I had the pleasure of seeing Conan Gray’s Wishbone World Tour in Manchester’s AO Arena on the 9th of May 2026.
The AO Arena is one of the most iconic entertainment venues in the United Kingdom and a major landmark in Manchester. Located above and adjacent to Manchester Victoria Station, the arena first opened in 1995 and has grown into one of Europe's largest and busiest indoor venues. With a capacity of up to 23,000 people following recent redevelopment work, it attracts more than a million visitors every year.
The concert began with Conan’s song from his new album ‘Wishbone’ called ‘My World’ which introduced fans to his own world and concert. The song has elements of strong emotion towards breaking free from a relationship and living life how you want to. Following on from ‘My World’ was the hit song from the ‘Found Heaven’ album ‘Never Ending Song’ which created an uproar as the upbeat and energetic song played, generating excitement from fans. Other hits from the ‘Wishbone’ album were played like ‘Care’, ‘Class Clown’, and ‘Eleven Eleven’ as well as iconic songs like ‘Wish You Were Sober’ and ‘People Watching’ were played too.
Throughout the performance, Conan Gray demonstrated his ability to balance vulnerability with confidence. Songs like 'People Watching', 'The Cut That Always Bleeds', and 'Heather' reminded audiences of the emotional honesty that first made them fall in love with his music, while newer tracks from Wishbone showcased an artist who continues to evolve creatively. The emotion conveyed was boosted with unique theatrical staging and storytelling elements that tied the show together. The show featured many outfit changes varying from a sailor outfit, pyjamas and a pirate style look.
Closing the show with fan favourites 'Vodka Cranberry', 'Memories' and 'Caramel' the stage was filled with surprise confetti and a third outfit change. Fans roared with shock at Conan's famous high note in 'Vodka Cranberry' and new bedazzled sailor outfit. Conan Gray finished the show on a massive high which left fans feeling a great sense of catharsis.
The Wishbone World Tour stop in Manchester proved why Conan Gray continues to be one of pop music's most amazing live performers. With stunning visuals, a carefully curated setlist and a deeply personal connection to his audience, he delivered a night that fans will remember for years to come.
For those lucky enough to experience one of his Wishbone World Tour shows, it wasn't simply a concert - it was a shared emotional experience.
On the 9th of May 2026, the AO Arena in Manchester transformed into a world of nostalgia, heartbreak, and youthful wonder as Conan Gray brought his highly anticipated Wishbone World Tour to the city. From the moment the lights dimmed after the song ‘bad idea right?’ by Conan’s best friend Olivia Rodrigo played, it became a theatrical, emotionally charged experience that showcased exactly why Conan Gray has become one of the most beloved voices of his generation.
The audience sang every lyric back to him, creating an atmosphere that felt both intimate and enormous at the same time. The Manchester date formed part of the European leg of the Wishbone World Tour, which featured songs from all 4 of his main albums and songs from his new 'Wishbone Deluxe' album too.
The Manchester show held great significance for the Coneheads (Conan Gray fans) as part of the show features a suprise song segment called 'Conan's Campfire' which is where the song from the new release 'Wishbone Deluxe' called 'The House That Always Rains' had its live debut. During this section of the show, the performance transformed the vast arena into a remarkably intimate space. Armed with little more than his voice and a stripped-back acoustic guitar arrangement, Conan Gray delivered the song with a vulnerability that immediately captivated the audience leading to them singing the lyrics with him.
Taking place during the third act of the show, the 'Wishbone Break' gives one lucky fan the chance to join him in deciding the evening's second surprise song. Standing at the end of the wishbone-shaped stage, Conan selected a fan from the crowd and together they snapped a giant wishbone, determining who would get to choose between two beloved fan favourites: 'The Exit' and 'Yours'. The winning song was 'The Exit' which sparked cheers and excitement from the crowd.