The Tameside Radio presenter recounts an unforgettable weekend when one of indie music's much-loved bands returned to the big stage.

After 12 years away, and two postponements caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, one of indie music’s most loved bands returned to the stage, playing two sold out nights in front of 5,000 people at Sheffield’s O2 Academy last weekend. 

Little Man Tate are back, sounding and looking better than ever. 

Anyone who knows me, or listens to my weekly show on Tameside Radio, will know what a big deal this was for me, as much as every other LMT fan. 

There’s no other band in the world who could reunite who would get me any more excited than Sheffield’s finest four piece. 

When the band were first active between 2005 and 2009, I worked with the lads as a DJ for two of their live Manchester gigs, so when it was confirmed I would be the band’s DJ on these two sold out reunion gigs I can honestly say it was the most excited I’d been for any event in my 25 year career as a club and concert DJ. 

As it happened, I had every right to be, as I can safely say it was one of the best weekends of my life. 

In a set that lasted almost two hours, the band played the majority of their back catalogue, hit after hit, anthem after anthem, and I’ve never seen a happier crowd, and band, in my life. 

The room was full of love, happiness, positivity and excitement on both nights.

From the early anthemic material such as ‘The Agent’, through both albums ‘About What You Know’ and ‘Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy’, up to their new single ‘Cheap Stolen Kisses’, the crowd danced, swayed, sang, and embraced every word, every note, and every movement from our four heroes Jon Windle, Maz Marriott, Ben Surtees, and Dan Fields.

The support bands picked for the gigs were the perfect choices, Risky Heroes, Harry Lyon, Haig and Smallprint all set the scene nicely, and the pleasure I had of DJing both nights, saw the crowds full of fire and ready to go for when, after a short film about Little Man Tate had been played, and the band’s now iconic intro, Carter USM’S ‘Sherriff Fatman’, the band walked out to the biggest and loudest cheers you could ever imagine from the LMT faithful. There were fans of all ages, who had travelled far and wide to be there. 

I can’t wait to work with the lads again next year when more dates are announced, and as for new music, it’s guaranteed whatever Little Man Tate do, it will mean as much to the fans, both old and new, as everything else they’ve ever done always has. 

The reunion gigs proved how much LMT mean to people, and both nights made a weekend I’ll never forget.

I think it’s safe to say the band, crew, production team, and 5000 fans who were there feel exactly the same. 

Long Live Little Man Tate.

You can listen to Dave on Tameside Radio 103.6FM on Monday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. Click here to subscribe and catch up on previous shows.

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