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Countdown To Versus Cancer


















Rewriting the reputation of charity gigs, Manchester Versus Cancer has become the ultimate back-patter's bash to be at.

In its inaugural year, it brought together New Order, Johnny Marr, Shaun Ryder, Badly Drawn Boy and Doves in a holy hoe-down into the wee hours.

Last year, The Charlatans and Noel Gallagher hooked up with Paul Weller and Ian Brown was reunited with old Stone Roses bassist Mani. All of it, magical stuff.

And so, it's been with a slightly nervous eye that punters and critics alike have scanned the schedule for year three: The Enemy, The Fratellis, The Happy Mondays (pictured), Fun Lovin' Criminals, Athlete, The View, The Inspiral Carpets and The Farm.

They're all household names, but do they lack the profile (and many the Mancunian roots) of previous headliners?

The organisers say that its what the public want - a "mixture of old and new that supporters have been asking for in what promises to be a night of cutting edge music and Manchester legends".

Certainly The Enemy and The View are indie royalty (and potentially stadium fillers, if this gig goes well) and the Mondays have gone through a much lauded rebirth since frontman Shaun went 'straight'.

Merits

The truth, though, is that you can argue over the merits of this collection of indie greats until the proverbial cows come home but, whatever way you look at it, £40 is a steal of a price for what will undoubtedly be a fabulous night in the name of a good cause.

A raft of DJs are also lined up to fill the gaps during the five-hour marathon fundraiser, which has even had to move its door time to 6.30pm just to fit everything in. It's a wise move; in previous years, scheduling everyone with a dressing room some time on stage has been something of a well-managed struggle.

So far, the Versus Cancer team has raised around £250,000 for local cancer services.

They hope to top the million mark this year, through this show and by continuing with other associated events and stunts (auctions and exhibitions have followed the original gig in 2006, and then there was Rourke's record breaking busk...).

You know how you can help.

Versus Cancer is at the M.E.N. Arena on Saturday, February 23 and includes performances from The Fratellis, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, The View, Athlete, The Enemy, The Farm and Fun Lovin' Criminals. Tickets are priced at £40 and are available from Ticketmaster, See Tickets and Ticketline. For more information visit www.versuscancer.org. Tickets for The Aftershow are £5 in advance and if there’s any space it will be £8 on the door on the night, with proceeds going towards fighting cancer.

Source: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

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