Manchester Singer Alex Spencer Set to Perform at City Match Tonight

A Manchester singer is poised for a significant career milestone as he prepares to perform during the Manchester City match against Bayer Leverkusen tonight at the Etihad Stadium. Alex Spencer, known for his recent tour with the American rock band The Black Keys, will take the stage pitch-side at 8pm, entertaining a crowd of approximately 55,000 fans.

Spencer, who gained recognition busking on Market Street, celebrated a major homecoming this summer at Castlefield Bowl as part of the Sounds of the City series. This evening’s performance adds to an already impressive portfolio for the 18-year-old artist, who has made significant strides in his musical career over the past year.

“I’ve been a Blue my whole life,” Spencer stated in an interview with the Manchester Evening News. His deep-rooted connection to the club, passed down through generations, fuels his excitement for tonight’s performance. He reminisced about his father showing him old footage from Maine Road and the Etihad, which inspired his dream to perform on the same stage. “From busking as a kid on the streets of Manchester, my biggest goal was always to play the Etihad. And now that it’s actually happening… I still can’t wrap my head around it.”

Achievements and Future Projects

In addition to tonight’s performance, Spencer’s year has been marked by notable achievements. His track featured in the soundtrack for EAFC 25, the latest installment of the popular video game franchise, which sold 2.25 million copies in the UK this year, making it the highest-selling game. Earlier in 2023, he released his third EP, titled ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’, with five songs each surpassing 100,000 streams on Spotify, including the hit single “Nightmare,” which has nearly 750,000 streams.

Last week, Spencer released his latest single, ‘Masks’, teasing his upcoming EP set for release next year. Following tonight’s match, he is scheduled to perform his own gig at Manchester Academy 2 in February 2024. Reflecting on the journey, Spencer expressed gratitude for the support he has received over the years, particularly from Manchester City. “We’ve worked so hard these last few years, and seeing it slowly pay off means everything,” he added.

The Match and Travel Advisory

Tonight’s match is crucial for Pep Guardiola‘s squad as they aim to maintain their unbeaten European run this season. A victory would mark their third consecutive Champions League home win. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.

As excitement builds for both the performance and the game, a travel advisory has been issued across Manchester due to multiple events taking place today. The Bee Network has warned that travel services are expected to be busier than usual, highlighting six days of increased demand, including tonight.

Spencer’s rise from local busker to stadium performer exemplifies the vibrant musical culture in Manchester, and his story resonates with many aspiring artists. As he takes the stage this evening, the significance of this moment is not lost on him.