Through The Lens: Fu Manchu / Spaceslug / Torus @ The Ritz, Manchester, 21st October 2024

Last month I took a trip to The Ritz in Manchester’s city centre to catch desert and stoner rock faves Fu Manchu. I knew it had been a while since I last saw the Californian fuzz warlords, but I didn’t realise it was close to 25 years, as, according to setlist.fm, the gig took place on 20th November 1999 at the now closed Cockpit in Leeds.

But before Messrs Hill, Balch, Davis and Reeder graced us with their presence, the night kicked off with Torus. A power trio from Milton Keynes who ripped through a solid set blending ‘90s grunge with the brooding undertones of heavy alternative rock as they pulled tracks from their self-titled debut album that was back in September through MNRK Records.

Poland’s Spaceslug took to the stage shortly after and played a compelling set with their expansive take on stoner, doom, metal and rock with an air of psychedelia. Kudos should also be given to guitarist and vocalist Bartosz Janik who, after snapping a guitar string, changed it in what seemed like rapid time, breaking none of the band’s momentum.

Then it was time for the main event, Fu Manchu. From the moment the legendary desert rockers took to the stage, you could feel the energy shift. Their fuzz-heavy riffs, drenched in vintage tone, surged through the venue with an unstoppable force with a set that covered tracks from across their discography, including a cover of the Blue Öyster Cult fan favourite Godzilla.

If you love your rock with a thick layer of fuzz, a dash of psychedelia and a whole lot of riffs, then you would have left The Ritz on a cold Monday night in October with a huge smile on your face. Now check out the photos for the three bands below.

Fu Manchu

Spaceslug

Torus

Photos by: Lee Edwards