowd up” with Orpheus on a cold November night in Manchester. And if that wasn’t enough to get the Mancunian following on board, we were soon into Goldfinger, triggering the best reception of the evening so far.
What started off as an opening showcase of the latest album soon turned into an exhibition of Ash classics. And one of the biggest hitters, Shining Light, transitioning slickly into Oh Yeah, was musical craftsmanship at its finest and one of the highlights of the show.
Tim promised a deeper cut not played in a while, and delivered with Walking Barefoot from Free All Angels, before launching into their punk cover of Calypso classic Jump in the Line. Previously an Ash concert walk-off song, which drummer Rick McMurray famously danced along to, it became an official cover for the lead single of Ad Astra. Now firmly cemented in the main set, this was the epitome of the Ad Astra era fun. It just works.
We mentioned that the Irish dates were just around the corner, and Tim was sure to give a nod to his homeland, referencing the title of new track ‘Hallion’ – “if you know, you know”. And this was the stand-out of the new collection on the night. An immediate, catchy, and energetic track perfect for an Ash live set.
1977 hit Kung Fu closed the main set, before a rapturous encore demand preceded a Tim solo acoustic performance of new track ‘My Favourite Ghost’. It was the calm before the storm. “Are you ready for some rock?”, Tim asked the crowd, for the final flurry of Buzzkill, Girl From Mars, and set finale Burn Baby Burn, signing off in style!
A must-see band still at the top of their game, you can buy remaining tickets for the rest of the Ad Astra tour here: SHOWS – Ash Official Store
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