LIVE REVIEW: Franz Ferdinand, Home Counties, Manchester Academy, 27/02/2026
Photo Credit: Fiona Torre
During the indie scene of the mid-2000’s, Franz Ferdinand were a force to be reckoned with. The charisma and song-writing prowess the Scots processed put the band on a pedestal amongst the best bands of the era. Fast forward over two decades later and although slightly older these days, Franz Ferdinand have managed to forge a career in an industry that is notoriously cut throat with many aspiring bands failing to sustain such success.
The Glaswegian rock band formed in 2001 are once again back on the touring circuit. They continue to impart their catchy indie tunes to audiences across the UK and Europe throughout this year. Tonight they play Manchester Academy as part of their Greater Glasgow European Cultural Exchange Tour.
Having arrived earlier then anticipated there was plenty of time to assume a suitable position for tonight’s show. Being a Friday, many people were of the same ilk, to arrive early and begin the weekend celebrations with an alcoholic beverage. The audience tonight is of an older generation, perhaps populated by those who have grown up with Franz Ferdinand throughout the decades.
Support for the Glaswegian rockers comes from Home Counties this evening. The first song is perhaps masked by nerves, due to the vocals being a little shaky. Introducing Hum Drum with the upmost energy, the electronic inspired number has a sort of video game vibe to it, the female fronted vocals coupled the the energetic rhythm work well within the song.
At points during the performance the vocals are overshadowed by the rest of the instruments being played, potentially down to the mixing of the live set. The group display strong influences to millennial electronica – Hot Chip, LCD Soundsystem and other bands of the era. An accomplished performance for an up and coming band who have recently released their second full length EP. 6/10
As the space inside Manchester Academy becomes almost claustrophobic, the arrival of Franz Ferdinand becomes imminent. With the venue plunged into darkness the indie rockers enter on stage to a rapturous applause from the audience. The Dark of the Matinee wastes no time getting the crowd loosened up, the audience need no encouragement to join in from the first note. The vocals sound crisp and clinical even in the early stages of the performance.
It’s clear Franz Ferdinand have honed their performance over the past few decades is extremely polished. By the time Audacious is played the venue is in full voice. The energy levels of the band and the audience are intertwined from the very start of the performance. As the evening continues to progress, lead singer, Alex Kapranos continues to engage the crowd throughout the performance.
Walk Away from the second album You Could Have It So Much Better receives the first obligatory sing-along of the evening. Franz Ferdinand continue the high-octane performance with Kapranos commanding every inch of the stage as the evening progresses. Nerves don’t seem to be a problem for the Glaswegian rockers this evening, as a band of their stature and experience have been at venues like the Academy multiple times throughout their lengthy career.
“If any of you boys feel like a dance, this one’s for you” as Kapranos addresses the audience in his Glaswegian accent, before launching into Michael. It is not surprising the further into the performance Franz Ferdinand go tonight, that the songs have stood the test of time, containing such stimulating rhythm and groove.
As mobile phone use becomes an epidemic across the world, with almost constant use every day of the year, Kapranos recognises this and demands the phones be locked away for at least three minutes. “Let’s keep the phones in the pockets for this next one and go fucking mental instead”. As the Scots belt wholeheartedly into one of their most well known hits Take Me Out.
Tonight has been an exceptional performance by a band who have talent and charisma in abundance. And, most of all, a cracking indie-sing-along of some of the greatest hits of yesteryear. 8/10
Written by: Ben Gilligan
