The Pixies put on a show at Aviva Studios

A memorable night as The Pixes power through four decades of an incredible back catalogue 

Let's explore a fantastic night at Aviva Studios

Author | Josh T

This is not, typically, a rock and roll venue. The vast space on the edge of town is more usually home to immersive theatre, large-scale installation art and high-concept performance, the type of place where you’re encouraged to contemplate.

The Pixies were here to make sure nobody contemplates anything for too long with their brand of famously snappy, anti-fluff tunes. 

The gig took place when it was also absolutely sweltering

Manchester delivered one of its rare heatwaves, and the crowd, a beautifully democratic mix of grey-haired devotees and twenty-somethings for whom the Pixies are already mythology, are making the best of it, beer in hand, vintage tees already wrought sweaty.

Before the main act arrived, support came GANS, a Black Country electro-prog outfit, or at least the closest possible description of a group that seem determined to evade categorisation altogether. 

They arrive armed with a flautist, a saxophonist and a drummer moving with the energy of a coiled spring. In the sweltering May heat they charge through ‘Dirty Cowboy’ and ‘I Think I Like You’, songs that are genuinely catchy, genuinely strange and unlike almost anything else in Britain right now. One of the country’s most exciting new bands. Remember the name and get them onto your playlists before they explode into the mainstream.

Then The Pixies arrived and a good time was had by all

There was one reason why everyone was here. We once heard a musician tell us that Tbe Pixies are the average guitar bands favourite guitar band. I don't think this was an insult to anyone. More a comment on how many people idolise this band. 

Trace almost any interesting alternative guitar band of the last 35 years back far enough and, sooner or later, you arrive at the Pixies. Nirvana said so. Radiohead said so. The quiet-loud dynamics, the surrealist lyrics, the sense that a perfect pop song and total disintegration could occupy the same three minutes without undermining one another. They did not invent alternative rock, but they may well have taught it how to walk.

Three of the original four are here. Black Francis still commands the room with minimal theatrical effort and enormous gravitational pull. Joey Santiago continues to deliver lead guitar lines that remain among rock’s most under-appreciated pleasures, while David Lovering is relentless and precise behind the kit. Original bassist Kim Deal, who departed in 2013, is represented by Emma Richardson, formerly of Band of Skulls, who joined in 2024 and has already made the role feel entirely her own.

The night ended with Into the White

There was like an atmospheric and seemingly endless, dry ice drifting across the stage as the song unfurled into something close to transcendence. 

Then they were gone, an emotional farewell lingering in the muggy air long after the house lights return. It may yet prove to be the last time we see them, though we have heard that before.

There was likely be a few sore heads after this amazing night. It would all be worth it though.