Manchester is only the 9th largest city in the United Kingdom and yet outside of London it is easily one of the country’s most notorious cities. Its reputation comes from a rich cultural heritage and the history of Manchester is steeped heavily in music.
For a place born out of the industrial revolution it might seem strange that the rainy city would churn out some of the world’s most celebrated bands. It wasn’t until the 70s though, where Manchester would undergo a musical revolution which would define the city until this day.
In 1976 The Sex Pistols played two shows in the city, before they had gained the influence that we know of today. In the audience for those shows were Morrissey, Ian Curtis, Mark E Smith, and Howard Devoto.
While that historically important event says much about the popularity of punk rock at the time, it gave the city a thirst for music that couldn’t be denied. As the 70s came to a close, Factory Records achieved success through Joy Division and The Smiths would go on to be the Manchester outfit that would define the 80s.
Manchester’s era of musical prominence would become known as ‘Madchester’. Based around the Haçienda nightclub, a Factory Records enterprise, with bands like New Order, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, Northside, and 808 State – just to name a few – all a part of one the worlds most envied music scenes at the time.
While ‘Madchester’ was the city’s golden age, the 90s saw huge acts like Oasis emerge from its industrial, working class centre.
While Hollywood has movie tours, musical tours of the city are available for those wanting to see the origins of the scene’s legendary bands.
There’s even a Smiths room at the Salford Lads Club – where the iconic picture on the sleeve of The Queen Is Dead LP was taken – full of priceless band memorabilia.
Past glories are one thing though, but what about the present?
In 2011 Manchester was voted as having the best music scene in the country. Participants involved in the poll where asked whether their area had enough local gigs. Manchester residents answered ‘yes’ 77% of the time to beat Newcastle to the top.
The poll is a testament to the fact that Manchester’s music scene hasn’t lost any of its vibrancy over the years.As the music capital of the north, Manchester’s present day culture is built upon a fascinating heritage which gives tourists the best of both worlds.
Whether you’re looking to revel in the past or discover bands that might make it big in the future, the rainy city should be high on the list of must visit destinations for music lovers.
Manchester Festivals/Conferences
Parklife Weekender: At only three years old this festival is already regarded one of the best city- based festival in North England. Held over two days in June the festival has six stages undercover as well as the open air main stage. While the 100 year old Platt Fields Park, where the festival is located, has proved muddy in the past, the location is quite picturesque if you’re luck enough to experience the festival without rain. The diverse local and international lineup featured The Flaming Lips, Dizzee Rascal, Labrinth, Justice, and The Rapture in 2012.
Future Everything: Held annually since 1996, the Future Everything festival lives up to its name. The festival and conference focuses on art, music and digital culture. While the music component features over 300 artists across 30 different venues, the conference focuses on looking at the social impacts of everything happening in the digital world. Around 50,000 people attend Future Everything each year which hosts acts from a variety of genre’s with acts like Ariel Pink, Omar Souleyman, Ladytron, and Battles having performed at the festival in years past.
Dot to Dot Festival: This festival is the only tri-city travelling event in the UK and runs across the one weekend in the cities of Manchester, Nottingham, and Bristol. Held between the 2nd and 4th of June artists play at various venues across the respective cities. In the past acts like Florence + The Machine, Ed Sheeran, The Drums and Beach House have headlined.
Manchester Record Stores
Piccadilly Records, 53 Oldham St www.piccadillyrecords.com/
Without question the city’s most famous record store, this prized gem in Manchester’s music scene has been selling vinyl since 1978. While there are also new and re-issued CDs for sale, vinyl lovers should turn their attention to the listening decks available and the knowledge that most of the staff are DJs themselves will come in handy for those searching for some great local bands. There’s also gig tickets for purchase, just in case you wanted to avoid that pesky online booking fee.
Eastern Bloc, 5 Stevenson Square easternbloc1985.tumblr.com
Fans of electronic music and coffee, this may just be your haven. Opened in 1985 and heavily involved in the Madchester era you’ll find Deep House, Techno, Electro and Drum n’Bass genres heavily represented here. The store was previously owned by Martin Price, former member of 808 State, an electronic outfit which found fame in the late 80s. Eastern Bloc is also famous for providing the best coffee that can be had in Manchester. What more could you want in life, other than coffee and vinyl?
Empire Exchange, 1 Newton St. www.empire-uk.com
It might not look particularly organised or pretty from the outside but this establishment is a treasure trove for music enthusiasts. While not primarily a record store, there is a huge proportion of vinyl and CDs for sale. But what makes Empire Exchange unique is it’s collection of books, comics and magazines that are waiting to be rediscovered by those looking for a hit of nostalgia.
Manchester Bars
The Roadhouse, 8 Newton St www.theroadhouselive.co.uk
Situated in Piccadilly this small and dark space offers up some of the best live music the city has. While big name indie and alternative artists are known to play gigs here, The Roadhouse gets its reputation from being one of the best places in Manchester to see up and coming acts live. It might look rather dingy to anybody, but acts like The White Stripes, Kasabian, and Gossip have played gigs in what is one of the city’s most authentic music venues.
Factory 251, 112-118 Princess St www.factorymanchester.com
Once the old offices of Factory Records, a label most notably known for being home to bands such as Joy Division and Happy Mondays, this music venue hosts live acts as well as a DJs who offer a different genre for each of the clubs three floors. Factory 251 is also part owned by ex-Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook.
The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor St www.thedeafinstitute.co.uk
Transformed from the Grade II-listed Deaf and Dumb Institute into a stylish venue which offers live music as well as food and alcohol that is devoured by local students. While weekend club nights are home to indie music, the venue is known for hosting some of the best acts around the world. While for a time The Deaf Institute was a run down building, it has now been decked out with an incredible interior and has quickly become one of the city’s most loved establishments.
Night and Day Café, 26 Oldham St www.nightnday.org
Located opposite Piccadilly Records, this venue originally opened in 1991 as a Fish & Chip shop. But it soon became an institution in Manchester’s live music scene by hosting acts on a nightly basis. Acoustic sets during the day are not uncommon, however a visit to this vintage rock ‘n’ roll bar at night is essential to experience the best of the city’s live music scene.
Manchester Acts You Should Check Out
The 1975 – Soundcloud
Manchester’s next up and coming indie band has all the right hooks and catchy lyrics to gain the attention of teenagers across the country. The four piece discovered their name through a suicide note in an artist’s book. They have three EPs to their name; you can listen to the title track from Sex below.
Pins – Soundcloud
Described as the most Brooklyn band to come from Manchester in the history of the city’s music scene, this all girl four piece has set the blogosphere alight. Their debut LUVU4LYF EP gave listeners the perfect introduction to their punk rock stylings and ever since it’s release they’ve been noted as a band to watch.
