Band on the Wall

We went to the first Twisted Wheel Sunday at the Band On the Wall.
It was totally over subscribed 500 people in a place that was only fit for about 300.
We went in as a group of six, the ladies got a spot in the public bar, and the guys went to the bar.
The queue was horrendous so after 40 minutes we got to the corner of the bar when the manager came up and said " have you ever been in a bar before?".
I said "what do you mean? and she said "you don't know how to queue you are blocking the fire exits".
I said that we have been queuing for 40 minutes and that there should be more bar staff. There were only two behind the bar.
She said we gave covid issues with staff and I said we'll why have you let in too many people?
At that point she said "you are being abusive" and asked the security staff to have a word with us.
We are in our seventies and we have never been treated with such disgusting behavior,absolutely clueless management with no respect for their customers. We will never go there again and everyone we spoke to said the same.

The totally misleading advertising for this event says “ taking you on an uplifting journey filled with Funk Soul , Disco and Motown classics “ .

We arrived in anticipation of a great night and left ninety minutes later thoroughly disappointed . During that time the DJ failed to play one classic , but chose to indulge himself playing an obscure playlist - obviously thinking that was much more ‘ cool ‘ than playing the classics customers mistakenly came to dance to . As I left I mentioned this to the doormen and he replied they get lots of similar complaints . Time for action !

A terrible first visit to Band on the Wall . I suggest the powers that be replace the current DJs and find some that know what a Funk , Soul , Disco and Motown classic sounds like .

Watched Sammy Rae here on 27/01/2023. Show was excellent, and the venue was fantastic. You can get right up to the front if the stage, which is always a plus for us. The bar area is nice, my drink (an old fashioned) took a little while to make while the bartender was being trained, but that's to be expected with new staff sonetimes, so no worries there.

Only letdown was that we arrived early, had a drink in the bar, and then as soon as people started lining up for the venue we headed outside in the cold to make sure we could get near the front. But we later learned that they let a few people in from the bar area before doors opened, effectively allowing them to queue jump. These people then hogged the best spots at the front of the stage for the whole show. I've never been to a venue where they let people in early like that, especially with a hundred people already waiting patiently outside in the cold.

I've lived in Manchester for over 20 years and Band on the Wall has always been one of my favourite venues and a place I hold close to my heart. So many amazing gigs and nights. Last night I was let down by this venue and its door staff who quite frankly are a joke. 1st night out with my best mates since before lockdown. Stayed sensible on the drinking side in order to enjoy a good dance at the Huey Morgan and Don Letts night only to be turned away by the idiot door woman who stated that myself and a friend had drank too much. It was humiliating and totally uncalled for. As a longstanding Manchester club scene veteran I understand club eticate and know fully that neither myself or my friend were in any sort of state to have been given this treatmemt. We weren't inebriated, could talk completely straight and hold ousrelves together. We were absolutely no risk to anyone. No refund for our tickets either. The power hungry door staff need a talking too. Sad and disappointed by their very bad judgement. Also sad to say I won't be returning to this much loved venue. Do not recommend. Discriminate door staff. Saw this happen to other friendly not drunk revellers too. Hope they put a complaint on here and persue a refund. Still reeling.

Firstly, in order to obtain a membership discount a lengthy code is required. But this is absolutely pointless, given that you still have to show the membership card at the door. Why not just tick a box for member discount.

Secondly in addition to a compulsory booking fee they also charge a compulsory delivery fee . for an electronic ticket sent by email.

My favourite venue in Manchester by a long way! Band on the Wall is a regular port of call for artists from overseas on tour in the UK. I've seen so many amazing gigs here in the past few months, including several bands from West Africa and the Caribbean. And it just gets better and better. The venue is recently renovated, super-friendly, draws a great multi-generational crowd, and is a very easy place to go on your own. There are few places where you can get so close up to the stage, whether seated or dancing. It's also within very easy walking distance from the station and main bus and tram stops. Basically, it rocks!

Top venue. Great sound. Visited many times recently. Just a minor gripe. Charley Crockett last night. Onstage at 9.20pm? Please can we get artistes during the week on earlier. My last train home leaves at 10.20pm. It was his only gig in the north of england and many people travelled in by train. You are a 15 minute walk to the nearest station. I saw about half the gig before I had to leave to get my train. Other than that. You rock.

Such a good vibe!
I've been going to BotW for 25 years and it never disappoints.
Some absolutely world-leading live gigs and the staff are always super-friendly.
The main thing is that it seems to attracts a fabulous mixed crowd. All ages and backgrounds. The power of soulful music!

Our first visit to Band On The Wall, although not our first attendance at. Mary Coughlan gig. We were very impressed with the venue and truly moved and delighted with Mary and her two colleagues on stage. An utter joy from beginning to end.

Fantastic evening watching The Whistling Donkeys. I phoned the venue beforehand to reserve seats on the balcony. Nothing was too much trouble. Fantastic seats in tbe middle. The Wh8stling Donkeys were awesome, the venue was brilliant, sound at atmosphere was amazing. Would definatly recommend a visit. And go again.