Travis Scott’s show at Manchester’s Co-op Live on July 13, 2024, was a spectacular showcase of his Utopia – Circus Maximus tour, which has been making waves across Europe.
The concert lived up to the hype, featuring a thrilling mix of stunning visuals, high-energy performances and a setlist packed with both classic hits and tracks from his latest album, Utopia. Known for his high-energy performances and immersive live show stage designs, Travis did not disappoint, delivering an unforgettable night for everyone in attendance.
The Co-op Live, where the show took place, is a new venue in Manchester having just opened this May. Hosting a capacity of 23,500 it’s the UK’s biggest indoor venue. Located on the Etihad Campus, the venue was designed to set new standards in live event experiences, it features advanced acoustics, cutting-edge lighting and immersive visual technology. Combined with the massive standing space and bowl-shaped seating layout so every seat has a great view of the stage, the venue ensures an unparalleled concert atmosphere.
The venue is not only celebrated for its technical prowess but also for its commitment to accessibility and sustainability, offering step-free access, dedicated respite rooms and facilities for assistance dogs. With all this as well as 28 suites,12 lounges & club spaces, 2,196 premium seats and VIP experiences, the Co-op Live is positioned to host a wide range of events. From concerts to sports and award shows, it is well and truly becoming a versatile addition to Manchester’s cultural landscape.
(Photo by Co-op Live // Nick Flynn)
When inside the main arena, the stage looked like something off Thanos’ planet Titan from Avengers: Infinity War, a war-torn terrain that in addition to the fog and lighting, gave off a tense yet anticipation-filled atmosphere that had the crowd bubbling with excitement for Travis Scott to appear. Complete with elaborate lighting, pyrotechnics and immersive visuals, the audience was transported into a fantastical world.
When Travis did take to the stage, he started by showing the city of Manchester, commenting on how he was in the city for weeks at a time while mixing and mastering Utopia. He then started the night off with “HYAENA”, immediately hyping the crowd up. While Travis is well known for being one of the rap industry’s biggest and best performers, a claim he truly lived up to during his Manchester show, the “Ragers” – particularly those in the standing section – contributed their fair share to the event. With massive mosh pits being created and almost every song being recited word for word, the roof was raised multiple times during the night. It was like your senses were being bombarded at practically every moment, which in addition to the high-level stage and sound production, kept the audience fully immersed throughout the 80-minute set.
The performance was a seamless blend of old and new. Travis performed classic hits like “SICKO MODE”, “goosebumps”, and “Highest in the Room”, alongside recent smashes like “FEIN” (which was so hype he performed the chorus an additional 5 times), ‘” KNOW?” and “TOPIA TWINS”. His ability to command the stage and connect with the audience was evident, as he frequently engaged with fans and created moments of intimacy despite the large space.
Towards the start of his set, Travis brought on two of his fans to the stage during “Aye”, “sdp interlude” and “Nightcrawler” and those in attendance were even treated to a backflip by one of them, earning a massive cheer from the audience. Later in the show, Travis shouted out a 55-year-old fan and then a wheelchair-bound fan, dedicating the next song performances to them.
(Photo by Getty Images // Gareth Cattermole)
One of the standout features of the show was the sound quality and production. Every beat drop and lyric was crystal clear, making the experience all the more immersive. The energy in the arena was palpable, with the crowd responding enthusiastically to every song and special effect. Scott’s dynamic performance style, characterised by his powerful vocal delivery and array of stage features, kept the audience on their feet throughout the night.
Overall, Travis Scott’s performance at Co-op Live in Manchester was a masterclass in live entertainment. It was a night filled with spectacular visuals, top-tier sound production and an artist at the peak of his performance powers. Fans left the venue excitedly, having witnessed an incredible experience at the Co-op Live and undoubtedly looking forward to his next visit.