APOLLO, Manchester

David Cassidy

The erstwhile teen idol proves that he's still got it after all these years

Tonight and Saturday, 7.30pm, £22.50 to £27.50.

Simple Minds

Don't you forget about Jim Kerr's band of Irish rockers

Wednesday and Thursday, 7.30pm, £25 to £27.50.

MEN ARENA, Hunts Bank, Manchester

Mary J Blige

The soul diva promises No More Drama on this tour to promote her latest album

Saturday, 7.30pm, £24

MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY STUDENTS UNION, Manchester

Gonzales

The Canadian hip-hop artist promotes his latest album, Presidential Suite

Tonight, 7.30pm, £6

Cyclefly

Noisy skate-punk creations from these European rockers

Saturday, 7.30pm, £10

Cornershop

Back at last, and promoting a promising new album, Handcream For A Generation

Monday, 7.30pm, £10

Cheap Trick

Together 25 years and still rocking. You've got to admire it, really

Wednesday, 7.30pm, £12.50

And You Will Know Us By The Trail of the Dead + Hue

If you are expecting lighthearted pop tunes, you've obvious not read the band name right

Thursday, 7.30pm, £10

THE MET, Market Street, Bury

Midge Ure

The ex-Ultravox member promotes his first release in six years, Move Me

Saturday, 8pm, £12

MOSES GATE HOTEL, Bolton

TribU2

Surely you don't need me to spell out who they are a tribute to?

Tonight, 8.30pm, £4

Dark Horse

Covers of rock tracks by this trio from Burnley

Saturday, 8.30pm, free

Danny Bryant and The Red Eye Band

Rock and blues from this talented guitarist

Thursday, 8.30pm, £3

PARR HALL, Warrington

Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Posh pop star with nice frocks delivers some Murder On The Dancefloor

Tuesday, 7.30pm, £12.50 adv