Now that 2021 is all done and out of the way, we can begin to look forward to what this year has in store and, more importantly, what bands are heading our way.

With tours and concerts just getting back on track and venues on the island catching up with the backlog of postponed concerts and gigs that were originally due to take place throughout 2020, including shows from some of the biggest artists in the UK.

February sees two huge acts playing at the Villa Marina in quick succession, with solo songwriter James Blunt being followed he very next date by the Scots pop rockers Texas.

Making a much anticipated return to the Isle of Man, following his sellout show in 2018, James Blunt will be back on the Royal Hall stage at the Villa Marina on Tuesday, February 15.

Famous for he global hit single and ubiquitous earworm, ’You’re Beautiful’, James will bring his ’The Stars Beneath My Feet’ tour to the island, in support of his new album of the same name, a greatest hits compilation, which also feature a couple of new songs.

He was originally intending to visit the island on his ’Once Upon A Dream’ tour during May last year.

With the stage still warm and the gear yet to be packed away, Texas will be queuing up for their soundcheck for their gig on Wednesday, February 16.

Led by singer and guitarist Sharleen Spiteri, the group have been champing at the bit to hit the road and mark the 30th anniversary of the release of their monster debut album ’Southside’.

This album, which produced the hit singles ’I Don’t Wan A Lover’ and ’The Thrill Has Gone’, was first released in 1989 and led them to spend the next couple of decades as one of Scotland’s most beloved bands.

They will play the album in is entirety, along with a set of greatest hits.

The tour was originally supposed to take place throughout 2020 and this concert has been rescheduled twice already.

Singer songwriter Jack Savoretti is on course to make his planned return to the island with a concert at the Villa on Tuesday, March 29, when he tours in support of his new album, ’Europiana’.

Jack last played on the island in 2009 on a much smaller stage, as he was on he verge of breaking through to mainstream success.

Support will come from Argentinian Jazz duo Cande y Paulo.

Fast forward through to TT week and Brit Rock titans Supergrass will finally make it over to the island as part of their reunion tour, held to mark 10 years after splitting up.

The four-piece, led by Gaz Coombs, made famous by songs such as ’Alright’, ’Grace’, ’Pumping on the Stereo’, ’Richard III’, ’Sun Hits he Sky’ and ’Going Out’, were originally announced during the first lockdown and were set to play in August 2020.

However, the concert was quickly postponed as the Covid situation developed.

If things go to plan in 2022, they will provide the highlight of the TT fortnight’s entertainment on Thursday, June 9. Emma Callin, Head of Culture and Arts said that these are just a few of the bands appearing over the next six months, after visiting acts returned to the Villa stage towards the end of 2021.

’We were fortunate enough to play host to great music from the UK and further afield again, like The Bootleg Beatles, Becky Hill and You Me at Six to name just a few, while also welcoming brilliant local entertainment from the likes of Buncha Skankers, DC/AC, Voodoo Bandits, plus the second year of our popular Made in Mann series, all performed by the enormous amount of talent we’ve got here on the island,’ said Emma.

’We look forward to welcoming customers back to gigs in 2022 as we play host to a plethora of varied and diverse music, from James Blunt to Texas, Jack Savoretti to Aled Jones and Craig David presents TS5 to Supergrass.

More details on these and more upcoming gigs, along with full ticket details, are available online at villagaiety.com