Discover Manchester's musical and artistic scenes

Some of the biggest names in British pop and rock hail from Manchester, a city often dubbed the Capital of the North. Spanning several genres and igniting a whole musical movement, it’s fair to say that popular music wouldn’t be the same today without its influence. These are some of the best acts to have come out of the city:

The Hollies

This well-loved five-piece with distinctive harmonies hit the scene in 1962, and had hits including ‘Just One Look’, ‘The Air That I Breathe’ and ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’. Singer Graham Nash also went on to form Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Herman’s Hermits

This pop band had several catchy hits, including ‘I’m into Something Good’. Peter Noone’s Mancunian accent was recognisable in most songs, despite several of them being aimed at a US fan base. They started out in 1962.

Joy Division

Pioneers of the post-punk movement and one of the most influential bands of the late 20^th century, this group formed in Salford, Greater Manchester. ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’ was probably their most popular hit. They got together in 1976, and after the death of lead singer Ian Curtis, the remaining members went on to form New Order in 1980 who became one of the most critically acclaimed bands of their time, releasing notable hits like ‘Blue Monday’, ‘Regret’ and ‘Bizarre Love Triangle’.

Happy Mondays

Alternative rock band from Salford whose hits included ‘Lazyitis’, ‘Step On’ and ‘Kinky Afro’. They formed in 1980 but didn’t achieve major success until the nineties. Well known Manchester personality Bez wasn’t actually a member until later on – he became friends with lead singer Shaun Ryder and joined as a dancer and percussionist.

The Smiths

This highly influential band were famous for Morrissey’s distinctive vocals and lyrics and Johnny Marr’s jangly guitar sound. Their many hits included ‘This Charming Man’ and ‘Panic’. Lead singer Morrissey began a solo career after the band’s break up in 1987, and remains an influential figure in pop culture.

The Stone Roses

Formed in 1983, this indie/dance crossover band helped establish the ‘Madchester’ movement and had hits including ‘I Wanna Be Adored’ and ‘Fools Gold’. Their debut album was a huge success, and has been cited as one of the greatest British albums ever recorded. The lead singer, Ian Brown, went on to have a solo career.

Oasis

Fronted by the Gallagher brothers, Oasis were a long-running fixture of the northern music scene. Closely associated with the Britpop movement, their hits included ‘Wonderwall’, ‘Champagne Supernova’ and ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’. The band got together in 1991, and their distinctive sound has become a musical by-word for Manchester across the world. Other notable artists from Manchester include The Bee Gees, The Buzzcocks, Take That, Elbow, The Chemical Brothers and many more.

Live music venues in Manchester

From live bands and club nights to art exhibitions and poetry readings, Manchester’s rich musical heritage has lent itself well to a cultural scene that is still proudly thriving today. And of course, a booming arts scene is nothing without awesome venues.

These are some of the best places in which to immerse yourself in the artistic talents of the city:

The Albert Hall

A Grade II listed building, The Albert Hall is a popular venue for live gigs. With elements of Baroque and Gothic design, the ornate building was once used as a Methodist meeting place. The venue itself is huge, with a balcony around the edge that allows for multiple-angle views of the stage.

Best for: Lively, packed gigs.

The Ritz

Another Grade II listed building, The o2 Ritz was built in 1927, and as such has grand dancehall roots. Famous acts that have graced the stage include The Beatles and R.E.M., as well as Mancunian music royalty The Stone Roses and The Smiths. The venue boasts a sprung dancefloor, as well as a high stage, so everyone can catch a great view of the acts performing.

Best for: Big names.

The Deaf Institute

With three bars over three floors, as well as a kitchen serving up moreish meals, The Deaf Institute plays host to live gigs, comedy shows and club nights. You can relax in one of the comfy booths in the basement bar while sipping on a frozen cocktail, or head to the first floor and dance to new artists under the decorative domed ceiling.

Best for: Discovering upcoming talent.

Bridgewater Hall

Staging over 250 performances per year, you can catch plenty of classic acts at the Bridgewater Hall. It’s an international concert venue, where you can listen to a variety of genres including classical, rock, jazz, world music and pop. Three orchestras – including the UK’s oldest symphony orchestra, The Hallé – also have residencies here.

Best for: Sophisticated, sit-down concerts.

Royal Exchange

Housed inside a striking city-centre building, the Royal Exchange seats up to 750 people over three levels. The building itself has an intriguing history. It was one of the world’s centres for the cotton trade until WWII (if you look up, you can still see the trading board with the closing figures of the final day). The building was threatened with demolition, until the theatre company was founded in 1976. Several well-known names have trod the boards – from Albert Finney and Helen Mirren to Kate Winslet and Hugh Grant.

Best for: Captivating, immersive theatre.

Band on the wall

Based in the city’s vibrant Northern Quarter, Band on the Wall hosts a variety of shows and club nights. Craig Charles plays a monthly funk DJ set, and both prog rock and psychedelic bands frequently perform. The venue itself has a great atmosphere, and as it’s quite small, it’s easy to get up really close to the stage and the performers. The club also runs a music education programme, Brighter Sound, which operates in the venue as well as in the community and at nearby schools.

Best for: Intimate, up-close gigs.

The Night & Day Café

A popular café bar and live music venue, the Night & Day Café is located on Oldham Street, close to Manchester Arndale (a popular shopping mall). It developed from a chip shop into a venue in the nineties, and has played a huge part in Manchester’s music scene, helping bands such as Elbow get off the ground when they first started out. Musicians such as Johnny Marr, Frank Turner and Tim Burgess showed their support for the bar when it was threatened with closure in 2014.

Best for: A taste of Madchester history.

The Warehouse Project

This is a series of club nights held across Greater Manchester where several renowned DJs – including Deadmau5, Pete Tong and Aphex Twin – have performed. The Warehouse Project nights are popular with people across the country, and they run in seasons which correlate with the student calendar (September up until new year). Expect vast but dingy (in a good way) underground spaces, patrons who are passionate about music and a party atmosphere like no other. Expect vast but dingy (in a good way) underground spaces, patrons who are passionate about music and a party atmosphere like no other. 2019 will see the Warehouse Project move to The Depot, next to Piccadilly train station.

Best for: Dancing until dawn.

Manchester Arena

Manchester Arena is one of the busiest venues in the world and the largest indoor arena in Europe. Since opening in 1995, the Arena has hosted the biggest names in live entertainment including US, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Take That. Attracting over one million visitors each year, the 21,000 capacity Arena has played a key part in the city’s rich musical heritage with historic shows by local bands.

Matt and Phred’s

Soulful music and the best talent in jazz fill up seven nights a week at Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club. The venue is not averse to folk, electro, swing and ska performers either. The cocktails are exceptional, and you can order food until midnight. On top of that, entry is free Monday to Thursday, and on weekends it’s only five pounds to get in.

Best for: Mellow jazz gigs.

The Hacienda

An exploration of Manchester’s musical scene – past and present – would be incomplete without a nod to The Hacienda. The former nightclub opened in 1982, and was owned by Factory Records and New Order (it was mostly their record sales that provided financial support). Many famous acts played there back in the day, including Madonna, The Smiths and Echo & the Bunnymen. The club became synonymous with the ‘Madchester’ culture of the eighties and early nineties, helping to augment the rise of acid house and rave music. It was once labelled the most famous club in the world. You can still visit the building today, but it’s now an apartment block. Head around the back of the building, alongside the canal where you can view a timeline telling the story of the Hacienda over the years. If you’re keen to find out more about The Hacienda, check out the movie 24 Hour Party People. 

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