Sundays are rough, aren’t they? Sandwiched between the end of the weekend and the impending return to the grind, and this particular Sunday feels like the 100th week of January: cold, dreary, and downright miserable in Manchester. Yet despite the chill in the air and the persuasive Sunday blues, a crowd eagerly packed themselves into the snug confines of the sold-out Club Academy, hungry for a dose of unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll. BUCKCHERRY made a triumphant return to Manchester after a five-year absence, bringing songs from their latest studio album Vol. 10 to their UK audience for the first time, along with tracks from Hellbound not yet played on our shores.
Supporting acts included THE TREATMENT, RUBIKON and local support DEAR SUPERSTAR, each bringing their own blend of rock and roll, 80s hair metal and modern metalcore. The venue was jam-packed from the moment doors swung open – an impressive feat for a Sunday night – drawing fans from all walks of life, united by their love for music and primed for a night of pure rock ‘n’ roll energy.
Kicking off the proceedings were local support and Manchester-based hard rock band DEAR SUPERSTAR, returning after a 13-year break. Having already shared a stage with BUCKCHERRY, these guys couldn’t have been more stoked to grace us with their presence, delivering a fusion of 80s metal vibes with a modern, punchy metalcore twist. Despite being lesser-known on this lineup, the energy and enthusiasm they brought to their set was infectious. With the announcement of their upcoming third studio album, they made it clear that DEAR SUPERSTAR are back, louder and prouder than ever, making them ones to watch out for. A thrilling start to the night with promises of even bigger things to come.
Rating: 6/10
Rubikon live @ Club Academy, Manchester. Photo Credit: Ellie D PhotoNext up is RUBIKON and they’re everything you’d expect from the US hard rock scene. Vocalist Jae Sims starts their set by walking onto the stage, taking off his shoes and diving headfirst into their opening song, The Gun. RUBIKON proceeded to unleash a relentless barrage of tunes, each one packed with infectious bass riffs that have since found a spot on our “tasty bass riffs” playlist. After 22 years on and off of being a band, the gratitude for finally hitting the UK shores was clear as day. Travelling across the pond from Boston, Massachusetts the five-piece served up a hefty dose of big bouncy guitar riffs, with groovy beats. Or, as Sims eloquently put it “funky grooves to fuck to”. Adding an extra layer of excitement to their performance, Sims chucks free t-shirts into the crowd, encouraging people to head over to merch for a chat and more free t-shirts. With a resume that includes sharing stages with heavyweights like DISTURBED and SHINEDOWN, it’s no surprise that RUBIKON know how to deliver the goods, despite the limited stage space available to them at the Club Academy. A powerful and punchy start to the evening.
Rating: 7/10
The Treatment live @ Club Academy, Manchester. Photo Credit: Ellie D PhotoCambridge rockers THE TREATMENT were the final openers of the night and it was clear a lot of the audience was already well-versed with their music. They wasted no time in firing up the crowd, showcasing shredding solos, fiery riffs and catchy choruses. Frontman Tom Rampton was an absolute powerhouse and his infectious energy spread like wildfire. From the first note of Let It Begin to the adrenaline-fueled encore of Bite Back, the band kept the energy levels at an all-time high. Despite the somewhat ambitious move of prompting the audience to clap through a five-minute guitar solo, proving that sometimes, there can be too much of a good thing, the five-piece proved themselves more than worthy of the support act slot. Amidst the clapping fatigue, there was no denying the energy that THE TREATMENT brought to the stage, encouraging the audience to join in with the party. With their sixth album on the horizon undoubtedly accompanied by a tour, these guys are a must-see for fans of classic drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Rating: 7/10
Buckcherry live @ Club Academy, Manchester. Photo Credit: Ellie D PhotoThe night, for all its fantastic support acts, is about BUCKCHERRY. Emerging from the rebellious mid-90s music scene, this quintet defied the odds and carved out a legacy that has endured for a remarkable (nearly) three decades. With their 30th anniversary on the horizon in 2025, Josh Todd and his dynamic rock ‘n’ roll ensemble stand as a testament to resilience, vitality and the timeless power of rock ‘n’ roll.
Navigating through their arsenal of hits, including the infectious grooves of 54321, Ridin’ and Good Time, the Californian five-piece ensured there wasn’t a dull moment in their set. Adding a twist with a spirited cover of BRYAN ADAMS’ classic Summer Of ‘69 for good measure. The setlist was a journey through the sleazy, gritty, and rebellious underbelly of rock ‘n’ roll. With themes of partying, sex, and drugs interwoven into every riff and lyric.
The band members themselves were a whirlwind of motion, constantly engaging with the crowd and feeding off the energy of their fans. Bassist Kelly Lemiux, also known for playing bass in ska punk band GOLDFINGER, is not afraid to get up close and personal with the crowd, often venturing to the barrier to share a moment with fans in the front row, the other members matching his energy. Lead singer Josh Todd powered through the night with a chest infection, having cancelled shows in Nottingham (there’s nothing more hardcore than prioritising your health) just a few days prior. But on this night, they showed no signs of slowing down.
Buckcherry live @ Club Academy, Manchester. Photo Credit: Ellie D PhotoIt’s very easy to lose your edge over the years, especially in an industry where fresh talent emerges at an unprecedented rate, but despite the passing years, BUCKCHERRY have stood the test of time. They might not have the most insightful lyrics or be the most technical band out there, but man, do they know how to have a good time. They have continued to captivate audiences with their unmistakable sound and uncompromising attitude, and the chaos in this compact Manchester venue was proof of their enduring legacy. Amidst the chaos and sleaze that permeated every aspect of their performance, there was a sense of camaraderie and joy that was impossible to resist.
Ending the evening with their biggest hit Crazy Bitch, with the sleaze factor cranked up to 11 and beyond, BUCKCHERRY once again proved that rock ‘n’ roll is not just alive and kicking, but thriving in all its unapologetic glory.
Rating: 8/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Manchester from Ellie D Photo here:
