Buzzin Music Blog

The third annual Versus Cancer live concert at the Manchester Evening News Arena will be held on Saturday 23 February.

Versus Cancer is a Manchester-based charity, set up by ex Smiths bass player Andy Rourke to raise money for people suffering from cancer around the UK.

The past two events have included collaborations from the likes of Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, Ian Brown, Elbow, Doves and The Charlatans. It has also given partial Smiths and Stone Roses reunions and played host to a New Order set made up entirely of Joy Division songs.

This year’s line up includes a live set from new supergroup Freebass - Peter Hook (New Order), Andy Rourke (Smiths) and Mani (Stone Roses & Primal Scream) who will be joined on stage by Liam Gallagher among others, allegedly.

Though it was reported yesterday that Ian Brown will be appearing with Freebass at the concert, Ian has dismissed this by stating on his My Space page that he will not be appearing:

“Despite the Sun and XFM Manchester announcing today, I am not going to be playing at Manchester vs Cancer this year but buy a ticket anyway as it’s a good cause!”

The 2007 concert raised £1/4 million alone, with money funding research at the Christie Hospital and Genesis Centre in Manchester, an award winning awareness campaign, and essential equipment for hospices in the area.

Whether you’re a fan or an artist, Versus Cancer is about everyone coming together and making a difference. You can register your support by visiting VersusCancer.org and be kept up to date with concerts, funding projects, and notified of competitions to win prizes such as being at the soundcheck and backstage at our February gig.

Versus Cancer is on Saturday 23rd February and starts at 7PM. Tickets cost £40.00