Rowetta Kicks Off MUFC Fan Zone Show With Jay Dunn

At The Heart Of Fanzone

Wednesday’s Manchester United supporters arriving at Etxebarria Parkea in Bilbao were treated to a high-voltage welcome as singer Rowetta led the charge, accompanied by vocalist Jay Dunn. Decked out in the club’s red and black, Rowetta belted out the opening number and had the crowd singing along from the first chord.

From Flight To Stage

The singer’s journey was documented in a series of Instagram posts. Boarding her plane, Rowetta noted, “Sir Alex & a whole crew of legends came to the gate… Thank you @manchesterunited. Can’t wait to sing for the greatest fans in the world & come back with the Europa Cup.” Once on the ground, she joined an all-star lineup featuring indie rocker Liam Fray, Stone Roses bassist Mani, Sankeys DJ Sean Mac and Jay Dunn, with a Q&A slot from United legends Andy Cole and Denis Irwin.

Vocal Power And Onstage Banter

Rowetta’s caption called Jay Dunn “a top voice & great travel companion…oh & food critic (specialising in katsu & Cajun chicken).” His light-hearted commentary between songs earned him a nickname among fans as the event’s unofficial food critic, while Rowetta turned in a performance that tapped into her legendary Madchester roots.

A Day Of Fans And Festivities

Etxebarria Parkea opened for free entry between 11:00 and 18:00 local time, drawing nearly 20,000 supporters. Beyond live music, the Fanzone boasted food stalls, interactive photo booths and memorabilia displays celebrating the club’s history. Organisers reopened the park at 20:00 for a live broadcast of Thursday’s Europa Cup Final, ensuring non-ticket holders stayed part of the action.

Echoes Of Madchester

Born Rowetta Idah, she rose to fame in the late ’80s as the powerhouse frontwoman for Happy Mondays. Tracks like “Step On” and “Kinky Afro” helped define the era’s dance-rock fusion. After placing third on The X Factor UK in 2004, she continued to collaborate across genres—from a chart-topping remix with Propellerheads to classical reinterpretations in the Hacienda Classical series.

Instagram Highlights

Following her set, Rowetta shared more images on Instagram, writing, “Just the perfect start to the day. Had everyone singing along from the first tune 🎸 🙌🏽 Great couple of days ❤️🤍🖤 x.” Fans and club accounts quickly reshared clips, praising her soaring vocals and magnetic stage presence.

Behind The Scenes

A Manchester United spokesperson explained the initiative: “Our Fanzone aims to blend club heritage with local culture. Rowetta’s deep connection to Manchester’s music scene made her the perfect choice to energise our fans before the Europa Final.” Meanwhile, Rowetta spent downtime meeting season-ticket holders in a VIP lounge, snapping selfies and signing autographs.

Fans Take To Social Media

On Twitter, one supporter wrote, “Rowetta’s voice gave me goosebumps,” while another declared, “Best pre-match vibe we’ve had in years.” Short videos of her performance have racked up thousands of views on TikTok and YouTube, extending the Fanzone’s reach to fans unable to travel to Bilbao.

Looking Ahead To The Final

With Thursday’s clash at San Mamés looming, the momentum built by Wednesday’s performances is set to carry into the stadium. Whether the players replicate that intensity on the pitch remains to be seen, but Rowetta’s opening act already feels like a champion in its own right, uniting music lovers and football fans ahead of a decisive night in Europe.

Fanzone Tradition And Reach

Manchester United’s Fanzone concept has been a fixture at away fixtures since 2018, offering travelling fans a place to gather before kick-off. Etxebarria Parkea, with its panoramic views of Bilbao’s riverfront, provided an ideal backdrop for live music, food vendors and interactive games that celebrate the club’s global community. This season’s Europa Final activation stands as one of the club’s largest international Fanzone events to date.

A ‘dream Gig’ Realised

In a dedicated Instagram post ahead of her arrival, Rowetta described the Bilbao appearance as “My Dream Gig!” She added, “It does not get better than this!!!” alongside United and heart emojis, capturing her enthusiasm for performing on such a prestigious stage. The post featured the daily lineup and encouraged fans to arrive early for her 1pm and 4pm slots.

Community Connections

Rowetta’s relationship with Manchester United extends beyond her musical contributions. Last October, she joined George Best’s sister for a charity showcase at Old Trafford’s historic Old Nags Head pub, holding the legend’s first pair of boots to raise funds for football-related charities. Her continued involvement in club initiatives underscores a genuine bond with the United community.

Reporter

Sakshi

 

Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.

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