The Nocturnal Affair’s thunderous beats in Manchester
Words & Photos: Megan Cawley
Las Vegas’ own The Nocturnal Affair stormed into Manchester as the opening act for Wednesday 13, and they wasted no time making their presence felt.
Photo: Megan Cawley
The show began with the drummer alone on stage, pounding out thunderous beats that set the tone before the rest of the band charged in to join him. The five-piece delivered a set packed with raw intensity with head banging, jumping, and relentless movement that pulled the crowd in from the first note.
Their stagecraft wasn’t just about spectacle; they actively worked the audience, teaching call-and-response sections that had fans shouting back with enthusiasm. It was the kind of engagement that transformed the room from passive listeners into participants in the chaos.
The band’s growing list of stage-mates is testament to the versatility and determination of frontman and writer Brendan Shane, the creative force behind The Nocturnal Affair. Brendan and the Nocturnal team have struck a chord with Wednesday13 and their adoring fans and thus are fortunate to be invited back as the legendary Murderdolls frontman and his raucous live show takes to even bigger stages across the UK.
The highlight came at the end, when The Nocturnal Affair surprised everyone with a cover of ‘What Is Love (Baby Don’t Hurt Me)’. Reimagined with their heavy, nocturnal edge, it was both playful and powerful, a perfect closer that left the crowd buzzing and primed for Wednesday 13’s arrival.
In short, The Nocturnal Affair proved they’re more than just an opener; they’re a band capable of commanding a stage and leaving a lasting impression.