Brian Christinzio, the driving force behind BC Camplight, stands on the precipice of a triumphant return to the UK stage. For him, these aren’t just concerts; they’re a testament to a remarkable journey of redemption and a heartfelt expression of gratitude.
A decade ago, Christinzio arrived in Manchester having, by his own admission, dismantled his life. He’d burned bridges and faced a future shrouded in uncertainty. It was a desperate move, a leap of faith into a city that would ultimately become his sanctuary and the catalyst for a stunning creative rebirth.
The turning point came while witnessing the ascent of The War on Drugs, a band with whom he’d previously shared the stage. Seeing their success ignited a fire within him – a determination to reclaim his own potential. He knew he needed a change, a place to rebuild, and Manchester resonated with a powerful memory of a past performance.
Early days were a struggle. Christinzio found himself washing dishes, scraping together a living while relentlessly pursuing his musical vision. Three years of dedication culminated in the album *How to Die in the North*, a work that caught the attention of Bella Union, the esteemed independent label led by Simon Raymonde of the Cocteau Twins.
Just as success seemed within reach, a cruel twist of fate intervened. A leg infection prevented him from leaving the country to renew his visa, leading to deportation and a ban from the UK – a devastating blow just days after the album’s release. The tour, the momentum, everything was threatened.
But Christinzio’s story isn’t one of defeat. He ingeniously navigated the legal complexities, securing Italian citizenship through his father’s heritage, and fought his way back to the country that had begun to feel like home. His return was met with open arms by the vibrant Manchester music scene.
He quickly established himself, honing his craft in intimate venues like The Castle Hotel and Jabez Clegg, before graduating to larger stages – the Deaf Institute, Gorilla, The Ritz, and finally, the iconic Albert Hall. Each performance was a step forward, a deepening connection with an audience that embraced his raw honesty and captivating artistry.
“There’s something about Manchester,” Christinzio reflects, “where it just feels like we’re all in it together.” He describes the city as “darkly, romantically beautiful,” a place where authenticity thrives and inflated egos are absent. The upcoming show at the O2 Apollo is, for him, the ultimate expression of thanks.
Audiences can expect a powerful and emotionally resonant experience. Christinzio promises a band firing on all cylinders, a six-piece ensemble delivering a performance that leaves nothing unsaid. He envisions a dynamic atmosphere, shifting from laughter to tears to pure euphoria.
The current tour includes dates at The Roundhouse in London, The Globe in Cardiff, Exeter Phoenix, and venues in Southampton, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Nottingham, culminating in the highly anticipated Manchester performance. These shows aren’t merely concerts; they are a celebration of resilience, a testament to the power of community, and a heartfelt offering from an artist who has found his home.
