New free printed monthly gig listings magazine launches in Manchester and Leeds

02 October 2017 - Press release

“I've always loved gig guides, from reading the back pages of the music weeklies as a teenager - it's like a world of possibilities, discoveries and amazing nights out, that the near future version of you will be enjoying and building memories from. I picked up a copy of The Live Guide in Manchester, it's what every city needs.” - The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess 

“Had a flick through a copy of The Live Guide Leeds yesterday, looks decent, good little listings magazine.” - Kevin Lawson, Ticket Arena

“Exactly what Manchester has been needing! A great way to find new music, thanks so much!” - Hanna Cox, Reader

Sick of missing gigs? Fed up of trolling through music sites, being invaded by endless pop-up ads, while trying to get the low down on your new favourite band? Want one place that lists all gigs in a concise physical format along with local music news, interviews, and sacks of wicked-cool content to peruse at your leisure in your favourite hangout? The Live Guide is the answer.

In September 2017 The Live Guide Group launched two new, printed live music listings publications in the North West entitled ‘The Live Guide Manchester’ and ‘The Live Guide Leeds’.

15,000 free copies were distributed in each city via a variety of methods: hand to hand at gigs and in a bespoke rack at venues, bars, cafes and shops in and around Manchester and Leeds. 

The pocket-sized monthly guide includes insights and tip-offs about fresh faced newcomers and soon-to-be favourites, to interviews with established acts, and thoughts from industry insiders. Readers can also expect reviews of live shows in action and previews of upcoming events, along with a comprehensive live listings guide. 

The first edition hit the streets at the start of September with fellow Northerners Blossoms as the magazine’s cover stars. Inside it featured an exclusive interview with the band backstage at Leeds Festival, moments before their set on the Main Stage. 

Inspiral Carpets keyboardist, Radio DJ and new music champion Clint Boon, wrote an exclusive feature for the inaugural issue, titled ‘Clint’s Hint’, in which he tipped emerging psychedelic rockers Control Of The Going to readers. 

The Leeds Festival special also included a ‘Freshers Guide’, alongside ‘Local News’, ‘Picks of the Month’, a ‘#1tweetreview’ section - your gig reviews in 140 characters or less - and a lonely hearts style ‘Gig Crush’ piece. 

Editor in Chief Emma Baker comments: “We really want to get our readers involved in the magazine and provide a voice for music lovers in Manchester and Leeds. We’re actively encouraging our audience to contribute in the ‘Local News’, ‘#1tweetreview’ and ‘Gig Crush’ sections through social media.” 

Co-Founder Simon Robinson comments: “The response to the inaugural issue has been incredible; we’ve been inundated with emails and posts on social media supporting and congratulating us on the magazine and our readers are continuously telling us how a free local music magazine, with such a comprehensive gig guide, is much needed in both cities.”

You can view digital versions of the magazines online via the following:

Manchester: https://issuu.com/theliveguide/docs/the_live_guide_manchester_sept_17_f

Leeds: https://issuu.com/theliveguide/docs/the_live_guide_leeds_sept_17_final_