Summer Breeze and Northern Soul Brooke Combe Brings the Heat to The O2 Ritz
- Phil Thorns
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
O2 Ritz, Manchester 12 April 2025
WORDS AND IMAGES PHIL THORNS
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, Brooke Combe delivered a stunning performance at Manchester's O2 Ritz, solidifying her place as one of the UK’s most exciting rising stars. With her wonderfully soulful voice and a commanding stage presence, Combe lit up a venue steeped in musical history, making it a night to remember.
The O2 Ritz, a Grade II listed building dating back to 1927, began life as a grand dance hall before transforming into one of Manchester’s most iconic live music venues. Over the years, it’s hosted legends like The Beatles, The Smiths, R.E.M., and Arctic Monkeys. With a capacity of 1,500, it’s intimate enough to feel connected to the artist, yet grand enough to carry a sense of occasion. The art deco interior, sprung dance floor, and sweeping balcony create a uniquely characterful setting—the kind of place where musical moments become memories.
Opening the evening was Ruby J, a solo artist who immediately captivated the crowd. With bluesy, jazz-inflected vocals that were raw, heartfelt, and deeply soulful, she set the perfect tone for the night ahead. At just 19 years old, her performance felt like a revelation—authentic and brimming with potential. Her stage presence was quietly powerful, drawing the crowd in with ease. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on her, and judging by the room’s reaction, I won’t be the only one.
Next up were Casino, a five-piece indie outfit hailing from Birmingham with roots reaching back to the early 2000s. Their set was electric—bursting with tight rhythms, sharp guitar riffs, and a confident stage presence. They managed to inject the crowd with real energy, building the atmosphere to fever pitch. Their experience showed, and they played like a band with something to prove—and everything to give. I loved every second of it.
Then came the main event. Brooke Combe took to the stage with confident swagger, instantly owning the space and igniting the room. Her edgy, sassy demeanour and natural charisma held the audience in the palm of her hand from the first note. What followed was a set full of funk-infused soul, powerful vocal performances, and lyrical honesty. Tracks like "Are You With Me?" and "Miss Me Now" stood out, pairing irresistible grooves with emotional weight. But it was her cover of The Isley Brothers’ "Summer Breeze" that truly stunned—a soulful, refreshing reinterpretation that she made entirely her own. It was, without question, one of the highlights of the night.
Throughout the performance, Combe introduced several new tracks from her upcoming debut album, each one met with growing anticipation. Her ability to connect with the crowd was striking—genuine, effortless, and electric. The atmosphere became more charged with every song, building to a crescendo as the crowd begged for more. After several encores, she closed the night with a powerful rendition of “Dancing at the Edge of the World,” the title track from her current tour. It was a perfect finale—soaring, defiant, and full of promise.
Brooke Combe’s performance at the O2 Ritz confirmed what many already suspect: she’s a huge talent with a very bright future ahead of her. Her vocal ability, stagecraft, and songwriting are the full package. See her now while you still can in a venue this intimate—you won’t regret it. It won’t be long before she’s headlining arenas and festival main stages across the country.
SET LIST
1/ This Town
2/ Guilt
3/ Shaken by the Wind
4/ A-Game
5/ Talkin' Bout Heartaches
6/ Lanewood Pines
7/ L.M.T.F.A.
8/ Summer Breeze
(Seals & Crofts cover)
9/ Pieces
10/ Black Is the New Gold
11/ Miss Me Now
12/ Butterfly
13/ Are You With Me?
14/ The Last Time
15/ Dancing at the Edge of the World
FOLLOW BROOKE COMBE
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