We came down from Scotland to see a concert in the O2 Apollo in Manchester. Do I believe they get good concerts? Yes. Is it a pleasant venue? No. A long queue around the corner having to stand for ages before slowly getting in is not my idea of fun and neither was it for the older people in the queue. Inside it is a distinctly grubby place. read more

Portishead Patti Smith New Order Primal Scream The Arctic Monkeys The White Stripes Lambchop Tori Amos I've been blessed to see some truly spectacular shows at Manchester Apollo. Shows where the division between the audience and the band dissolved and it felt like there was just a large room of people totally hypnotised by the music. Originally a cinema in the 1930s, Manchester Apollo is a beautiful theatre that still retains most of it's original features. There's a foyer with merchandising stalls and toilets, an upstairs bar, lots of balcony seating, a side bar towards the left of the stage and a main bar at the back of the theatre. It's the theatre itself which is truly special however, with a slanted floor, beautiful ceiling, impressive stage and rows of velvet seats - which are taken out for rock shows. I'd give the Apollo 5 stars for atmosphere, sound and ambience. I've gotta deduct one star however, for the truly extortionate and underwhelming drinks. As the venue is owned by Carling, there's an extremely limited range of beer - no Sol, Corona, Belgian or Czech beers! - and spirits on offer. The spirits and mixers are also so small, it's only worth going to the bar if you're planning to get a couple or chase them down with a Guinness! The sublime Portishead: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsoZRBZvdOc read more

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I don't know what to say about Manchester's music venues anymore. They are all so great. It's extraordinary that a city of this size is easily among the top 10 places to see live music in the world. I went to see D'Angelo at the Apollo and the Grade II listed art deco building was perfect for what felt like a moment in music history. The stage area is the ideal size for a large band, nobody looked cramped and the lighting was excellent too. The audience are split over two levels - you can sit upstairs or stand in the sloping stalls. It's still small enough that you can get up close and personal if you arrive early, but large enough to justice to a big rich sound. Agree with Jonny re drink cost/choice. Pepsi from a soda fountain for £2...the horror. read more

Love going to the Apollo theatre Manchester. Tonight was the One & Only Mr Roy Chuddy Brown. Wow what a show not for the faint hearted and for those easily offended. .Door women gave me the full search on arrival which I think she got a kick out of it .did not like her attitude .NOT a nice lady so started the night on a negative. End of the show we went to the stage door and waited well worth being in the cold to get a pic of the man himself ..Great gig Chubby Brown. .. read more

O2 Apollo Manchester - Music Venues Near Me - Manchester, XGM

WARNING! I went to go see ricky gervais with my mum before I was grabbed and thrown to the floor causing for me to have a seizure and ending up in hospital. Then the security grabbed my mums bad wrist and wouldn't let her move making her terrified . Now she's refusing the house due to the fear of the threats of the security saying they'd break her arm. read more

If only the Carling Apollo were a little more central.. Its my own fault for being from North Manchester, I suppose. I have so many memories of buses back into town or brisks walks on the way to the gig. In fact, I'm pretty sure that I actually got picked up by my mother from one of the first concerts I went to here. It was Jamie Cullum, and we waited outside for him to sign my friend's CD. I was so excited that he was only just taller than me. The Apollo is pretty good for non-teens/ twenty somethings (*hah, can't believe I managed to reference a Jamie Cullum song) etc who like to have the option of sitting down throughout the course of their musical experience. Obviously they usually stand anyway but the option is there if your feet get achey. For everyone else, you can buy your standing ticket and get there really really early. A magical moment happened when I went to see The Strokes here; a friend knew a pretty well built bouncer who waded through the crowd, dropping us in the centre and only a few rows back. You just can't buy that kind of treatment. Another thing: this venue is perfect for superstar bands like The Strokes who need a bit of mood, who need the dark. Their performance here was ten times better than their performance supporting The Foo Fighters on an open stage at the cricket ground. The open air does them no favours. All in all, a good mid sized venue that bands can be proud to sell out for a few nights every once in a while. read more

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Went to O2 Apollo theatre manchester to see the legend that is Roy Chubby Brown for my birthday. Absolutely brilliant & funny as always.was on for just over an hour was well worth it. Then to top off the night met the man himself out side the stage door. True Legend. read more

O2 Apollo Manchester - Music Venues Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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The Apollo has to be the best live music venue in Manchester. Not only is it a fairly generous size with a 3500 capacity, the sloping angle up from the stage makes even standing at the back seem like you're close to the band and part of the gig. It's the sort of venue that bands who don't usually play arenas (whether they choose not to or couldn't fill them) play at. Over the past few years we've been lucky to see Yeah Yeah Yeahs, PJ Harvey, Snoop, Nick Cave and QOTSA at the Apollo and the acoustics are perfectly set up so as the range of artists make it their own place from night to night. 3/4's of the capacity is standing downstairs with the rest seated above and if you want to get the hottest tickets in town without paying a fortune on ebay, make sure you buy them the day they come out. The only thing stopping the Apollo from getting 5 stars is like most live music venues in the UK, the awful selection and prices of drinks on offer. £4 for a warm can of Tuborg, Tetleys or Carlsberg sums it up really - with expensive shots and rubbish mini bottles of wine. Truly it's a shame that this lets the venue down but I guess their mentality is that everyone is stuck in there anyway so will buy whatever rubbish they put out. There's a little pub just around the corner though - with much cheaper beers and a better selection than drinking inside the Apollo so it's always worth popping in here for a couple before the gig. read more

I personally think most of the others reviewing the Apollo are being too kind. It is incredibly run down and is not in a nice area. Sure, it has some decent gigs there but that doesn't change the fact that the venue itself is looking increasingly like a dump. In addition, because of its location, the public transport you can take to it is not great, requiring you to go through some of the roughest parts of Manchester by bus or on foot. I am sure that in its hey-day, the place must have been fairly special but not now, not really anyway. I would only recommend going to a show here if you are incredibly keen on seeing the act and feel that there is no easily accessible alternative somewhere else. But perhaps I'm just becoming a grouchy snob in my old age. read more

From being a young'un, I've been to the Apollo to see some great bands and some not so great bands - but the venue has never added to the negativity I have felt towards the gigs that haven't been so great. You should always go for standing in this venue, as you will have a great view of the stage and the band and inclusion in a great atmosphere of like minded people. Everything is easy to find; the toilets, the bar, the merchandise stand and the security are nice as pie and willing to help you out! Get a lift or the bus as car parking is a rip off nearby. read more

I've always thought Manchester lacks medium-sized venues, but when the one we have is the Apollo I won't be complaining. For any Londoners, the Apollo is analogous in size and layout to Brixton Academy. Sloped floor for a great view wherever you stand, crystal clear sound (with the right soundman), with a clear path either side to make the entire venue accessible, the Apollo is an absolute gem. The decor shows its old life as a cinema (back when cinemas were places of glamour), with an amazing ceiling and lots of small little touches, such as the curved balcony. It really makes a difference when almost every other venue in Manchester is just a big box (The Deaf Institute is the only venue to compare). If a band you love plays here, go!! Chances are if they get any bigger they're end up in the dull echo chamber that is Manchester Arena (MEN Arena? MCR arena? Phones 4 U Arena? I can't keep up). To miss a band here will be a constant regret (like missing Arcade Fire here on the Neon Bible tour...). In personal terms, the best gigs I've seen here were Eddie Vedder's solo tour, Brand New on the The Devil & God... tour and Ben Folds on the Supersunnyspeedgraphic tour. But there have been countless great gigs. Feist, The National, Paul Weller, Sigur Ros... Man, I love this venue!!! EDIT: Now I've been to the (newly renovated) Albert Hall, the Apollo's been knocked off its perch for best Manchester gig venue. Second best is still great! read more

Whenever I approach the Apollo theatre, I think I'm in London. It just has that feel about it. I'm sure fellow Mancunians who've visited London will feel the same. You know what I mean, it's slightly out the way with regard to the city centre and it looks like a very traditional theatre-cum-live venue. It has that glowing white light behind the red lettering of the sign. As a result, you get an amazing array of genres and performances there, from live comedy shows to superb bands. It's an unusual venue due to its history (which I will come to), and I was lucky enough to catch two very different shows here. On my 18th birthday, I watched Muse at the Apollo, and... okay, I'll admit now that there's a side to my personality that's distinctly un-rock n' roll. And that's the side that doesn't like standing up at concerts and jostling through hoards of unmentionables at festivals. It's the side that neglects to enjoy the grime of camping and hovers over unsavoury toilets. It also happens to be the side that really enjoyed the fact that I was sitting down while watching Muse. I mean, for a three piece, Muse are pretty epic. I likened the experience to a classical concert or orchestra performance, and you're sat down for those, so I didn't particularly see an issue with sitting down for Muse. Besides, I'm no good at moshing, you know I have the personal space issues. So, the seating experience. Those chairs are very comfy, located at points that incorporate a superb view of the stage. And following some unbelievably delicious desserts at Hard Rock Cafe, it meant that my birthday was not only entertaining but memorable too. I've mentioned the Mighty Boosh before, I am something of a fangirl, and I have seen them twice. I secured tickets to their extra dates for my mother and I (yep, my mum is mighty cool, deal with it) as a final outing for the two of us before she moved to the Canary Islands, *sniffle*. It was an amazing night. Well, any night when your parents buy you alcohol is pretty amazing, I find that buzz remains well into your twenties. I'll keep reporting on that. The two of us supped surprisingly reasonably priced Southern Comfort and tonics and watched Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt at their ridiculous, surreal best. The venue was even more perfect for their live show than the Lowry. They even made use of the wide aisles between the audience seating areas, running around like maniacs and getting us rather excited. Whether you're into live music, comedy, performance, generic entertainment or all of the above, if a show you even have a slight interest in pops up at the Apollo, please grab a ticket. The building is beautiful, having originally been built as a cinema way back in 1930, and while it doesn't look much from the outside, it's something of a tardis inwardly. In fact you can sit back and almost imagine those cinema ushers selling ice cream and popcorn back in the Hollywood golden era due to the fact that it's really maintained that thirties cinema vibe. It's a venue that has seen the likes of the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley and Queen. Those are four accolades that make me very proud to be a Mancunian. Aaaaand lift off! (Well, it's called the Apollo, give me a break.) read more

I Remember going here over 10 years ago ( old age creeps up) lol! seeing various bands and i absolutely love it. you can dance as much as you like as the crowd are in full spirit wish more of my favourite artist would come here. read more

When you first enter the venue, ignore the first toilets, they will be backed but there are two sets in the auditorium which are usually empty. A really good venue with nice seating (if not a bit plastic) it's a little out of the way so if you think manchester city center is getting a bit 'residential' then your on the right track read more

I know there are probably far more famous nights that occurred, but the Apollo is where I finally got to see my favorite band from my teenage years live. I was in San Francisco when i first heard Ash live on the radio, somewhere downtown, where I wasn't. I sought out their second album, their first, all the EPs and bootlegs, loved them into college, forgave them for their drunken and drugged ways, wished they'd play somewhere in the US again but to no avail. It was at the end of my miserable year in Manchester that I saw a listing for Ash at the Apollo. I learned my lesson from bringing a stranger to the symphony and just bought a lone ticket. The venue was not unlike many of the medium-large venues where I'm from. But the ground and air outside were almost frozen, and I arrived in many layers, the outermost being my US Army coat from WWII. Seafood opened, and I realized I was in a sea of 15-year-olds who probably were more aligned with the Irish loyalty to Ash. But I stood in the the middle of the hall and listened intently, even to the songs I didn't know because I hadn't bought a new album in years. I started in the middle and ended up only 3 rows away from the stage. The throbbing of bodies against each other squeezed my organs. At the end of the night, I was drenched in everybody else's sweat. I walked home through the dark streets kicking snow and flapping my arms so the sweat would not turn into ice. I was so happy that I fulfilled an old wish that no one else could have just placed in my lap, for myself. read more

The Apollo. Memories. I can't believe I'm going to admit this on the internet but I went to see Westlife, 5ive and S Club 7 here when I was about 5 (more like 10 but shhhhh). It was awesome. Since then I've been a fan. There's a lot of things wrong with the Apollo, it could do with a lot of money spending on it. But do you know what? It's still one of my favourite venues. The bar situation is a bit crap so don't expect to get drunk at a gig, the bar is tiny and always packed and also expensive. So that's not great but once you've been once you know about this so you don't mind. Downstairs is usually standing at gigs whilst upstairs is seated, I've never been upstairs because I believe standing at gigs is the only way to do it! But I am going to see Frankie Boyle next year and my tickets are seated upstairs so I'll let you know what it's like then! :-) read more

I read the other reviews here with a sense of amazement. I thought this was a wretched place in every sense. The acoustics are among the worst I have ever come across - I should add that I have seen 100s of gigs over the years and this rates as vert poor The bouncers were unnecessarily aggressive - one grabbed me as I inadvertently wandered towards where the mixing desk was, spilling my drinks and looking like he was going to hit me. The toilets were not good and my other half had to queue for almost 25 minutes before discovering there were just 2 cubicles in the ladies. Last straw - £3.70 for a tin of cider. Even in this inflated prices day and age that amazed me. The bars were so crowded with very few staff serving so the idea of an actual pint was pretty much impossible. I'd rather miss my favourite bands than subject myself to the debacle that was the Spiritualized event this December. The place was badly organised with rude staff and the music, majestic in other venues, sounded terrible here. read more

An excellent live music venue in a particularly crappy area of Ardwick, just south of the city centre. Its a wonderful white art deco building, with a really atmospheric interior. For gigs the seats in the stalls are taken out, and as they are on a slope that means its one of the few places short people can actually see the stage from the back! There's also seating upstairs. Bars can get very busy, 4 or 5 deep just before gigs start, so go early if you want to get a pint or two in. read more

From what I remember - this was great venue to see big bands. The last time I was there was in the 80s to see Siouxie and the Banshees (and I still have the programme). Great gig and I guess the venue has carried on in the fine tradition of big name bands. Manchester's oldest venue and also a former cinema building (one of Manchester's last standing original cinemas). I believe it still has operational 35mm projection equipment in. read more

The Apollo is a small but endearing venue, which has provided me with a very happy night out on many occasions. This is the place where bands or comedians a little too small for the M.E.N Arena tend to arrive, or use for warm up gigs before a gig there (Steve Coogan recently did a few dates at the Apollo before upgrading). The venue is classicly old, but seating is good in all areas. The floor has a slight slant, so if you're at a gig with a band and are worried you wont be able to see don't. I have happily stood at the back watching people bopping while I don't risk spilling my pint and still have a great view. Ive been here many a time and it always seems well organised, and it's a nice enough distance from town you can walk to and from it without getting tired! read more

A very cool music venue where the only problem i can find is the less than attractive walk to picadilly station at midnghtnot at the top of my list if fun experiences! However the gigs at this venue are almost always excellent, and they have a great variety of acts. I love the upper circle as it gives you an excellent view, and now that i have mobility problems i cant join in the mad jumping, so this way i get to still enjoy the gig in a different way. Prices are good, and there is a nice pub not far from the venue for a few pre-gig drinks if you want to save yourself this money anyway. read more

The Carling Apollo is a music/gig venue situated about 5 minutes bus ride outside of Manchester City Centre. The venue attracts a variety of mainstream/alternative and comedy acts so it's worth to keep checking the listings for a particular act your after as they are bound to come here. There are seating areas in the upper half of venue and a slanted standing area in the centre which is great as not everyone is tall enough to see the stage in full. Last time I came here was to see Bjork in Apr 08 - to simply say, it was amazing, best gig I've ever been to. read more

One of the best medium sized gig venues in town. Situated in no man's landany form of gentrification/regeneration hasn't quite made it this far yet. Still, it's only a ten minute walk from Oxford road and plenty of buses get you here. Most acts either play here or the academyit's unlikely you'll miss any bands worth seeing in Manchester. Surprisingly Beach Boy genius Brian Wilson has played here a few times (seats firmly in for these gigs mind), eschewing the likes of the Bridgewater Hall and Lowry for a more rock orientated venue. The sloping floor (necessary when the seats are all in place) is a bonus, usually guaranteeing a sight of your performers face if not a view of the eyebrows upwards. The bar is a bit of a fightmarebest 'doubling up' if you managed to secure a crappy plastic pint pop of adult pop. read more

The Apollo is a large music and comedy venue on the outskirts of town. It tends to attract acts that have outgrown the Academy venues, but who aren't quite ready for the Arena. You can just about walk from Piccadilly to the Apollo (around 15 minutes), but it's not a very pleasant walk. You can also get to it from Oxford Road, which is about a 10 minute walk. Buses run down this road with extra services after events, and there are quiet a few car parks near the venue. The downstairs of the venue is usually standing only for gigs, so it's advisable to get there early to secure a good view (although it helps that the floor slopes slightly towards the stage). Be warned that some of the balcony seats have a restricted view. And avoid standing right in front of the speakers- those things are loud! read more

This is probably the best venue in Manchester to see bands as it has a very close atmosphere to it. No matter where you are you can view what is going on due to its slopping floor. The drinks are fairly priced for a music venue and the bar is never too busy. A lot of top bands also play at the apollo, mainly to to the atmosphere in there. The last band I saw there was the Manic Street Preachers and I thought that it was amazing as everyone in the room just enjoyed the gig with no trouble throughout it. read more

The Manchester Apollo Theatre was one of those places that when I first noticed, I instantly judged to be less than satisfactory. (before anything is said, I came here for a music gig. And therefore only relates to music) Couple of months later, and I'm there for a gig (Only really went to please me girlfriend, and see Tek-One) and my opinion was shattered to the ground. This place is perfect for standing gigs! I never usually experiment with any venues outside of the Manchester Academy (which reminds me I still need to make a review for the Academy) but I'm glad I came here. Firstly, the crowd floor is built at a slight angle, allowing you to still see the stage even when at the far back which is a great idea. Secondly, the stage fills the front of the room. I can't be specific about the dimensions, but what I can say is that the stage is big enough to support a large band with enough room for the equipment, as well as space to move for the band. Luckily, from what I experienced the stage can be seen from all angles (Unless you're 5ft tall). Thirdly, there's a seated area above as well. Giving great views of the band if you weren't able to purchase standing in time. Like all venues, there are two bars offered. One at the back, and one to the side of the stage (I only ever take the free water, so excuse my comments on prices) where a small medical bay is built is situated in front. As for the overall acoustics and sound of the venue. Perfect!!! I could hear every word when the bass wasn't being blasted down my ear drums. Overall I was pleased by this venue, and had a great time while I was there. Will defiantly return when a better metal band arrives, until then...Manchester Academy for me. read more

One of the better venues in manchester aside from club academy. The sloping floor is a great thought so if your short like my girlfriend you don't have big lumbering jackasses standing in front of you and skewing the view. Realtively cheap drinks in here if you drink alcohol, I don't but its helpful information. I've only ever seen gigs here so can only comment on the standing stalls sound engineering is brilliant here no deafening ringing in your ears afterward and a clear view of the stage top venue! read more

I really like the Apollo as a venue. I've been a lot over the years and whilst it had some bad moments at present its a great place for live bands. I personally really like the balcony area for viewing and sound. Unlike a lot of similar venues the bar area is a really good size and really well presented. The minus star is the fact that there isn't really much to do in the immediate surrounding area. I realise you aren't far from stuff, but places like The Ritz, MEN etc. all have plenty so I just feel a bit less spoiled when someone I want to see is on at the Apollo. Great place though and recommended. read more

Much more intimate than the Arena across the city centre, the Apollo is located in an old theatre in the Ardwick area of the city. It's stayed faithful to its interior - the theatre style tiered seating remains in the Grand Circle and Upper Circle, while in the stalls, the seating is usually removed to create a large dancefloor. It's primarily used as a live music venue for an ecletic variety of acts, although its also used for comedy gigs (The Mighty Boosh being a prime example). The slightly sloped floor in the stalls is a bit of a problem when they put the seating back in, as standing up on a sloped floor leads to tremendous pain in the calves, something I experienced last time I was here - I've noticed this is an issue in many theatre-style venues. It's still well worth a visit, and it has much more character than the somewhat soulless MEN Arena. read more

This is my favourite music venue in the area. I think that someone really thought out how to make the most of a relatively small venue, then actually did it! We mostly go there for the annual Saw Doctors Christmas Concert. Every year, they end the first part of their tour at the Apollo and have what is almost a party night. If you are standing at the front, the atmosphere is incredible - although you do have to watch out for any vulnerable little ones who may have ventured up. This is the secret of the Apollo's attraction to fans of any band/singer; You can stand within a couple of feet and just enjoy your favourites. The more stately fan can sit in the balcony seats and get a wonderful view from a little further away - still enjoying the whole sound, as the accoustics are extremely good, as befits an ex-theatre. The selection of drinks is very limited, usually Carling lager and Strongbow cider are the choices and the prices are what you would expect! Don't expect to come out with much change if you like more than one drink in a night! The concession stands are invariably packed, but quite well-run - customers are sorted out quickly and moved on fro others to pass over yet more money. I have never felt ripped off as everything I've ever got from these stands has been good quality, unlike some of the stuff on sale outside from chancers. read more

I much prefer this venue to see big artists then the MEN. Old/traditional, this place has ben around for years. I remember my grandparents telling me they saw the carpenters there back in the day - and the venue is still going strong! You can feel the history as you walk in. read more

The apollo is a great venue to see bands. There are various bars inside. The layout is perfect, the standing area is slightly sloped, meaning that the stage is visible from wherever you are stood, and there are circle seats above. It is a nice venue for a larger scale intimate gig. Most popular bands play in here at some point. Highly recommended for gig lovers! Theres always something going on! read more

The Carling Apollo on Stockport Road is not a bad gig venue at all. The building is comprised of a large standing area on the ground floor and sloped theatre- like seating above. There is a good view of the stage from most if not all locations and you never feel like you are too far away, as you often find in the larger venues. There are often problems with queues beforehand and there is always the issue of the crowd spilling out onto the semi- busy road afterwards, but none of this can really detract from the venue itself. read more

An Excellent venue, not as big as most venues ,but then its not as crowded. The range of acts appearing are usually people just starting out on there careers or are approaching the end of the careers . The atmosphere is enhanced by the good acoustics of the theatre and the views are good of the stage from most positions. Access to the theatre can be tiresome if going by car as car parking spaces are limited.However you are well served by Bus services and are only about a 5 minute walk from the trian station read more

I much prefer the Apollo to the MEN arena. I saw Arcade Fire at both venues last year and the gig at the Apollo had so much more atmosphere. It's close to the city centre and within easy walking distance of Piccadilly train station. The standing area of the venue is sloped, which means that you can get a decent view from most of it. There always seems to be a bit of a sticky floor, but at least that means you are less likely to slip and fall over! I have never been in the seating are upstairs but I have heard from friends that the view from there is also good. read more

Over zealous security, I brave the place once a year to see Motorhead but wouldn't bother with it otherwise. And how do they justify £2 plus for a bottle of water? Get real or go bust Carling Apollo Has improved a wee bit since my earlier review, still idiotic mindless fools doing the security though including one chap who thought my wallet was a camera!!!! Worth the hassle to see Motorhead mind. read more

As far as music venues go this is a favourite of mine. I'm an averaged height woman so my typical problem at a gig is not being able to see anything as some tall bloke plonks himself in front of me! The Apollo is great as being an old theatre the floor is sloped so for standing gigs they take out the seats. Problem sorted! Even better are the balcony seats! You can see everything! Wicked! The bar is reasonably priced and unlike some venues you never feel claustrophobic! (Unless you're in the middle of the mosh pit). Only downside is queuing to get in takes ages! read more

This is a fantastic venue to see live music. It is sloped and quite small compared to other venues ,so feels very intimate. It is a liitle awkward to get to and the parking is rubbish. I usually end up paying an unofficial carpark and then park bumper to bumper,so you cant get out until everyone else moves! It feels very nostalgic and is a distinctive venue with bags of character. read more

Good venue, which is much smaller than the MEN, meaning you get a bit closer to the bands! Tend to be some good acts here. Only thing I would say is be careful where you park; there are some dodgy places nearby which basically pile all the cars in so no-one can get out until the person nearest the front has moved, which causes no end of chaos - definitely park in an official car park, not just one which pretends to be! read more

One of my favourite venues because of the size & acoustics. Luv the way the bar is positioned @ the rear & u can access from the floor via the left or right. Seen some very good acts here. Got 2 b standing though. Better atmosphere. read more

O2 Apollo Manchester - Music Venues Near Me - Manchester, XGM

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