Blue Orchids with Stepford Wives & Harpans Kraft - Tickets available on the door

We are thrilled to be bringing back this iconic Manchester band for their second outing with us at the legendary Night & Day.

Christened by John Cooper Clarke, Blue Orchids formed in 1979 when Martin Bramah left The Fall after recording the debut album "Live At The Witch Trials". Over the years the Blue Orchids line-up has included members of The Smiths, The Fall and Buzzcocks.

Blue Orchids released their first double A-sided single "The Flood / Disney Boys", in 1980 on Rough Trade, and were swiftly booked for their first John Peel session and as tour support for Echo & The Bunnymen.

They recorded their legendary debut album "The Greatest Hit" in 1982, which topped the independent charts and in the same year they toured Europe with The Velvet Underground’s Nico, serving as both backing band and support act.

"The Greatest Hit" is still a cult classic today and is soon to be released as a double album, including previously unheard songs.

In 1985 Martin Bramah recalled:

"I think if I'd never been in the Fall they'd still be one of my favourite groups. At first it bothered me that people mentioned me with The Fall all the time, but it doesn't bother me at all now. My contribution was quite substantial and I'm proud of what I did. I was very wary of sounding too much like them, travelling on their coat-tails.... with the Orchids that was the music I wanted to play, going back to my influences - Velvets, Stooges, etc. Songs with strong melodic lines."

In 2002 the well-chosen compilation, "A Darker Bloom" (released on Cherry Red) served to remind the world that Blue Orchids were an unsung major talent, while the belated release of "The Sleeper" in 2003 confirmed Martin Bramah as a formidable guitarist and songwriter.

Bramah reformed the band in 2012 for John Peel Day, before releasing a run of well-received albums: "The Once and Future Thing" in 2016, "Skull Jam" in 2017, "Righteous Harmony Fist" in 2018, "The Magical Record of Blue Orchids" in 2019 followed by "Speed the Day" in May 2021

New album, "Angus Tempus Memoir" is Bramah's most beguiling work in decades was released on Tiny Global on 15th July - Listen now on Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/AngusTempu...

The subtle originality of their sound permeates each of their releases, down primarily to Martin Bramah's singular vision. Yet, each new release presents subtly directed changes to their work.

Here is a band that followed its lights and muse, to make the world a more colourful place.

In support to make this a spectacular line-up we have Stepford Wives & Harpans Kraft

Stepford Wives are a no-frills, four-piece punk/post-punk garage noise outfit from Saddleworth, constantly striving to create thought-provoking, passionate, subversive lyrics and melody played with an aggressive sense of purpose.

Spanning Generations X to Z, and drawing on influences from all genres, they have developed a frantic live set that leaves the audience gasping for breath and shouting for more.

Their sell-out headline gig for Deco Records at The Castle last July, was described by John Robb’s Louder Than War as an “amazing punk assault of brilliant songs that punch you in the gut”.

Since then they have supported Half Man Half Biscuit, Twisted Wheel Buzzcocks, The Undertones as well as headlining the Night & Day stage of the Northern Quarter’s After All Festival in May 22. As well as this return to Night & Day supporting Blue Orchids, the second half of 2022 sees them playing as main support for The Chameleons and Stiff Little Fingers, in addition to a number of headline gigs across the North West.

Also, on that sell-out line up in July one of our favourites, Harpans Kraft who are re-joining Stepford Wives for this amazing night.

Harpans Kraft are a five-piece post-punk band based in Manchester, noted for their flair for weaving together jangly textures with a subtly menacing funkiness. They release their second single 'Canal Side Running' on 27th July."