Apart from being a major industrial and a commercial hub, Manchester music has placed this city in the international cultural radar. Music scene in Manchester has always been dominated by famous bands that catered to various genres of music like pop and punk, opera, jazz and also classical with their new form of music.
Prior to 1976, Manchester music scene was dominated by famous music bands like the Bees Gees, Herman's Hermits, Wayne, Fontana and The Mindbenders. Herman's Hermits outsold Beatles in 1965 recording a sale of over 10 million records in a small time span of 7 months. In fact, that very year three famous Manchester music bands, Freddie and the Dreamers, Wayne Fontana, Herman's Hermits and The Mindbenders occupied the first 3 positions among the top 100 of the American billboards.
English pop punk gained prominence during 1976. Audience took some time to react, but finally they loved it. The famous band Sex Pistols were invited by Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto belonging to Buzzcocks, to perform in the Lesser Free Trade Hall at Manchester. In this concert several key members of Manchester music scene were present. Buzzcocks released their first English punk Album ‘The Spiral Scratch’ in the early 1977.
Once again Factory Records revived the glamorous English pop. Bands like 'A Certain Ratio' and 'The Durutti Column' weaved new musical
notes. During that time, 'The Fall' another band emerged with a new kind of music. For the next three decades they ruled the
|
music scene with their original and innovative music. 'The Smiths' became an iconic musical band of Manchester in the late 80s. Songs like Rusholme Ruffians, Suffer little children musically represented Manchester to the whole world.
At the fag end of the 80s, music in Manchester was greatly influenced by drug culture, which at that time became prevalent among the young generation. The Inspiral Carpets and The Stone Roses were the definitive bands during this period.
The city of Manchester houses several cultural spaces, which rank as popular music venues. The Manchester Arena is one of the largest musical venues not only in the city but whole of Europe, accommodating over twenty thousand people. Manchester Apollo and Manchester Academy are other popular musical venues. Big musical concerts are also organized in the City of Manchester Stadium or the Old Trafford's Cricket Ground.
The Manchester Music Festival is a non profit organization imparting education on classical music and promoting and encouraging young artists belonging to this particular field. The organization also offers full scholarship program to outstanding musicians.
Northern Quarter of Manchester is the musical hub of the city, housing some of the small venues. Manchester music scenario has been basically dominated by band culture and the city is a home to some of the fabulous bands who have dominated the international music scene.
|
