February 23, 2008 MEN Arena, Manchester, ENG

Whereas the previous years Versus Cancer concert had been predominantly Manchester orientated artists, the third year enlisted the influence of a younger musical generation. The Sticks, The Enemy, The View, Athlete and The Fratellis all made an appearance.

Already 2007 had been clouded by the shockingly fast demise of Tony Wilson who died only months after contracting kidney cancer. During the finale of the third concert, an image of Tony appeared on the screens to cheers from the crowd. Tom Smetham and Stephen Chapman filmed the concert through UK 1 Productions with former Top of The Pops producer Chris Cowey as director.

The finale was Rourke bringing Badly Drawn Boy, Peter Hook, Aziz Ibrahim, David Potts from Monaco, Denise Johnson and drummer Steve White up to perform The Smiths' "Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want", Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and John Lennon's "Instant Karma!", which was aptly chosen for the occasion.

Artists

The Sticks, The Farm, Inspiral Carpets, Athlete, The View, Fun Lovin Criminals, Happy Mondays, The Fratellis, The Enemy, Finale