At least that’s what someone is claiming on the ILoveManchesterMusic forum. Here’s one response (by Selina from Lamb & Wolf) to the suggestion:

I don’t know anything about this, but aren’t weekend gigs at roadhouse early doors anyway? So if the 1990s are playing the blur gig could be happening afterwards? (unless they have a clubnight on)

But… tickets for a show like that probably wouldn’t be available to just anyone. Blur have always played tiny shows like this even at the height of their popularity and people were always informed of them via the fanclub.

Faktion is scheduled to happen after the gig, so this seems highly unlikely – but everyone loves a good rumour.

Here’s a selection of shows happening in Manchester over the next few days:

On Tuesday neo-shoegazers Asobi Seksu play at the Roadhouse to promote new album Hush. It’s not exactly our cup of tea but they could appeal to fans of Ride, Slowdive and Cocteau Twins. Or not. Tickets.

Back to the Roadhouse on Wednesday, as the venue’s staffers Loveless present Leeds’ blues-rocking duo The Old Romantic Killer Band plus Sycamore and Serpentine Pad. Loveless will also be joined on the decks by Stop Making Sense and Revolver DJs.  More info.

Salford’s very own beat/performance/punk poet and recent sexagenarian John Cooper Clarke appears at the Dancehouse Theatre opposite the BBC on Friday. He’s also there on Saturday – Valentine’s Day, lest we forget! – but tickets (at a fairly reasonable £15) have already sold out. Get Friday’s here before they’re all gone too.

Also on Friday, the frustratingly titled Tim and Sam’s Tim and the Sam Band with Tim and Sam play an Akoustik Anarkhy night at the Deaf Institute, supported by the Yellow Moon Band. Put Your Slippers On, their debut seven-track EP, is now available for £5. Tickets.

Then on Saturday there’s a good chance you’ll be at one Academy or another (if you don’t have prior Valentine obligations). Locals I Am Kloot will be playing bitter-sweet songs up in Academy 3 – though, again, this is sold out so Sunday 15 is your best chance. Meanwhile, in the basement, Late of the Pier will be entertaining while Magazine and Ipso Facto will be playing to a sold-out Academy 1 next door.

Phew! Also, newly confirmed – or spotted – this week (mostly by Hey! Manchester):

A Place to Bury Strangers at the Ruby Lounge on 2 April

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone at the Deaf Institute on 20 April

Great Lake Swimmers and Last Harbour at Dulcimer in Chorlton on 19 May

Phosphorescent at the Deaf Institute on 30 May