The energy was infectious as the iconic indie band Inspirals Carpets made a comeback to their home city of Manchester to play the Albert Hall.

This is their first tour in eight years and the reception they’re receiving in 2023 is reminiscent of the overwhelming reception they received back when the band first came onto the scene in the late 1980s. 

It had a nostalgic feel to it as the three original members (Clint Boon, Stephen Holt, Graham Lambet) and Jake Fletcher, Kev Clark, Oscar Boon were welcomed on stage by an enthusiastic and excited crowd.     

Starting off with their 1989 single ‘Joe’, the crowd collectively danced and sang every word like a litany. This energy was carried on throughout the gig, especially during their 1990 hit single, ‘This Is How It Feels’ sung by Steven Holt. The song has become an anthem amongst many generations. This is a testament to the band's ability to make songs that withhold the test of time. 

Pints and the music continued to flow into the encore and as the band left the stage the Albert Hall went into complete darkness. A short film appeared on the huge screen on the back of the stage paying tribute to original drummer Craig Gill who passed away in November 2016 aged 44. It was an emotional moment with fans shedding tears, made even more special as keyboard player Clint Boon walked back on to the stage and introduced Craig's son, 17 year old Levon Gill. 

Image : Kenny Brown

Full of confidence and with the exact same loveable swagger his dad was known for, he went and sat behind the drum kit, and started playing the intro to the bands hit 'Commercial Reign'. The rest of the Inspiral Carpets walked back on stage, and with Levon on drums, played the song in full. As Levon then walked from the drum kit to the front of the stage, throwing his drumsticks into the crowd, the whole of the Albert Hall brought the roof down with emotional cheers and chanting. With his mum and other family members watching from the VIP area, Levon did his dad and his family proud. 

This was then followed by their version of '96 tears', which was dedicated to legendary broadcaster Mike Sweeney, who was in the crowd and has supported the band since day one, before ending on an absolutely faultless version of one of their most iconic anthems, 'Saturn 5'. Inspiral Carpets Manchester comeback gig at the Albert Hall will go down in musical history as one of the most memorable gigs of all time, and after the gig, Clint Boon states the night as being ‘One of the greatest nights of my life’.