Gig of the Week: Orianthi Launches UK Tour in Manchester Manchester: Opening Night
Orianthi’s UK tour kicks off on Saturday 24 January 2026 at Band on the Wall in Manchester, an iconic live music venue known for its intimate crowd and great acoustics — marking the first night of her January UK run. (MetalTalk)
Support on this date and most others comes from guitarist James Bruner, who will accompany Orianthi on stage. (The Gig Cartel)
Full Tour Dates (Jan–Feb 2026)
Orianthi’s January 2026 UK tour follows hot on the heels of her new album and consists of a series of headline shows across major cities: (Rock News)
- Manchester — Band on the Wall — Sat 24 Jan
- Glasgow — Òran Mór — Sun 25 Jan
- Leeds — Brudenell Social Club — Wed 28 Jan (Sold Out) (bluesmatters.com)
- London — O2 Academy Islington — Thu 29 Jan
- Planet Rock’s Winter’s End (South Wales) — Sat 31 Jan
- Southampton — The Brook — Sun 1 Feb (Rock News)
The Leeds date sold out quickly, prompting buzz about strong UK interest and suggesting other shows could follow suit if demand continues. (bluesmatters.com)
About Orianthi & the Tour
Career Highlights
- Orianthi is an acclaimed guitarist and singer-songwriter, with international hits like “According to You” and a respected solo career.
- She gained broader recognition when handpicked by Michael Jackson for his This Is It concerts and has since performed or toured with legends such as Alice Cooper, Richie Sambora, Santana, Steve Vai, and others. (Band on the Wall)
New Music & Tour Focus
The tour follows the release of her latest album, Some Kind of Feeling, which blends rock-blues energy with personal songwriting and features collaborations such as “First Time Blues” featuring Joe Bonamassa. (That Eric Alper)
Expect setlists at these shows to combine:
- New tracks from Some Kind of Feeling
- Signature electric guitar work and soulful vocals
- A mix of rock, blues, and dynamic live improvisation that reflects her evolution as both a solo artist and live performer. (That Eric Alper)
Special Guest: James Bruner
James Bruner joins Orianthi on most tour dates (apart from select festival shows like Planet Rock’s Winter’s End), adding groove and depth to the live performance dynamic. (Rock News)
What Fans Are Saying
Early responses show:
- Strong ticket demand, especially for Leeds where the show has already sold out, with Manchester and other cities still moving quickly. (bluesmatters.com)
- Anticipation for live renditions of new material alongside classic Orianthi guitar-driven performances.
- A sense that this UK tour marks a highlight for fans of contemporary blues-rock guitar and fusion influences.
Tickets & Access
Tickets for remaining dates are available via The Gig Cartel. Some venues offer VIP upgrades with perks like early access and signed memorabilia — a plus for collectors and fans alike. (The Gig Cartel)
In summary: Orianthi’s UK tour launch in Manchester sets the tone for a high-energy, guitar-centric run that celebrates her latest music and her legacy as a live force — and it’s already generating buzz with sold-out dates and strong fan interest across the UK. (MetalTalk)
Here’s a “case studies and comments” breakdown for Orianthi’s UK tour launch in Manchester — Gig of The Week — focusing on key facts, fan interest, tour highlights, and public/industry comments:
Case Study 1 — Manchester Launch: Setting the Tone
Manchester’s Band on the Wall hosted the opening night of Orianthi’s UK tour on 24 January 2026, kicking off a run of headline shows across the UK in support of her latest album Some Kind of Feeling. (Rock News)
- The Manchester date is the first in this UK leg, deliberately booked at an intimate, well-regarded venue — a choice that builds close connection with fans rather than arena spectacle. (Rock News)
- With James Bruner on support for most dates, the show blends Orianthi’s solo material with his modern blues-rock energy, bolstering the bill’s appeal. (Rock News)
Commentary: This kind of launch reflects a strategic tour build-up — using a strong first stop to generate buzz, ticket demand, and social media momentum going into larger or later shows. Manchester’s gig also aligns with Orianthi’s reputation for high-intensity guitar work and soulful vocals. (Band on the Wall)
Case Study 2 — Ticket Demand & Fan Response
The tour has shown strong UK fan demand, with early indicators pointing to healthy interest:
- The Leeds show on January 28 sold out quickly, highlighting that audiences are eager to see Orianthi live. (BraveWords – Where Music Lives)
- Remaining dates (London, Glasgow, Southampton) still have tickets, but reports describe them as “moving fast.” (bluesmatters.com)
Fan commentary (informal press/online sentiment):
Many fans and rock outlets have praised the tour announcement and early sales, noting that this UK run is seen as a “strong return” to live circuits for Orianthi after her recent album, blending new music with her established guitar legacy. (bluesmatters.com)
Case Study 3 — Album Support & Artistic Focus
This UK tour isn’t just a greatest-hits trek — it’s centered on Some Kind of Feeling, released digitally in June 2025 with physical CD and vinyl editions following later. (Rock News)
- The setlist is expected to mix new blues-rock-inspired tracks (e.g., First Time Blues, Ghost) with fan favourites from across her career. (Rock News)
- The collaborative nature of the album — including a track with Joe Bonamassa — gives the shows added depth and narrative continuity between recorded work and live performance. (Rock News)
Commentary: Artists often use smaller headline tours to reinforce their studio work in front of audiences who will likely appreciate both new material and classic solo songs. This approach can deepen fan engagement and media coverage. (Rock News)
Comments & Industry Reaction
Industry / Press Commentary
- Coverage from outlets like MetalTalk and Blues Matters described the Manchester show as a highlight of the week’s live calendar, emphasizing Orianthi’s legacy and current momentum. (MetalTalk)
- Media focus has also pointed to the Leeds sell-out as a barometer for strong fan interest across the tour. (BraveWords – Where Music Lives)
Tour Feedback from Promoters
Promotional materials and ticket vendors (e.g., The Gig Cartel) highlight the genre-defying nature of Orianthi’s music — blending blues, rock, and guitar virtuosity — which has helped sustain her touring appeal over decades. (The Gig Cartel)
What Fans and First-Night Reviews Suggest
Although full fan reviews of the Manchester show aren’t yet published in mainstream press (due to time lag), early signals — including rapid ticket sales and social media buzz — point to:
- Strong turnout and engagement in Manchester. (bluesmatters.com)
- Anticipation that the tour will mix tight musicianship, standout solos and vocal performance with crowd interaction. (Band on the Wall)
Summary
Orianthi’s UK tour launch in Manchester serves as a successful case study in how established artists can leverage:
- Strategic venue choice for intimacy and buzz. (Band on the Wall)
- Strong fan demand and ticketing momentum, including a sell-out in Leeds. (BraveWords – Where Music Lives)
- Artistic alignment between new album material and live performance, enhancing the tour narrative. (Rock News)
Commentary from press outlets and promoters reinforces that this tour isn’t just a routine set of dates — it’s a focused push to connect fans with the Some Kind of Feeling era while celebrating Orianthi’s guitar-driven legacy. (MetalTalk)