Did you know these legends were coming to M&S Bank Arena?

Liverpool’s amazing waterfront venue is used to welcoming some of the most famous names in the world of music and entertainment – and it doesn’t get much better than this year (and next) when it’s set to raise the roof with some absolute legends.

Starting with Kool & The Gang later this month, the M&S Bank Arena is preparing to help us celebrate good times.

So come on …

Kool & The Gang

Celebrating their 60th anniversary this year, Kool & The Gang have performed continuously longer than any R&B group in history and their funky arrangements have also made them the most sampled R&B band of all time. They’re at the arena for one night only, Friday, July 26, with hits like Celebration, Get Down on It, and Cherish, that’ll have everyone up on their feet and singing along. And as if that wasn’t incredible enough, they’re being joined by local soul legends The Real Thing. Surely you can’t get by without seeing this?

Journey

One of the best rock bands in America will be heading to M&S Bank Arena on Monday, November 11, as part of their 50th Anniversary Freedom Tour. Formed in San Francisco in 1973 the band’s had worldwide hits with songs like Don’t Stop Believin’, Faithfully, and Any Way You Want It. Lead guitarist Neal Schon says: “We are all very excited to be coming back to the UK. It’s going to be a great party for all!”

Texas

Hailed as having given one of the ‘most memorable’ performances on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury last year, Texas will be in the city on Saturday, September 7. Sharlene Spiteri will lead the band with a set of classic hits from their recently released ‘The Very Best Of 1989 – 2023’ album, like Say What You Want, I Don’t Want a Lover, Black Eyed Boy, and more, and they’ll be joined by KT Tunstall.

Jane McDonald

Do they come any more legendary than the great Jane McDonald, who’ll be stopping off on Thursday, October 24, with her ‘With All My Love’ tour. You can bank on all that Yorkshire wit and warmth from the singing sensation who’s one of telly’s favourite Loose Women, along with a host of favourite songs including some she’s written herself. Jane says: “Over the years, my fans have shown so much love for me and my music – and this tour is going to be my chance to give them a little extra love in return.” We can’t wait Jane!

Squeeze

It’s another anniversary tour for the Cool Cats from Squeeze who are celebrating five glorious decades of music. Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford will be singing gems like Up The Junction, Cool for Cats, and Pulling Mussells (From The Shell) – and appealing for your help. Glenn recently became an ambassador for anti-poverty charity Trussell Trust so they’re asking fans to take food and cash donations to their gig on Saturday, October 19, to be distributed to people in crisis. Told you they were legends!

Paul Heaton

You don’t need A Little Time, or any time for that matter, to decide this concert’s going to be a belter. The former Housemartins and Beautiful South singer/songwriter who’ll be performing classic tracks from both when he comes to Liverpool on Friday, December 6, will also be joined by Rianne Downey AND The Zutons.

Midge Ure

You’re promised a ‘spectacular, musical journey’ when the former Slik and Ultravox singer celebrates 50 years in music with his ‘Catalogue: The Hits Tour’ on Saturday, December 7. The Ivor Novello and Grammy winner who played a major part in Live Aid and Band Aid will be performing in the Auditorium for what will be an intimate gig. If I Was you I’d get that ticket booked now.

Culture Club

Bands don’t come more iconic than Boy George’s Culture Club who are celebrating not one but their first two albums, Kissing To Be Clever and Colour By Numbers, in their concert on Thursday, December 5. George – who’s also invited 80s’ stars Tony Hadley and Heaven 17 to share the stage with him – says: “I’m calling this ‘The Zero Arguments Tour’ because we’re performing our first two albums ‘Kissing To Be Clever’ and ‘Colour By Numbers’ exactly as they were made and in exact order. I love the idea of this because some of these songs are fan favourites and have never been performed. I think it will be really special.’

Joe Bonamassa

You need to wait a little longer to see Joe Bonamassa who’s coming to Liverpool on Saturday, April 5, next year – but it’s definitely one worth waiting for. The legendary blues guitarist and singer who recently supported The Rolling Stones in concert in Seattle says UK audiences have always been his most supportive and adds: “The fans are always energetic and enthusiastic.”

Torvill & Dean

It’s going to be so hard to see the Olympic gold-winning pair hang up their ice-skating boots, so any chance to see them perform is worth grabbing. This is Jayne and Christopher’s last dance – ‘Our last Dance’ – before they retire from skating for good, and this brand-new show will give audiences a unique opportunity to experience and celebrate their celebrated partnership one last time in an arena spectacular. You can see it on Thursday and Friday, May 8-9, 2025.