The second Manchester Vs Cancer concert was built on the success of the first with another large Manchester bill. Manchester Vs Cancer had been renamed Versus Cancer by Truth Creative (a Manchester-based Brand Consultancy) to open it up to a wider audience and increase global appeal. Noel Gallagher was announced as headliner and the arena was a sell-out.
Collaborations on the night included Paul Weller with The Charlatans playing "Town Called Malice", "Can't Get Out Of Bed" and the John Lennon classic "Power to the People" with added vocals from Denise Johnson. Weller also appeared towards the end of the night with Noel Gallagher to perform "The Butterfly Collector" and Noel (whose semi-acoustic set involved a large string section) performed The Smiths' "There is a Light that Never Goes Out".
There was a rare outing for David McAlmont and Bernard Butler who played Butler's biggest hit, "Yes", as a duet with Denise Johnson and The Smiths' "Still Ill".
Echo & the Bunnymen were joined onstage by Peter Hook for New Order's "Ceremony".
Ian Brown who had performed earlier returned to the stage for the finale with Mani and Rourke where they promptly tore the house down with The Stone Roses anthem "I am the Resurrection".
Artists
The Scratch, Hippy Mafia, McAlmont & Butler, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Charlatans (+ Paul Weller), Ian Brown, Noel Gallagher (+Paul Weller), Finale.
DJ's Andy and Jez Williams (Doves), Mani, DJ Tintin
Echo & the Bunnymen Setlist: Lips Like Sugar Bring on the Dancing Horses The Killing Moon Nothing Lasts Forever The Cutter Ceremony (with Peter Hook)