LIVE: $OME $PECIAL $HOWS 4 UK @ Co-Op Live, Manchester

Fresh off the back of his three-day headlining run at Wireless Festival in London, Drake extended his UK stay with a highly anticipated tour: ‘$OME $PECIAL $HOWS 4 UK’, featuring longtime collaborator PARTYNEXTDOOR. He kicked off the run in Birmingham on July 20th, just one week after shutting down Finsbury Park, before making his way to Manchester on July 25th and 26th—the latter of which we attended.

When tickets went live back in June, only four UK shows were announced. However, after exceptional demand, two more dates were added in Manchester, showing just how much fans had been waiting for this moment. This tour isn’t just another stop for Drake—it’s his first UK performance in six years, following his 2019 ‘Assassination Vacation’ tour, and fans were eager to witness his return.

The Manchester shows were hosted at the Co-op Live Arena, the UK’s largest indoor entertainment venue since its opening in May 2024. With a state-of-the-art setup and booming acoustics, it was the perfect space to welcome Drake back to British soil. From the jump, the night was charged with anticipation. The venue filled quickly as fans arrived in OVO gear, ready for a night filled with nostalgia, hits, and surprises. With his upcoming ICEMAN album stirring buzz online, expectations were high.

Doors opened at 7pm, with a DJ hitting the decks shortly after to warm up the crowd. What stood out about the set was how carefully curated it was—not just your typical hype tracks, but a thoughtful blend of R&B ballads and deep cuts that encouraged full-blown singalongs. It was refreshing to hear tracks you wouldn’t usually expect before a Drake show, but considering how much he leans into melody and emotion in his own music, it made sense.

By 9:30pm, the energy hit its peak as Drake made his grand entrance—walking through the stands in true OVO fashion. Fans rushed to the aisles, reaching out their hands as he moved past them, all while his track 'GIMMIE A HUG' played overhead. It was a cinematic moment that instantly set the tone for the night.

He opened the show from the main stage, easing into the set with fan-favourite slow jams like Marvins Room, Teenage Fever and Jungle—the kind of tracks that remind long-time listeners why they fell in love with Drake in the first place. But after that smooth start, the tempo changed fast. One of the night’s highlights came when he performed What Did I Miss, his latest single rumoured to feature on the upcoming ICEMAN album. For many in the crowd, it was the first time experiencing it live—and the reaction said it all.

Despite the size of the venue, one of the night’s most powerful elements was its intimacy. Drake made it clear that this show wasn’t just about him—it was about the fans. He mentioned during his set that the unique stage design, complete with extended walkways stretching across both ends of the arena, was intentional. “The people are the main attraction,” he explained, as he darted across the platform, conducting crowd singalongs and interacting with fans in every direction. The staging was more than just impressive—it was smart. In an era where getting up close to major artists is rare unless you’re front row or VIP, Drake flipped the script. His constant movement around the stage meant fans all over the arena got their moment. It was a thoughtful production decision that gave the entire crowd a more personal concert experience—and a clever reminder that Drake knows how to market a moment.

Another standout was the sheer control and energy he brought to the performance. Known for his mid-show speeches, Drake didn’t hold back on this tour. Between songs, he paused to speak to the crowd, offering words of encouragement, life reflections, and thoughtful moments that resonated deeply. These speeches weren’t just fillers—they were transitions, seamlessly flowing into the next song and building emotional momentum throughout the night.

It’s a formula we saw at his Wireless Festival sets earlier this month, and he’s continued that same energy throughout the ‘$OME $PECIAL $HOWS 4 UK’ tour—creating more than just a concert, but an experience that hits on every level.

The energy took a sensual turn when PartyNextDoor made his highly anticipated appearance, stepping onto the stage with confidence as a sultry dance routine unfolded. He kicked things off with fan favourites like 'Break From Toronto' and 'Make It To The Morning,' before being joined by Drake once again—this time dressed in a waistcoat—ready to blend vocals with his longtime collaborator.

Together, the Canadian duo eased into a seductive stretch of the set, performing a selection of tracks from their joint project $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. From 'CN Tower' to 'Somebody Loves Me' and 'Die Trying,' and the ever-popular 'Come and See Me' the atmosphere inside Co-op Live shifted to a more intimate vibe.

Just as the tempo began to dip, Drake reignited the crowd, reminding everyone that he had “way more in the bag.” That cue launched a high-energy run of records—starting with the triumphant “Fancy,” followed by Lil Wayne’s 'Love Me,' the brooding 'Hours In Silence,' and finally, 'Rich Baby Daddy' which set the arena alight with one of the biggest crowd reactions of the night. It was a masterclass in pacing—a seamless transition from slow jams to high-octane hits, proving yet again why Drake remains a world-class performer who knows exactly when to shift gears.

Much like his standout performances at Wireless Festival earlier in the month, Drake’s Manchester show was another powerful reminder of why he’s remained at the top of the game for over a decade. With a catalogue packed with timeless hits and an innate ability to connect with his audience, the OVO boss proved once again that his reign is far from over.

One of the night’s true highlights was the stage design—an immersive, all-access layout that broke away from the traditional setup of artists remaining static on a raised platform. Instead, Drake and his team crafted an experience that allowed fans across the arena to feel included, no matter where they were seated. In an era where many performers stick to pre-set zones, Drake’s dynamic presence and fluid movement across the stage added an extra layer of excitement that elevated the show beyond expectations.

While there were no surprise guests on night two in Manchester—unlike the night before, when Central Cee joined Drake on stage to perform their new collaboration “Which One”—the show never felt lacking. The chemistry with PartyNextDoor, the mix of classics and deep cuts, and the high-production value more than delivered.

As the night came to a close, Drake addressed the crowd with a promise: he won’t be gone for long. With a smile and genuine gratitude, he vowed to return to Manchester—and the UK—sooner than fans might expect. And if this tour has proven anything, it’s that when Drake says he’s coming back, the world will be watching.