PHOTOS: Coheed And Cambria – Academy, Manchester – 20/10/2025

It’s frankly amazing that Coheed And Cambria have not only lasted as long as they have, but have reached this size from it. Here’s a band that’s dedicated the last 30 years to making ongoing prog space-operas—with accompanying comics and graphic novels to boot—and have reached a level of stardom that, from the outside looking in, might seem unfathomable. But with a prominent emo streak for leverage in the 2000s and the consistency in effort and quality that’s held up as March this year, it’s no wonder they’ve kept going for so long.

It goes without saying, then, that big stages for Coheed And Cambria are just another day at the office. They headlined 2000trees earlier this year to great success; an Academy tour like this is a perfect fit. And while it’s a shame that prog faves Haken had to drop out earlier this month, And So I Watch You From Afar’s post-rock is an alternative that’s just as lofty, but with a slightly different overall taste. (It would be nice to have unpeople on the entire run, too, rather than as a London-exclusive support, but the musical favouritism towards our nation’s capital has never been a secret.) So, with all that in mind, Maryleen headed to Manchester to check it out.

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And So I Watch You From Afar

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Coheed And Cambria

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Photos by Maryleen (Instagram / Website)