Manchester music meanderings

November 21, 2007 4:17 PM

Where can I take a musically-obsessed American friend around Manchester and London?

An American friend of mine is coming to stay with me in Manchester next week, and has expressed a profound interest in all things Mancunian and music, such as Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays, The Smiths, electro music, goth music, etc.

Alas, the only things I can think of to show her are the Salford Lads Club and what’s left of the Hacienda. Do you have any better suggestions ?!

posted by electriccynic to media & arts (9 comments total)

I don't think there are a lot of landmarks, Manchester always seemed like a place that people were "from," more than they gravitated towards. That said, a friend recommends: Oxford Road, Sankeys and the Brickhouse.
posted by rhizome at 6:00 PM on November 21, 2007

Take her to see Control. Even if she's already seen it, she won't have seen it in Manchester.

Trips to Piccadilly Records and Vinyl Exchange might be fun.
posted by nylon at 6:44 PM on November 21, 2007

Macclesfield.
posted by tellurian at 6:59 PM on November 21, 2007

Moz Guide UK 2.0 seems to have most Smiths-y things covered.
posted by bunglin jones at 7:29 PM on November 21, 2007

Your friend could probably spend an entire day at the Hacienda exhibition at Urbis . It's well done and has tons of memorabilia. Tons to see there. I think your friend will love it.
posted by cushie at 8:20 PM on November 21, 2007

This was helpful when I went.
posted by brujita at 8:52 PM on November 21, 2007

Young goths and skater kids hang out outside Urbis in the Cathedral grounds on Saturdays, just off Exchange Square.

The main rock/Goth night always used to be Thursdays at Jilly's Rock World on Oxford Road (since the Banshee closed, anyway). Just over the road and down by Oxford Road station are a couple of bars frequented by bikers and alternative types.
posted by alasdair at 1:07 AM on November 22, 2007

Have you ruled Liverpool out for any reason?

Obviously it's known for the Beatles, but the city is also known for a lot more modern bands such as The Zutons, The Coral, The Boo Radleys, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, The Wombats, Lightning Seeds etc.
posted by triggerfinger at 7:16 AM on November 22, 2007

Spit. You'll hit something.
posted by Rykey at 8:45 AM on November 22, 2007