Mark Collins has been a consistent presence in The Charlatans for more than thirty years, arriving in 1991 as lead guitarist and contributing significantly to the development of their distinctive sound. His unique playing style and ability to create driving riffs and melodic textures have been central to the band’s development, through the initial Madchester period to their continued success throughout the decades.
For more than thirty years, The Charlatans have remained one of Britain’s most enduring and beloved bands, navigating the ever-changing music landscape with an unshakable spirit. Emerging in the Madchester scene of the late 1980s, they quickly established themselves with their mix of psychedelia, indie rock, and dance rhythms, a sound that still defines them today.
Breakthrough single The Only One I Know catapulted them into the mainstream in 1990, followed by three number-one albums, a string of Top 10 hits, and a reputation for electrifying live performances. Through personal losses and industry shifts, The Charlatans have adapted, evolved, and thrived, proving that longevity isn’t just about survival but reinvention.
The Charlatans have always found a way to push forward with a sense of determination. Through all the highs and lows, their ability to evolve, adapt, and keep moving has been a defining trait. Collins puts it simply when asked about the band’s resilience. “We’re hard as nails.”
Despite the years, that initial spark hasn’t dimmed. Returning to Castlefield Bowl after a decade, Collins reflects on the moment with excitement and a touch of disbelief. “It’s mad to think it’s been ten years since we last headlined Castlefield Bowl. Time’s flown by, but it feels brilliant to be coming back to such a special venue. There’s something about playing in the heart of Manchester that just hits differently, there’s a real energy to the city, and you can feel it the second you step on stage. Hopefully, the neighbours won’t mind us making a bit of noise for the night! If all goes well, maybe we’ll be back doing it all again in 2035.”
Castlefield holds a special significance for the band, not just as a homecoming, but as part of their legacy of unforgettable gigs. While they don’t treat Manchester shows differently, there’s always a buzz in the air. “A homecoming show always has a special buzz, but we don’t really prepare for it any differently. The only adjustment we make is turning our phones off, otherwise, we’d spend the last ten minutes before going on stage fielding requests for guest list spots from family members trying to sneak their mates in for free. It’s all part of playing in Manchester, really. But beyond that, we just focus on putting on the best show possible. We can’t wait to be there on 3rd July”
With thirty-five years of music to draw from, the upcoming show promises to be a celebration of their journey. Selecting the right setlist is a challenge, but Collins assures fans they’ll get a mix of classics, deep cuts, and maybe even something new. “The toughest part of putting a setlist together is knowing that not everything will make it in. When you’ve got decades of music to draw from, it’s a balancing act between the songs people expect to hear and the ones that bring something fresh to the night. We’ll play a bunch from across the life of the band, maybe even sneak in a few new ones to keep things interesting. The setlist is never set in stone, we usually pull it together the morning of the gig, but if the crowd’s giving us a certain energy, we won’t hesitate to switch things up in real time. Sometimes a song just feels right in the moment, and that’s part of what makes live shows exciting.”
At the heart of it all is the live experience, something The Charlatans have honed across stadiums, festivals, and intimate venues alike. “I loved those days, being young and reckless, I don’t think youth ever really leaves you.”
Phones at gigs have become a talking point over the years, with some artists pushing back against the sea of screens in the crowd. But for Collins, it’s not something that bothers him. “I don’t have an issue with it.”
I guess live music has evolved, and part of that change is how people engage with it. Whether fans are capturing a moment, sharing it online, or just watching through their screens, it’s all part of the modern gig experience. Some might prefer to be fully present, but ultimately, it’s up to the audience how they enjoy the show.
As the band step onto Castlefield’s stage on the 3rd of July, it won’t just be another gig, it’ll be a moment in time, a band standing in the city that shaped them, still here, still thriving with music that had carried on strong throughout the years. “Some songs just have something timeless about them.” Mark tells me, “Tracks like The Only One I Know and One To Another still resonate because they’ve got a real energy, the kind that connects with people no matter when or where they hear them. A great song doesn’t just belong to the past, it keeps finding new audiences, new moments, and new meaning. And, let’s be honest, they’re absolute bangers!”
The anticipation is most definitely high, and for Collins, there’s only one hope left for the night. “Hopefully, the sun is shining.”
With support from Embrace and The Coral you can get your tickets here: https://www.thecharlatans.net/events/2025-07-03-castlefield-bowl-castlefield-bowl
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