Irish singer-songwriter Niall Horan captivated fans at the O2 Apollo in Manchester during his Flicker World Tour, marking the first of two sold-out nights. The evening began with American singer-songwriter Julia Michaels, known for her hit “Issues,” who engaged the crowd with her lively presence and encouraged them to be “the loudest crowd of this tour.”
Niall took the stage shortly after nine, opening with “On the Loose” from his 2017 album Flicker, igniting the crowd’s energy. He urged fans to “sing loud and proud,” and they did just that.
Following “The Tide,” Niall reflected on his connection to Manchester, recalling the emotional day of the One Love concert and praising the city’s resilience. His heartfelt speech set the tone for the emotional “This Town,” which followed.
The set continued with “Paper Houses” and “You and Me,” before Niall performed a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” and his own “Seeing Blind.” The poignant “Too Much To Ask” further deepened the intimate atmosphere of the 3,500-capacity venue, where he encouraged fans to put their phones away and simply enjoy the moment.
Niall showcased a song from his One Direction days, “Fool’s Gold,” and performed “So Long” at the piano, joking about his skills. The energetic set concluded with “Crying in the Club” and “Mirrors.”
After an encore featuring “Drag Me Down,” Niall delivered “Slow Hands,” encouraging fans to sing along while displaying his dance moves. He closed the show with “On My Own,” expressing gratitude to the audience and sharing love from Ariana Grande.
The performance featured dynamic lighting and included a plush bee symbolising Manchester on stage, a personal touch from Niall. Overall, his first night in Manchester was flawless, showcasing a mix of upbeat songs and ballads that resonated emotionally with fans.
