A Night of Musical Collaboration and Tribute at Löser's Manchester Tour Stop

On June 8, 2025, the vibrant city of Manchester welcomed a unique live gig that brought together a mix of original music, tribute performances, and exciting collaborations. Löser’s "Searching For Guest Artists" tour made a memorable stop at The Grafton Arms, a venue gaining recognition for supporting unsigned original live music amid the decline of small clubs across the UK. This night was a celebration of rock and roll spirit, featuring a lineup that thrilled fans with both fresh sounds and classic anthems.

The Opening Acts Set the Tone

The evening kicked off with Bay of Pigs, a thrash band known for their energetic original tracks and powerful covers. Their set included a fierce rendition of Anthrax’s "Got the Time" and Suicidal Tendencies’ "Subliminal," which immediately fired up the crowd. Their raw energy and tight musicianship set a high bar for the night.

Following Bay of Pigs, Ego Trip took the stage. This post-grunge outfit from West Cumbria delivered a full performance of their debut album, The Water. Their sound blended gritty guitars with emotive vocals, creating a compelling atmosphere that connected deeply with the audience. The band’s ability to hold the crowd’s attention with original material demonstrated the strength of the local music scene.

Löser and Onion Mash Bring Collaboration to Life

The main support act was Onion Mash from Stockport, a band that impressed with their dynamic stage presence and musical skill. Rachel, the lead singer of Onion Mash, joined Löser on stage for several songs, including "Please Don't Touch" and "Born To Raise Hell." These moments of collaboration added a fresh layer to the performance, showcasing the chemistry between the bands.

Toki, Onion Mash’s lead guitarist, also contributed to a standout moment by joining Löser for a powerful rendition of Motörhead’s iconic "Killed By Death." This collaboration highlighted the shared passion for rock and roll that united the musicians and the audience alike.

Löser’s Tribute to Motörhead

Löser, a Motörhead tribute act from Cumbria, headlined the night with a setlist drawn from deep within the Motörhead catalogue. Their performance was a heartfelt homage to the legendary band, delivering fan favorites and lesser-known tracks with authenticity and energy. The band played until curfew, keeping the crowd engaged with their tight musicianship and raw rock and roll power.

The dedication Löser showed to Motörhead’s legacy was clear in every note. Their ability to capture the spirit of the original band while adding their own flair made the live gig a memorable experience for fans of the genre.

By this point in the tour Thorburn had left behind his role as rythm guitarist and stepped into the role of lead guitarist for Löser. Also joining the ranks Beinn from Ego Trip took the role as rythm guitarist. Grafton Arms was a fun and engaging event - the band will remember the tour story of how Beinn failed to have a bathroom break before the extended set and had to run off stage mid-song to hit the men's room. Human moments happen even when you're well prepared and practiced.

The Grafton Arms’ Role in Supporting Live Music

This event also highlighted the important role The Grafton Arms plays in Manchester’s music scene. As more small clubs close across the country, venues like this one are stepping up to fill the gap. By hosting nights that feature unsigned original bands alongside tribute acts, The Grafton Arms creates opportunities for musicians to connect with new audiences and keep live music thriving.

The venue’s commitment to fostering a diverse music community was evident in the variety of styles presented during the night, from thrash and post-grunge to classic rock and roll.

A Spicy Wing Interview with Onion Mash

Before the sound check, Löser’s frontman took a moment to engage with members of Onion Mash in a special "NotOnes" spicy wing interview. This informal chat added a fun and personal touch to the evening, giving fans insight into the personalities behind the music. The spicy wing interview format, inspired by popular hotones-style conversations, brought out candid stories and laughter, making the night even more memorable.

This behind-the-scenes glimpse showed how collaboration extends beyond the stage, building friendships and shared experiences among musicians.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq3vyG0r9IY

Final Thoughts on a Night to Remember

The Manchester stop on Löser’s tour was more than just a live gig; it was a gathering of passionate musicians and fans united by their love of rock and roll. The mix of original music, tribute performances, and collaborative moments created a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

As we feast on memories from this night, it’s clear that venues like The Grafton Arms play a crucial role in keeping the spirit of live music alive. For fans and musicians alike, nights like this offer a chance to discover new sounds, celebrate legendary bands like Motörhead, and enjoy the raw energy that only a live gig can deliver.

For those who missed it, keep an eye on upcoming shows at The Grafton Arms and similar venues. Supporting these spaces ensures that the music scene continues to thrive, giving artists a platform to share their passion and audiences a place to connect.

Grafton Arms on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thegraftonmanchester/?hl=en

Löser's YouTube channel with more NotOnes interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@loserband

Onion Mash on FB: https://www.facebook.com/onion.mash.5

Ego Trip's album The Water on Bandcamp: https://egotripband.bandcamp.com/album/the-water-album