Wait. The TikTokers don't love you like I love you - Yeah Yeah Yeahs thrill at Manchester Apollo
Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Manchester Apollo. Monday June 16, 2025.
What do you do when your most famous song has been completely bastardised by a TikTok dance craze?
If you're the Yeah Yeah Yeahs you strip it back entirely and add a string quartet.
READ MORE: 45 of Parklife 2025's most fashionable festival-goers
READ MORE: Chris Brown brings surprise star guest out at Co-op Live gig in Manchester
It could easily have been business as usual for the New York trio - now 25 years into their journey as one of the most revered indie darlings of the 21st century.
An electric live band, their pretentious, cerebral art-rock speaks for a generation.
So when they announced a short tour to celebrate their many years together, it sold out in minutes.
More recently, they have found fame with a new audience much younger than the Millennials who grew up hearing Y Control and Zero blasting out of the speakers at 5th Ave and 42s.
That's because their glorious ballad Maps has become part of a viral dance trend that propelled the song to the top of the TikTop Billboard Top 50 chart - 21 years after its release.
But it's the die hard fans rather than the TikTokers who fill the seats of Manchester Apollo tonight.
After a test run in California, Manchester is the first stop on a tour of 'beautiful iconic theatres' and one of only two UK dates.
The Hidden In Pieces tour is intended to display YYY's softer, more mature side with the band working alongside a string quartet to show off a selection of rarities and B-Sides.
And from the opening chords of lovesong Blacktop, it's clear this is going to be something pretty special.
Frontwoman Karen O's pure, delicate vocal rings out above a reverberating synth - setting the tone for a show filled with delicate and heartfelt moments of beauty.
O is usually one of the most energetic performers around. But she spends much of this set gently pottering about the stage in a red jumpsuit, gold boots and a blue diamond encrusted cape. During some of it, she's even sitting down - unheard of at a normal YYY's gig.
The last time they visited Manchester, O spat water into the air, growled, roared, rolled around and hurtled about the stage. That's her shtick.
Tonight she is a different beast. Older, wiser, more relaxed - much like her audience (I can't have been the only one to delight in the prospect of a seated gig on a weeknight).
'Are you ready to get comfy and cosy with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs tonight?' she asks. 'This is new for us. It's just you and us tonight.'
Promising some 'deep cuts' from their back catalogue, O launches into Mystery Girl - a very early song from their first EP.
Then there's an acoustic guitar version of the anthemic Gold Lion which doesn't stray too far from the source, but slows the tempo down and adds a double bass.
Let Me Know - a B-side O admits is only really for true fans, follows with a searing string quartet intro.
A cover of Bjork's Hyperballad doesn't quite work and it takes me a little while to recognise the bonkers lyrics of that masterpiece above a busy arrangement and overly loud synth.
And IsIs - a gloriously chaotic racket in its recorded form - honestly sounds a bit of a mess here.
But overall the orchestral arrangements in this show throw new light and shade on YYY's raw, exposing lyrics.
As O, guitarist Nick Zinner and drummer Brian Chase power into fan favourite Cheated Hearts, the energy ramps up and you can feel they are on safer ground.
Warrior lends itself well to this more acoustic sound and really allows O to show off both the vulnerability and explosive power of her unique voice.
A new arrangement of Runaway sounds lovely and achieves the Lynchian vibe the band may have hoped to display when they cited the late great director in their press for this tour. It sounds huge and dramatic with strings adding an ethereal, Mica Levi-like eeriness.
O has always been an emotionally raw performer - you need only look at the famously heart-wrenching video for Maps to glean that. But this evening's performance is bolder still.
'I'm not really sure why we're doing this,' she admits 'We just really wanted to.
'We just wanted to sing these songs really vulnerable for you. It's really special to be here doing this with you.'
This is a bold, experimental show which at times feels more akin to something you would find at Manchester International Festival rather than the Apollo on a Monday night.
There are also moments of huge charm and emotion. The short pretty Mars - which O dedicates to her son Django - is an ode to childhood wonder and wisdom.
While Maps - an already sorrowful song - is elevated with an utterly beautiful string quartet interlude.
'Those strings man,' gasps a visibly moved O.
An acoustic, almost Country version of Spitting off the Edge of the World leads us into songs it would be impossible not to include - Modern Romance, Y Control.
An encore in which O dons light-up trainers and blasts out Burning and Zero in her more usual energetic style brings the show to a thrilling end, and all before 10pm - something that disappoints the girls in front of me who have just returned to their seats with fresh pints.
As a Millennial of a certain age, I admit that the nostalgia linked to YYYs might not make me the most impartial of reviewers. I love this band. I have a Stan Chow poster of Karen O on my living room wall. I am an early noughties cliché.
But even I am not impervious to their mistakes. At some points tonight, the heady mix of strings, synth and fuzzy guitars sounds a mess. But mostly, it's a spectacular show.
And unlike some of their peers from the New York indie sleaze era, Yeah Yeah Yeahs are always developing.
This might be a gig for true fans, but the TikTokers are missing out on something truly beautiful.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Aaron Taylor-Johnson hails director Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later approach
Aaron Taylor-Johnson says the 28 Years Later cast were given "freedom of space to make mistakes" by director Danny Boyle. The 35-year-old actor plays Jamie in the new post-apocalyptic horror movie and praised the experimental approach that the acclaimed filmmaker took to the project. Aaron told Collider: "I think most days were definitely a new experience for me, and for us. Very creative. He was experimenting with these different cameras and different rigs and stuff, and not always with a sense of, like, 'This is how it's going to work.' "Some things he'd be like, 'Look, I don't know', and that was quite refreshing because it meant that there was this freedom of space to make mistakes, but be creative and find something new. "He's exceptional. When you're in the hands of Danny, he's got such an enthusiasm and this great energy, he really makes you feel in the safest of hands." Aaron features alongside Jodie Comer in the film with the pair as married couple Jamie and Isla – with Alfie Williams portraying their 12-year-old son Spike – and revealed that he and the Killing Eve actress spoke at length about the background to their characters in the flick that marks the latest installment of the 28 Days Later franchise. The Kraven the Hunter star said: "I feel like there was definitely a lot of love there in their relationship, but we had this two-week period before in the rehearsal period to really kind of dive into how they may have found each other, their relationship to the community, the island. "The one thing that they both can agree on is that they adore their son, and they've raised their son in this community." Taylor-Johnson added: "So, it's fractured, and it's complex, and I like that humanity, that sort of human, flawed aspect of it. Yeah, we talked a lot about the backstory to feel like it was grounded in something." Jodie felt that it was important for the duo to "understand" the background to their alter egos, even though it was often forgotten about when the pair were acting together on set. The 32-year-old star said: "It was like you say, it was important for us to understand that, and honestly, you then have to kind of forget it when you get on the set because you're faced with the material in front of you and where they are at this present moment. "But yeah, it was always important for us to feel that we knew the history before they got to this point." Meanwhile, Aaron revealed that he was "hugely impressed" with the attitude of his young co-star Williams – who is just 14 years of age. He said: "I was hugely impressed with Alfie's focus and his energy every single day. He was so switched on and gave it his all, and terrific to work with. "To have collaborative conversations with Danny and come up with great thoughts and opinions on his character in the scenes, he truly came to work prepared every day. So, it was very impressive, emotionally."
Yahoo
11 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Midlothian man quit school after making £10k a month managing Fortnite players from bedroom
A young Midlothian man quit school after earning £10,000 a month managing some of the world's biggest online gamers from his bedroom. Ross McLaren, 22, was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy which left him wheelchair bound. He dreamed of becoming a professional Fortnite player but instead built a six-figure business at the age of 17 while living at home with his parents, Lesley and Craig. Now Ross manages a team of ten and oversees the daily operations of some of the biggest names in online gaming including megastar Fortnite players Clix and Sentinel, reports The Daily Record. READ MORE: Eager Edinburgh customers in huge queue stretching up road as new cafe opens READ MORE: Australian 'fiasco' ferry leaves Edinburgh after months docked in the capital He told the Record: "I really wanted to be a pro-Fortnite player but I realised I wasn't good enough. "I got into video editing for professional Fornite players and started working with small gaming streamers for free when I was in school. "By summer 2021 I was making £10,000 per month and I told my parents I didn't want to sit my Advanced Highers. "They had their doubts and asked me to go back to school - but I quit after one day." Ross explained how his disability enabled him to get into the gaming world and hone his craft. He said: "Having muscular dystrophy was somewhat of an advantage for me as it meant I spent a lot more time on a computer when I was younger as I couldn't go out and play sports like other kids." The then-schoolboy began offering his video editing services to small streamers for fun. Just as he was about to give up, Ross struck gold. "I was working with a streamer called Bugha who only had about 20,000 subscribers," he said. "Bugha played in the Fortnite World Cup in 2018 and won $3million. Overnight, his subscriber count hit one million.' Bugha– now with 4.7million YouTube subscribers – stuck with Ross, and business 'spiralled from there'. Ross then caught the eye of another famous Fornite player called Clix who had 3.5 million YouTube subscribers. Following pressure from his parents, Ross went back to George Heriot's School for one day before quitting - and landed one of the biggest opportunities of his career. He was asked to run a gaming channel fronted by UK YouTube icon KSI who boasts more than 22 million subscribers. He now works as a freelancer, and manages content for professionals like Clix and top E-Sports organisation Sentinels, based in Los Angeles. Top Fortnite streamers like Clix earn around £100,000 per month and Ross collects a lucrative commission for producing content. The young entrepreneur now has his sights on relocating to the US to be closer to his star clients. He added: "It's crazy how things have turned out. "My job didn't exist a few years ago - now business is thriving. "I hope to move to Dallas. With Fortnite, the servers are based there and many of the players are. "I'm planning on taking the leap to move to be closer to my clients." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Royal Ascot 2025 Day 5 tips and best bets as Topgear tipped to rev-up punters
ROYAL ASCOT DAY FIVE TIPS 2:30 MOMENTS OF JOY 3:05 REBEL'S ROMANCE 3:40 TOPGEAR (NAP) READ MORE: Dundee United close in on double signing as transfers agreed for midfield enforcer and Ukrainian keeper READ MORE: Royal Ascot racegoers in suits throw punches in brutal brawl Advertisement 4:20 MARVELMAN 5:00 SYMBOL OF HONOUR 5:35 BEST SECRET 6:10 DALLAS STAR GARRY'S DOUBLE: TOPGEAR (NAP) AND MARVELMAN Topgear (3:40) will be revved-up for the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes on Day 5 of Royal Ascot. Christopher Head's charge showed potent speed when bagging a hat-trick over six furlongs at two. He held his form well over trips around a mile for the remainder of his career with Fabrice Chappett. The bay was also placed in good company over that distance on his first few starts for his new yard. He benefitted from a return to seven when cosily defeating Ten Bob Tony on a Longchamp Group 3. The six year-old hit new heights by routing Royal Scotsman in the Group 2 Challenge at Newmarket. He was even better when bolting-up from the talented Sajir on his return at Longchamp recently. The French raider looks ideally-suited to this testing six so he can power to his first Group 1 success. Advertisement Moments of Joy (2:30) looks another smart juvenile for Aidan O'Brian in the Chesham Stakes. The filly wasn't overly well-fancied among a strong Ballydoyle squad on debut at Leopardstown. However, she showed a nice mix of class and guts to brush aside Little Sure Shot by a half-length. The youngster definitely has a bright future so she can deny some promising rivals upped in class. Rebel's Romance (3:05) can turn on the charm for Charlie Appleby in the Hardwicke Stakes. The seven-year-old excelled last season with a quartet of top-level victories across the globe. He warmed-up nicely for this term by comfortably defeating The Foxes in a Grade 3 at Doha. The gelding didn't enjoy the run of the race when fourth in the Sheema Classic at Meydan. He bounced back by outbattling Epic Poet over 1m 6f in the Yorkshire Cup on the Knavesmire. The Godolphin star won't mind returning to a stiff 1m 4f so he can land a slightly weaker race. Appleby can strike again with Symbol of Honour (5:00) in the Wokingham Stakes. A general view of the Royal Procession at Royal Ascot The three-year-old wasn't disgraced in decent company over seven furlongs as a two-year-old. He benefitted from returning to six when edging-out West Acre in a valuable event at Meydan. The grey stayed upwardly mobile when decisively defeating Dark Saffron in a similar race there. He wasn't suited by a step-back up in trip when sixth to Cosmic Year in a Newmarket Listed event. The gelding hit back with a vengeance by hammering Ides Of March dropped in trip at Newbury. He then opened his Group 2 account by outpointing Arabian Dusk in the Sandy Lane at Haydock. The son of Havana Grey looks fairly-treated for his handicap debut so he can make his class tell. Advertisement Marvelman (4:20) looks super-powered for Andrew Balding in the Jersey Stakes. The colt showed promise when second to Bob Mali in a strong six-furlong Salisbury novice. He improved again when chasing home Spirit Of Farhh over an extra half-furlong at Newbury. The three-year-old relished tackling seven when routing Shameful on his return at Kempton. He was then unlucky to encounter Cosmic Year in the Listed Charles II Stakes at Newmarket. That is high-class form so the Kingsclere contender can bag another hot renewal of this Group 3. Best Secret (5:35) can be a rare Gallic handicap winner here in the Golden Gates Stakes. Stephane Wattel's bay made steady progress in three outings in maiden company last term. The three-year-old stayed 1m 2f well when giving Parachutiste on his return at Saint-Cloud. He really excelled himself by hosing-up from Good Speed in a valuable Longchamp handicap. The gelding looks group-class so he can cash-in on a nice piece of placing under James Doyle. Dallas Star (6:10) can sparkle for Andrew Murray in the Queen Alexandra Stakes. The colt was outclassed when well-beaten behind City Of Troy in last season's Derby at Epsom. King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive in the royal carriage during day one of Royal Ascot The bay returned with an easy win at Dundalk only to lose his way again over middle distances. He was revived by a step-up to 1m 6f when chasing home the mighty Kyprios at Leopardstown. The four-year-old then plugged-on well late to take third over two miles at Down Royal recently. Team Amo's hops looked ready to tackle this marathon distance so he can shade a trappy event. Advertisement Mo of Cairo (4:10) can leave his rivals in the dust on Unite Summer Raceday at Ayr. Kevin Ryan's colt can score with a repeat of his fine debut second to Azizam at Hamilton. Classy Al (4:50) can cap a magnificent week for Jim Goldie in the John Gillespie Handicap. The four-time course winner remains well-treated after crushing Winged Messenger at Hamilton. The Uplawmoor Ace can stay on song with Woohoo (8:08) in the Eco Energy Handicap. The speedster was only denied a four-timer by the progressive Canon's House at Hamilton. That looks respectable form so the gelding can gain compensation in these calmer waters. Westerton (5:25) looks the best of Alan King's raiding party in the Johnstone Rose Bowl. The useful hurdler was a game third to Ecureuil Secret over an inadequate 1m 2f at Epsom. The five-year-old still lurks on an inviting mark so she can strike over this more suitable trip. First Instinct (5:55) can claim the trappy Land O'Burns Stakes for William Haggas. The filly ran another stormer when third to Symbol Of Honour in a Group 2 at Haydock. That was a warm event so the sprinter can resume winning ways down in trip and class. Mecca's Symphony (7.38) can call the tune for Michael Dods in the Bridgend Handicap. The three-year-old can build on her encouraging third behind Frankies Dream at Doncaster.
