Manchester Academy ...
 

Manchester Academy question...

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I am taking my daughter to see Asha Banks (at Manchester Club Academy) in March. As it turns out, Stiff Little Fingers are playing on the same night at Manchester Academy. As I am over there, waiting for them, it make sense to go and see SLF (I would have got a ticket for Asha Banks, but it is now sold out). Anyway, are the two venues relatively close, just in case there are any issues – my daughter can get a bit anxious at times, and it's going to be a busy, standing, gig for her.

Thank you.


 
Posted : 22/01/2026 9:31 pm
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Same building innit. Different floors.


 
Posted : 22/01/2026 9:45 pm
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I saw Fugazi there back in 90s. 

My friend's seen SLF several times over the years here in London and really enjoyed them.


 
Posted : 22/01/2026 10:07 pm
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Academy is the big one, capacity a few thousand. Academy 2 is in the student union building, middle floor. Capacity about 800 or so? Club academy is on top floor, couple of hundred capacity. The two buildings are next door to each other.


 
Posted : 22/01/2026 10:12 pm
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Posted by: fatface1

I saw Fugazi there back in 90s.

Assuming that was the one with the truly appalling Gold Blade in support, so did I.


 
Posted : 23/01/2026 8:37 am
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Yes, they are right next door to each other- Academy1 is the very big building on Oxford Road next to the Student Union. Club Academy is in the Student Union itself- though I am pretty sure its the basement floor not the top floor as someone said above (top floor is Academy 3 if I remember rightly). Either way though, you're right next door. 

There is also the student union bar itself (ground floor of the student union building) and a nice pub right across the road called Kro1 both of which will also be completely fine to hang out in for you and/or your daughter at any point should you need. 

There's a very popular bar called Big hands just down the road too but that is more of a dive-bar rock n roll vibe and gets very busy so potentially may not be what you're looking for given what you say in your OP. 

Its a very studenty area as you can imagine, so its busy but really pretty safe. 

Edit to say I once saw Stephen Malkmus at Academy2 and went for a pint before the gig in the student union below and when we sat down we were realised we were sat next to Stephen Malkmus who was sat by himself sipping a pint and watching the football. 


 
Posted : 23/01/2026 10:53 am
kelvin reacted
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Club Academy is in the Student Union itself- though I am pretty sure its the basement floor not the top floor as someone said above (top floor is Academy 3 if I remember rightly).

Yeah you're right, don't think I've been to club academy then. Not been to a gig at any of the academies for a long time tbh....!


 
Posted : 23/01/2026 11:03 am
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Posted by: fatface1

I saw Fugazi there back in 90s.

 

 

Assuming that was the one with the truly appalling Gold Blade in support, so did I.

 

I was there too. Small world.

Although i have seen Fugazi an awful lot so maybe not that much of a coincidence.

 


 
Posted : 23/01/2026 5:52 pm
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  • I can't remember who supported to be honest. I do remember Ian stopping Waiting Room to bollock the violent dancing going on. 

 
Posted : 23/01/2026 9:04 pm
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@fatface1 You’d remember if it was Gold Blade. They were atrocious but had a nice line in lamé suits.

I remember Fugazi thanking a vegan restaurant for the catering, the name of which escapes me.


 
Posted : 23/01/2026 11:19 pm
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I remember there used to be a vegan place in Rusholme. I used to live nearby. 


 
Posted : 24/01/2026 12:04 am