Melanie Smith

My latest photos in this wonderful review of Wolf Alice #wolfalice

My review of this amazing show, I've been waiting years to see this one.

CMAT: Manchester Academy - Live Review CMAT Manchester Academy 25th November 2025 Irish pop/country crossover star CMAT waved goodbye to small venues with a joyous set of bangers. Sometimes, Irish pop/country crossover star CMAT waved good...

CMAT - Manchester Academy – Live Review @cmatbaby.bsky.social 📸 @mudkissphotos.bsky.social @johnrobbofficial.bsky.social

"...the biggest challenge for this born performer will be how she translates her connection with her devoted audience into bigger halls."

louderthanwar.com/cmat-manches...

Becky Hill: Haydock Park, Ashton in Makerfield - Live Review The racecourse swapped galloping hooves for pounding basslines as Becky Hill brought her commanding voice to The Jockey Club.

My review and photos of Becky Hill: Haydock Park, Ashton in Makerfield – Live Review #beckyhill

“Becky delivered a set packed with chart-topping hits and high energy, transforming the grandstand into one giant dancefloor.“

louderthanwar.com/becky-hill-h...

Blondie in Camera 1978 by Martyn Goddard - Book Review Blondie in Camera 1978 presents a unique look at Blondie during their breakthrough year captured by renowned photographer Martyn Goddard.

Step back to 1978 and witness Blondie on the cusp of global stardom. 'Blondie In Camera 1978' by Martyn Goddard

"..a masterclass in portraiture, effortlessly capturing raw energy and candid moments that breathe life into photographs" #Blondie

📖 Read the review:

louderthanwar.com/blondie-in-c...

David Bowie by Denis O'Regan - Book Review Rock photographer Denis O’Regan’s David Bowie book offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of Bowie on and off stage.

I review the brand new book David Bowie by Denis O'Regan for @louderthanwar.bsky.social #DavidBowie

Rock photographer Denis O’Regan’s book goes beyond the usual tour photography, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of Bowie on and off stage..

louderthanwar.com/david-bowie-...

Public Image Ltd: Parr Hall, Warrington - Live Review Public Image Ltd blast into Warrington in the middle of their This is Not The last Tour 2025 tour. Nigel & Melanie review for Louder Than War!

My photos of Public Image Ltd @ Parr Hall, Warrington #Publicimageltd

"It’s a big, blousy beat, underpinned by a huge floor shaking bass, with Lydon’s piercing shrill, soaring over the top."

louderthanwar.com/public-image...

Japanese Breakfast: Manchester Academy - Live Review Korean-American musician Michelle Zauner, aka Japanese Breakfast, brought her distinctive mix of indie pop and subtle brilliance to Manchester

Fresh from their stunning Glastonbury set, Japanese Breakfast brings dreamy magic to Manchester Academy. Photos by me.

Shot for @louderthanwar.bsky.social

louderthanwar.com/japanese-bre...

Macy Gray: New Century Hall, Manchester – Live Photo Review

"It was a vivid reminder of why her live performances continue to delight audiences after 25 years."

louderthanwar.com/macy-gray-ne...

Robbie Williams: Co-op Live, Manchester - Live Review Robbie Williams brings his Britpop Tour to the Co-Op Live Arena for a second night.

Robbie Williams - Co-op Live Manchester – Live Review #robbiewilliams

"....nobody walks out disappointed; not after a trawl through that back catalogue, and a venue-wide belting of Angels to close the night."

louderthanwar.com/robbie-willi...

Iggy Pop: O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester - Live Review Thirty-six years and counting, the eagerly anticipated return of the punk godfather to Manchester. ........

Thirty-six years and counting, the eagerly anticipated return of the punk godfather Iggy Pop to Manchester. 📸 by me.

"...the fire still burns in him, it’s evident to all who saw this grand and unforgettable show."

louderthanwar.com/iggy-pop-o2-...

#iggypop #PunkLegend #godfatherofpunk

Neighbourhood Weekender: Day Two - Festival Review Stereophonics, Inhaler, CMAT, The Mary Wallopers and Wunderhorse, the day delivered a solid mix of singalong highs and fresh talent....

It's been a packed weekend of music in Victoria Park, Warrington at the Neighbourhood Weekender. Here is day two...

#neighbourhoodweekender - check out this review by @clairegb65.bsky.social with photos by me for @louderthanwar.bsky.social

louderthanwar.com/neighbourhoo...

Neighbourhood Weekender: Saturday - Festival Review ...solid sets from the likes of James, Ocean Colour Scene, Amy MacDonald, and The Lottery Winners, gave the crowd plenty to warm up to.

It's been a packed weekend of music in Victoria Park, Warrington at the Neighbourhood Weekender. Here is day one....

#neighbourhoodweekender - check out this review by @clairegb65.bsky.social with photos by me for @louderthanwar.bsky.social

louderthanwar.com/neighbourhoo...

The opening night of Bruce Springsteen's UK tour in Manchester.

Springsteen opened with an impassioned speech and launched into the set with energy and presence, backed by the E Street Band in full flow.

....a moment in rock 'n’ roll history.

Shot for @louderthanwar.bsky.social

Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band: Co-op Live Arena Bruce Springsteen 'The Boss" and The E Street Band delivered a Politically Charged, Electrifying Performance in Manchester.

NEW PHOTO WORK: Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band: Co-op Live, Manchester - Live review

louderthanwar.com/bruce-spring...

First night of his UK Tour The 'Boss"- Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band tonight @ Co-op Live - shot for @louderthanwar.bsky.social - live review coming soon.

#brucespringsteen

Twenty One Pilots: AO Arena, Manchester Twenty One Pilots return to Manchester for the first time since 2019 delivering a career spanning show for the ages.

New photo work in this review of Twenty One Pilots in Manchester @aoarena.bsky.social

"...an arc de triumph from start to finish full of euphoria, joy and life affirming bangers."

louderthanwar.com/twenty-one-p...

Greentea Peng: Albert Hall, Manchester - Live Review .......Bringing the early summer vibes to Manchester's Albert Hall, as Greentea Peng tours her new album...

Greentea Peng brings early summer vibes to Manchester’s Albert Hall as she tours her new album TELL DEM IT’S SUNNY. #greenteapeng

louderthanwar.com/greentea-pen...

Sharing one of my photos of Greentea Peng at Albert Hall, Manchester last night, shot for @louderthanwar.bsky.social

"She’s not following trends—she’s building her own universe.
Neo-soul, dub, and psych R&B blended into something dreamy and bold."

more to follow and a live review....

Eivor delivered a hauntingly powerful support set for Heilung at O2 Apollo, Manchester the other night, captivating the crowd with her ethereal vocals and atmospheric presence. 

A mesmerising prelude to the evening’s ritualistic intensity. #eivor

Photographing Heilung for @louderthanwar.bsky.social as they transformed O2 Apollo Manchester into an ancient ritual ground was unforgettable—hypnotic, primal, and utterly transcendent.

A brilliant review by Lucy Shevchuck captures the magic perfectly.



louderthanwar.com/heilung-o2-a...

Heilung: O2 Apollo, Manchester - Live Review ...Experimental folk band Heilung bring a mesmerizing performance to Manchester as part of their final tour.

Heilung: O2 Apollo, Manchester - Live Review
Experimental folk band Heilung bring a mesmerizing performance as part of their final tour before hiatus. A momentus and magical experience for a sold out 02 Apollo crowd. louderthanwar.com/heilung-o2-a... via @louderthanwar

@sogoodsoooogood who supported Skunk Anansie last week.

An interesting-looking band, full of energy and attitude, with elements of drill, hip-hop, and punk.

#sogood #musicphotographer #musicphotography #mudkissphotos #gigphotography

Skunk Anansie: O2 Apollo Manchester – Live Review #skunkanansie

"Skunk Anansie deliver a masterclass in Power, Politics, and Pure Punk Rock Energy" - Claire Glover

📸 me

louderthanwar.com/skunk-anansi...

Skunk Anansie ignited Manchester last night with a fierce, high-energy set, with Skin's incredible vocals and electric stage presence they proved once again why they’re one of the most iconic live rock acts around.

Shot for Academy Music Group | O2 Apollo, Mcr

#skunkanansie #skinskunkanansie

Tried something different - a ballerina shoot with Erica Mulkern

A few of my favourites...

ERICA MULKERN - BALLERINA PHOTOSHOOT Capturing the grace of a ballerina through the lens is a mesmerising experience. The interplay of movement, light, and fabric creates a visual symphony. A flowing red gown that rippled like liquid...

mudkissphotography.tumblr.com/post/7795358...

@loreenofficial.bsky.social A towering six-foot goddess in armour-like attire, with powerhouse vocals and a magnetic presence. It was such a cinematic performance. Shot for @louderthanwar.bsky.social

Read the review here: louderthanwar.com/loreen-manch...

#loreen #loreenofficial #loreentalhaoui

Great interview, John seems in fine form.

Loreen: Manchester Academy - Live Review Loreen brings the Tour Life to a packed Manchester Academy with her ethereal vocals, tech beats, and magnetic stage presence.

Loreen brings the Tour Life to a packed @McrAcademy with her ethereal vocals, tech beats, and magnetic stage presence. #Loreen

📸 by me

louderthanwar.com/loreen-manch...