Music
Every Manchester band has been ranked and this is the top ten
Did your favourite band make the cut?
If there’s one thing Manchester is known for, it’s its impressive offering of musical talent.
Yep, out of the whole of the UK (and arguably the world), Manchester has been the place to be for ‘proper good’ music for decades and it seems that even today, our city isn’t short of upcoming new talent.
And to put this Mancunian talent into perspective, Vice ID has accumulated a definitive list of every Manchester band and musician ranked in order. Here’s the top ten…
10. A Guy Called Gerald
Credited for shaping the British electronic music scene with his solo acid track ‘Voodoo Ray’ and 1995 album ‘Black Secret Technology’, A Guy Called Gerald is definitely one of the more influential musicians to hail from Manchester.
Having grown up in Hulme ‘playing chicken across the motorway from Moss Side’, A Guy Called Gerald – real name Gerald Rydel Simpson – started out as a regular nightclubber but would eventually go on to hold a residency in the famed Haçienda.
9. The Durutti Column
The Durutti Column was the late 1970s project of guitarist Vini Reilly, following his big break in the Manc band Ed Banger And The Nosebleeds. Vini left The Nosebleeds to form The Durutti Column, before splitting with the other members of the original line-up, who went on to form Simply Red (another sensational Manc offering, might I add.)
Factory Record’s Tony Wilson was the one to assemble The Durutti Column and, after the band became Vini’s own solo project, other musicians contributed to recordings and live performances for many years to follow.
8. Buzzcocks
Obviously.
Formed in Bolton in the late 1970s, this punk-rock band were regarded as a seminal influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent record label movement, punk rock, power pop, and pop punk.
And, perhaps even more obviously, the band were never far from controversy with song titles like ‘Orgasm Addict’, which was banned from the airwaves by the BBC because of the tune’s overt sexual message. All in the name of punk, I suppose.
7. Happy Mondays
The Happy Mondays made a true name for themselves in the Madchester scene with many thanks to frontman Shaun Ryder and eccentric dancer and maraca-shaker Bez.
I think the name of their debut album, ‘Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out)’ sums up the general vibe of the Mondays – the band went on to enjoy massive commercial success, with Ryder and Bez remaining firm television favourites to this very day.
6. The Fall
First associated with the late 1970s punk movement, the Prestwich group The Fall underwent many stylistic changes but, nonetheless, their music has generally been characterised by an abrasive, repetitive guitar-driven sound, tense bass and drum rhythms, and Smith’s caustic lyrics.
The band have dabbled in just about every genre you can think of, with DJ and record producer John Peel once describing them as ‘always different, always the same’ and even saying: “I know there are people who don’t like The Fall – they must be half-dead with beastliness.”
5. Joy Division
If you’ve ever been in a dark place in your life, ever felt a little lost, or have just been a generic angsty teenager, you’re guaranteed to have immersed yourself in the emotional lyrics of Joy Division at some point.
The Salford rock band were heavily defined by their lead singer Ian Curtis so, following his devastating suicide in 1980 – believed to have been triggered by ongoing mental health issues and an epilepsy diagnosis – the band rebranded as New Order.
4. The Stone Roses
Yep, the band responsible for creating The Second Summer Of Love and whose gig on Spike Island in 1990 has gone down as one of the most legendary live performances of all time, do indeed hail from Manchester.
The Stone Roses were one of the pioneering groups of the Madchester movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the band’s classic and most prominent lineup consisting of vocalist Ian Brown, guitarist John Squire, bassist Mani and drummer Reni.
3. Oasis
Oasis were always going to make the cut, weren’t they?
Regardless of your thoughts on Liam and Noel as individuals, there’s no denying the impact and influence Oasis has had upon not only music in the U.K, but all over the world. The band has sold millions of albums and, despite their very ugly break up in 2009, their fan base today is as loyal as ever.
Because come on – ordinary Manc lads taking the world by storm with rock ‘n’ roll music? Biblical.
2. The Smiths
Definitely one to divide opinion, but The Smiths have been ranked as the second best musical group to come from Manchester.
The Salford-born band are known best for their bleak and depressing lyrics (yes, they’re the ones who sang about being hit and killed by a double-decker bus) and their controversial frontman, Morrissey. But, regardless of his personality and stance on veganism, there’s no denying that The Smiths have churned out arguably some of the best music in Manchester.
1. New Order
Described as ‘survivors’, New Order rose from the flames following the heartbreaking suicide of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis.
While the band’s early years were indeed overshadowed by the legacy of Joy Division, their experience of the early 1980s New York nightclub scene saw them incorporate dance rhythms and electronic instrumentation into their work, redefining their sound and making them the band they’re known as today.
Their 1983 hit ‘Blue Monday’ became the best selling 12-inch single of all time and remains today as an iconic club track.
Music
Liam Gallagher to play Oasis’ Definitely Maybe next year to mark 30th anniversary
He’ll play the album in its original order at ‘a few biblical venues’
Liam Gallagher will play Oasis’ Definitely Maybe album’s full track list next year to mark its 30th anniversary.
Liam Gallagher announced on social media, on Thursday May 11th, that he intends to play Oasis’s album Definitely Maybe in full to mark 30 years since its release.
He told his fans to expect to see him back on stage next year to play the entire iconic album in its original order to celebrate it.
‘Definitely Maybe’ was the first full-length LP from the iconic British indie-rock band, which Liam founded with his brother Noel.
Tracks taken from the album to be performed live by the singer-songwriter include fan favourites ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Star’, ‘Live Forever’ and ‘Supersonic’.
Liam tweeted yesterday: “As it’s 30 years since [Definitely Maybe] was released next year I’m gonna be playing the album from start to finish in its original order at a few BIBLICAL venues.”
Although it isn’t yet clear what ‘biblical’ venues the ex-Oasis frontman is referring to, the shows will undoubtedly sell out, especially as fans have been persistently calling for an Oasis reformation in recent years.
Although Liam isn’t the only Gallagher brother celebrating three decades of Definitely Maybe. Just last month, Noel said that the band would be honouring 30 years of the breakthrough LP by sharing an anniversary reissue.
Alongside new artwork and the original tracks, the forthcoming reissue will also feature previously-unreleased songs – recorded at the same time that the album was made – as well as demo versions of their most famous hits.
According to the High Flying Birds frontman, this will specifically include acoustic versions of best-loved hits including ‘Live Forever’, ‘Slide Away’ and ‘Supersonic’.
In the run-up to the anniversary, numerous Oasis fans have been hopeful that the band may reunite, even if just to perform on tour in honour of the milestone.
These hopes were fuelled by suggestions made by Liam online and both brothers saying they would be open to the idea should the other one reach out.
According to NME, in February 2022, Liam said that Oasis ‘should never have split up’, and that he would ‘love’ the iconic band to get back together.
In response to Liam, earlier this year, brother Noel also explained that he would be open to the concept of reforming, and confirmed that he would ‘never say never’ to a reunion.
In further Oasis news, the band’s former guitarist Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs offered his thoughts on a potential reunion, saying he is supportive of the idea because of how much it would mean for younger generations.
He told Radio X: “Some days you wake up and think ‘Nah, there’s no need for it. It’s been done’. But when I’m on stage with Liam Gallagher as a solo artist, and I come out and we play ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Star’, the place erupts.
“People are bouncing higher and harder than they did at some of the gigs back in the day. I look at the first ten rows when I’m playing an arena with Liam, and they’re like 16 or 17 years of age.
“These people weren’t even born until well into Oasis’ career. So if there was a reunion, wouldn’t it be worth it for them? … You hear that Liam? You hear that Noel?”
Iconic noughties band Busted have today announced a massive comeback UK arena tour.
The three-piece lad band had hits during the 2000’s with earworm bangers including Year 3000, Air Hostess and What I Go To School For. It’s been a couple of decades since the group – comprising vocalists Charlie Simpson, James Bourne and Matt Willis, all 39 – burst onto the scene, and they have something very special ahead to celebrate.
Fans had a sneaking suspicion after the band had changed all of their social media banners to include the date of March 23rd — cryptically teasing that they are set to announce a comeback on that day.
Busted fans were exactly right as Busted made the announcement today, (Thursday March 23rd), revealing a massive 15-date UK arena tour kicking off in September, with tickets going on sale next week.
The tour will see James, Charlie and Matt perform their biggest hits along with fan favourites with support from Mmmbop stars Hanson and New Hope Club. The good news doesn’t stop there — with the group preparing to release no fewer than 15 songs.
Rather than brand new tracks, Busted have created reworks of some of their most iconic songs and will perform them alongside some other major names from the scene. The first release is a new version of Loser Kid, from Busted’s debut album. The track will hit airwaves on April 14th and will feature pop-rock stars Simple Plan.
Other upcoming singles will have special guests McFly, All Time Low and more, with names to be released at a later date. Tickets for the tour will go on general sale at 9am on March 31, however fans who sign up to Busted’s mailing list will receive access to a pre-sale from 9am on March 29th.
As reported in The Metro, Rumours of a comeback for the group have circulated since Fightstar musician Charlie hinted to Lorraine Kelly, ‘there may be some plans’ for a reunion. ‘It is the 20 year anniversary for Busted this year,’ he added.
‘Sworn to secrecy again… but there may be some stuff in the pipeline.’
Busted formed in 2000 and released their first, self-titled album in 2002 before their 2003 album A Present For Everyone threw them into even wider fame. They split in 2005 and devastated fans, with many remembering genuine tears in the playground the day the news was announced; all three went on to form solo careers or front new bands.
Music
S Club 7 set to perform in Manchester in 25 year comeback tour
Their 25th anniversary tour is sure to ‘bring it all back to you’
S Club 7 have announced they will reunite to mark 25 years in their UK comeback tour, and are set to perform in Manchester later this year.
The Brit pop group had hits throughout the late nineties and early noughties such as ‘Reach’, ‘Bring It All Back’ and ‘Don’t Stop Movin’’, which were popular with many youngsters at the time.
All seven original members: Tina Barrett, Paul Cattermole, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh, Jo O’Meara, Hannah Spearritt and now solo singer Rachel Stevens, will come together once more to mark the quarter of a century milestone.
Fans can prepare to be transported back to their youth, and re-enact old dance routines, as the group will perform on stage together again at Manchester’s AO Arena on Saturday, October 21st.
In a statement released by the band, they said; “After eight years it feels amazing to announce that we’re reuniting and performing together again. We’re so excited to bring the S Club party back to our fans across the country to celebrate 25 years of S Club 7.
“We can’t even believe it’s been so long. Music and friendship have always been at the core of everything that we’ve ever done. We hope everyone can join us for one big party.”
The seven-piece group were originally created by former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller in 1998 and first came to public attention in 1999, when they starred in their own television series, ‘Miami 7’.
After they called it a day, the members went on to explore other pursuits, with Stevens pursuing a solo music career and competing on Strictly Come Dancing, as well as Dancing On Ice.
Spearritt became a TV actress and had roles in ITV’s Primeval, while Lee performed in West End shows including Les Miserables and Jersey Boys. McIntosh, O’Meara and Cattermole later became members of the spin-off group S Club Allstars, previously S Club 3, with Barrett joining them in 2014.
O’Meara, who also released solo music and appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2007, where, alongside Jade Goody and Danielle Lloyd she found herself embroiled in a racism row involving fellow competitor Shilpa Shetty. She has also gone through a number of back operations but says she now feels ‘ready’ to get back on stage.
Tickets for S Club 7’s comeback tour go on sale on Friday and can be purchased via the Ticketmaster website.
Manchester’s biggest Country and Western night is happening this weekend
P!NK ‘in love with Manchester’ after celebrating daughter’s birthday in the city
Man to complete visiting every Wetherspoon pub in Britain and Ireland this week
Chris Martin spotted catching train from Manchester to Cardiff
108-year-old reveals secret to long life is having dogs not kids
