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In the last 30 days the archive has grown by 26 new artefacts, 17 new members, 7 new people and places.
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23 Jan 2026

Artefact of the day

Original Artwork
Tower Club
2007
Added 5th May 2011
by Abigail
1
A wonderful drawing of The Tower Club sent in by John Morrissey who used to frequent the venue in the 70s and 80s.

John writes:

The club itself was a former Victorian church turned into a rock venue in the mid seventies, the address was Bower Street, off Shaw Rd, Oldham.The music was mainly rock/punk - I know The Fall recorded a live set there in 1978 that is still available on CD... I believe Iron Maiden played early gigs there also Rich Kids, Buzzcocks, stuff like that. I can't remember how long the club lasted but there was a fire and after standing empty for some years, the building was sadly demolished, sometime in the early nineties I think.

Drawing taken from a photo.

This week's video

Scene Stories - Graham Clark: From Manchester’s Underground to Gong

Graham Clark's story travels through some of the most creative corners of Manchester’s music history — from early experiments in the late ’70s with Graham Massey, to the deep improvisational roots that shaped bands like Danny & The Dressmakers, Biting Tongues and later 808 State. His journey is a reminder that the city’s culture

Projects

Piccadilly Radio Archive

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Connecting Manchester's Music Archives

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SFTOC Audio Map

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RNCM50 - Throwing Open The Concert Doors

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MDMArchive Research Lab

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Telling Stories Conference

17-19 November 2022
Registration, Speakers and Schedule

Lapsed Clubber Audio Map

Recording the memories of Greater Manchester's rave community, 1985-1995

Online Exhibitions

Stopfordian Nostalgia

Reflecting on my family’s roots in Stockport, I feel deeply connected to its rich musical heritage and the memories that keep the town’s past alive.

Avril A: Housewife Superstar

The World Of Twist Scrapbook

Created by Ian Rainford 1990-1994

My Life Through Ticket Stubs

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Electric circus

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Doodlebug Nuggets ALL FM 96.9 radio archive

Maxwell Hall Archive

An exhibition of the musical heritage of Maxwell Hall, University of Salford

Don't Mention The Hacienda - In Search Of Alan Wise

We Are Dynamite! Northern Carnival 1978

The Northern Carnival against the Nazis, a rally and concert held on 15 July 1978 in Moss Side.

RNCM50: Throwing Open the Concert Doors

Queer Noise

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The Roadhouse closes its doors

Huge exhibition of photos and memories from the Manchester music institution.

Moss Side Stories

Inspired in part by MDMArchive’s hugely prolific member, ‘Dubwise-er’, who uploaded almost 1000 artefacts to our website.

Mole Express - A Magazine for Manchester's Counter Culture

A truly alternative, grass-roots publication first issued in 1970 which ran for seven years.

Andrew Weatherall A Herbal Tea Party Celebration

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In celebration of the life of CP Lee

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Record Shops of Greater Manchester

An ongoing project aiming to document every record shop of Greater Manchester, past and present.

City Fun: The Hidden History of Manchester's Favourite Fanzine

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Manchester Academy Memories

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Paradise Factory, January 1998

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Fanzine: Ghast Up

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Fanzine: God Is A Newt

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Fanzine: Out There

Paul Morley's self-published fanzine 'Out There'.

Fanzine: Manchester Rains

Another great DIY fanzine.

The Mancunian Gay Magazine

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Oh Manchester, so much to answer for

M20 Festival, Withington 2018

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Melanie Smith - Mudkiss Photography

Manchester-based music photographer Melanie Smith shares some random photographic memories.

King Kayak: 2006 to 2009

Manchester Postcards

A collection of early 20th Century postcards illustrating brass bands and old venue spaces.

Manchester, North of England

Cherry Red Records box set as selected by members of MDMArchive.

Licktronica : a design aesthetic and an electronic music night

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Manchester Musicians Collective

Late 1970s Manchester musicians-led grass-roots movement.

Cry Wolf 1975-1980

Lifting the lid on late 70s gig scene of Poynton, Cheadle and beyond.

Fictitious Names

A treasure trove of images of this Radcliffe-based band.

Manchester, Punk and Beyond...

OT's punk nuggets - it is good to own a Shy Talk and a Ghast Up, a John Cooper Clarke poster and the Electric Circus flyers.

Happy Mondays 'Rave On' 1989

My Smiths and Morrissey collection

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Andy E on Eastern Bloc, House Music & Madchester Memories

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MC Tunes on Manchester Hip Hop Origins, Electro & Rap Battles

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The Smiths, Identity & God Created Manchester – Leo B. Stanley Story

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DJ Persian on the Reno Club, Muhammad Ali & Manchester Soul

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Martin Prendergast | From Berlin Club to Hacienda DJ

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Doctor D | From the Reno to Rave Culture & The Orb Tours

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Coddy on the Reno, Hacienda & His Manchester Clubbing Days

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Corbieres, The Dry Bar & 80s Manchester with Melanie

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Kate Mountain | The Story of Manchester’s Roadhouse Club

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Tim Williams – Konspiracy Club & Kitchen Parties in Manchester

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Pete Orme (Awesome 3) on Kaos, House Music & Don’t Go

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Tony Ross on Hacienda Days, Ecstasy & Acid House Explosion

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Dancing Through Manchester: The Danny Dancer Story

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Greg Wilson on Legend Club & the Birth of Electro in the UK

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Jeff the Chef: LSD at Glastonbury & Life Inside Strangeways

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Punk, Isadoras & Wild Manchester Nights: Gino Brandolani’s Tales

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Gouldy’s First Ecstasy Experience & Acid House Revolution

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Jacqui on the Hacienda, Ibiza & the Music That Changed Her Life

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Eddie Rhead on Driving Manchester’s DJs & His Hacienda Clubbing Days

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Eddie Rhead, a well-known figure on Manchester’s legendary club scene and the go-to driver for some of the city’s biggest DJs during the rise of House music and the Hacienda era.

Martin Moscrop on A Certain Ratio’s Early New York Years

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Isadoras & Manchester’s Hidden Club Scene: A Chat with Philip Kiszely

In this fascinating interview, I sit down with cultural historian, political commentator, and author Philip Kiszely to reminisce about Isadoras, a short-lived but legendary Manchester nightclub, and the vibrant music and club scene of the late 1980s and beyond. Phil takes us back to 1989 when Isadoras opened its doors, offering a psychedelic escape from the harsh realities of the decade

John Tracy: Hacienda DJ Reflects on the Early Manchester Club Scene

In this captivating conversation, I sit down with John Tracy, one of the original DJs at Manchester’s iconic Hacienda nightclub, as he shares his incredible journey through the club’s formative years and his experiences in the evolving music scene of the 1980s. John reflects on being part of the Hacienda family and how those days remain vivid in his memory. From his early days as a record-collecting architecture student in Sheffield to DJing at influential clubs like Penny’s, John’s passion for music shines throughout.

David Dunne: From Punk to House Music and DJing with Vinyl

In this interview, I chat with David Dunne about his journey from the punk scene to becoming a pioneer of House music and his long-standing career as a DJ and music enthusiast. David reflects on how the late 70s and early 80s music scenes evolved, with punk giving way to electronic sounds. Clubs like Pips in Manchester were instrumental in this shift, where tracks like Gary Numan’s “Are Friends Electric” were played before they hit the charts.

Tin Tin: New Order’s Tour DJ on Manchester Clubs & Indie Dance

In this interview, I sit down with Marc Hough, best known as Tin Tin, New Order’s tour DJ, to explore his incredible journey through Manchester’s club and music scenes. I first met Tin Tin in 1989 at Lazy Lils, but his DJ career began in 1987 at Archies and The Venue, where he helped shape the sound of a generation.

Simon Wolstencroft Part 2: Touring, Mark E. Smith, and Golden Gaze

In this exclusive Part 2 interview, Simon Wolstencroft shares captivating stories from his time with The Fall, his friendship with Ian Brown, and his experiences touring the world. Simon recounts the highs and lows of his 11 years with The Fall, starting with recording Bend Sinister at Abbey Road Studios in 1986, one of his favorite albums. He reveals anecdotes about Mark E. Smith, including his play Hey Luciani and the ballet I Am Kurious Oranj, performed at Saddler’s Wells and in front of the Queen of Holland.

Tom Wainwright: Hacienda DJ on House Music & 90s Club Culture

In this interview, I chat with Tom Wainwright, one of the key DJs at the Hacienda, about his journey into House music and his experiences during the golden age of club culture. Tom reflects on how Hot Night at the Hacienda in 1988 transformed him, recalling how the energy, Ecstasy, and Acid House heads created a scene like no other. The first night had just 50 people, but by the next week, the entire club was alive with excitement, changing everything for him.

Simon Wolstencroft: The Fall, The Smiths & Manchester Music

In Part 1 of this two-part series, I sit down with Simon Wolstencroft, legendary drummer for The Fall and a key figure in Manchester’s vibrant music scene. From his early days playing in bands with Ian Brown and John Squire (later of The Stone Roses) to his time in The Fall, Simon shares fascinating stories from his remarkable career.

Corbières: The 80s Jukebox Bar That Shaped Manchester’s Music Scene

In this video, I sit down with Nick to dive into the incredible history of Corbières Wine Cavern, one of Manchester’s most iconic 1980s bars. Known for its legendary jukebox and eclectic clientele, Corbières played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s alternative and music scenes.

Leah’s Scrapbook: Hacienda Nights, Happy Mondays & Acid House Stories

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Northside’s Dermo - Hacienda New York, Top of the Pops & Touring Again

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Leah’s Manchester Rave Story: Hacienda, Ecstasy, and 80s Clubbing

In this captivating interview, Leah shares her incredible journey through Manchester’s iconic clubbing scene, starting at age 16 when she first tried to get into The Hacienda. After 18 months of being turned away, her partner Eric finally got her in, and from there, her life in the world of music and rave culture began.

Aniff Akinola -Manchester’s Music Scene, The Hacienda, and Voodoo Ray

Join us in this insightful interview with Aniff Akinola as he shares his experiences in the heart of Manchester’s evolving music scene. Aniff talks about his early days in clubs like New Century Hall, where he first experienced the thrill of dancing to DJ Mike Shaft, and his time at Rafters, where he connected with DJ Colin Curtis and Hewan Clarke, shaping his passion for jazz, funk, and soul.

Jo’s Hacienda Stories: Acid House, Club Nights, and Model 500

In this candid interview, I sit down with my lifelong friend Joanne Jones to reminisce about our wild experiences growing up together in Eccles and discovering the Acid House and rave scenes in Manchester. Jo shares memories of her years working behind the bar at the legendary Hacienda nightclub, witnessing unforgettable moments and seeing a side of Manchester nightlife few people know.

Russ on Spin Inn Records, Hacienda , & Manchester’s House Music Scene

In this interview, DJ and record shop legend Russ Marland talks about his pivotal role in bringing House music to Manchester and DJing at the iconic Hacienda. Starting at Spin Inn Records in 1986, Russ shares how he was influenced by Mike Shaft’s radio show, where he discovered the sound of Electro and House music. He reminisces about queuing up for records and eventually landing a job at Spin Inn, just as House music was beginning to take over the city.

Leroy Richardson on The Hacienda, Dry Bar & Manchester’s Music Scene

In this exclusive interview, Leroy Richardson, former manager of the iconic Hacienda and Dry Bar in Manchester, shares his journey from machine tool engineer to a key figure in Manchester’s music scene. Leroy reflects on his early days enjoying music at clubs like Pips, his time playing football for Manchester City youth team, and his first encounter with the Hacienda through Tony Wilson. He talks about the early struggles of the club, how Dry Bar became one of the UK’s first designer bars, and the vibrant energy that made the Hacienda famous.

Steve Murray on Fast Cars, Punk Scene, and Inspiring The Happy Mondays

In this exclusive interview, Steve Murray from the iconic punk band Fast Cars shares fascinating stories from the punk scene in Manchester. We dive into how Fast Cars influenced The Happy Mondays, with Shaun Ryder calling Steve his hero and Paul Ryder crediting the band as a major inspiration.

Vince Vega on Blackburn Raves, Hacienda Nights, & Happy Mondays Tours

In this in-depth conversation, I sit down with Vince Vega to explore his incredible journey through Manchester’s rave scene, from his early experiences of the iconic Hacienda nightclub in 1988 to becoming the tour DJ for The Happy Mondays. Vince shares his first unforgettable rave night at The Thunderdome, where he dropped acid and danced the night away, leading him to a life dedicated to Manchester’s underground party culture.

Mark Jordan on Queerchester, Punk, Acid House & Working with Derek Jarman

In this fascinating interview, Manchester artist and filmmaker Mark Jordan shares his unique experiences from the 1970s punk era through the rise of acid house and the influence of the LGBTQ+ community on Manchester’s cultural landscape. Known for his work on the Queerchester documentary, Mark opens up about his early days working at Eric’s nightclub in Liverpool, where he encountered iconic bands like the B-52s and Jilted John. He fondly recalls meeting these music legends both in the early days and later in life at festivals like Granada.

Kim’s Hacienda Stories: Acid House, Punk, and Manchester’s Music Scene

In this fascinating interview, Kim shares his memories of working at the iconic Hacienda nightclub during the height of Manchester’s Acid House and punk scenes. Kim takes us on a journey through the early days of Factory Records, recalling his visits to the Russell Club at 14, where punk and reggae started mixing under the influence of Tony Wilson. He shares stories about the Hacienda before it was built, working in the kitchen on its opening night, and his lifetime membership at the club.

Tiger’s Journey Through Manchester’s Gay Village & Clubbing Scene

In this video, I sit down with my friend Tiger, a legendary figure in Manchester’s Gay Village, to discuss his incredible experiences and the evolution of the gay club scene. We start by hearing how Tiger got his nickname at school and his early days coming out in 1979 at just 16 years old. He shares stories about his introduction to the gay scene through Bernards Bar, and how the gay community was largely underground at the time. Tiger’s passion for post-punk and alternative music shaped his early days, but things changed when the house music revolution hit Manchester.

The Hidden History of Manchester’s Gay Village & Club Scene

In this video, I sit down with my friend Bill to dive deep into the history of Manchester’s Gay Village and its transformation through hedonism, rave culture, and the rise of house music. Bill recounts his first experiences in the Village, starting in 1974, when the area was less developed and more underground. He describes how the area was a red-light district and how gay culture was mostly hidden at the time. He recalls his first visit to Sims Bar, a secretive place where you had to knock to gain entry. The drug of choice then was poppers (amyl nitrate), but heavier drugs like LSD and cocaine also started to enter the scene.

Jeff The Chef: Hacienda Dealer, Ibiza Trips, and Strangeways

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Jeff The Chef, a well-known figure from Manchester’s Acid House scene and a key player in the legendary Hacienda nightclub. Jeff takes us through his extraordinary journey, from his anti-drug stance in his early 20s to becoming one of the main dealers in the Hacienda during its peak in the late 1980s. His story is one of wild parties, high-profile friendships, and life-altering experiences.

Latest Artefacts

Latest Discussion

“1994 (well, into 1995).”
Written by scherben, view artefact
23 Jan
“Updated year to 1978 based on the week commencing dates (and Fiddlygig)”
Written by MDMAshley, view artefact
22 Jan
“I used to love listening to Umberto. I hope that you can find more of his work. He was a star ❤️”
Written by Jules Eddison, view artefact
15 Jan
“New Versions from the 79/80 songs by Suburban Chaos. Recorded in Lymm 2023 by the original members. John Daniel vocals Sean Rudkin guitars Steve Higginson bass Daryl Polson drums”
Written by Dannyboy, view artefact
13 Jan
“Ah Geese! My super-high-waisted, wide-leg flannel keks with wide, wide belt (above) made sure I felt like I belonged with the Manc avant-garde. Great little shop, great little days....”
Written by Rob Thomas, view artefact
12 Jan
“This has just unlocked a memory! I was at this gig. Another band that got a lot of stick but I really liked.”
Written by DonnaBStevenson, view artefact
11 Jan
“I saw Birdland and The Manic Street Preachers here. I remember both were much maligned in the music press but the gigs were brilliant.”
Written by DonnaBStevenson, view artefact
11 Jan
“This was one of the first gigs I went to when I moved to Manchester to go to the Polytechnic. My very vivid memory is of Ian McCulloch standing in front of me with his big hair blocking my view. It was a brilliant gig. I saw so many great bands during my time there.”
Written by DonnaBStevenson, view artefact
10 Jan
“RUBBER RECORDS. PO BOX 402 MANCHESTER M60 4AU”
Written by Matt Marlow, view artefact
27 Dec
“I should also have pointed out that the celebrated soloists named in your summary of the Society were not members of it but paid celebrity soloists attracted by the considerable reputation of the Society in the fifties and early sixties. My father's great friend James Hyde did much to establish this. Some of the names mentioned in the 1955 press cutting (from the Middleton Guardian) are familiar to me - particularly Marjorie Crossley and Irene Yates - but possibly for the wrong reasons.”
Written by John Reddish, view artefact
22 Dec

Latest People & Places

Slay - Band / Artist CEEJ-STILLMCR 05 Jan
Sleazy F Baby - Band / Artist CEEJ-STILLMCR 05 Jan
Chimpo - Band / Artist CEEJ-STILLMCR 05 Jan
CEEJ - DJ CEEJ-STILLMCR 05 Jan
Caveman - Band / Artist CEEJ-STILLMCR 05 Jan
StillMCR - Record Label CEEJ-STILLMCR 05 Jan
Eddie Rhead - Person Mcrscenestories 02 Jan
tab-d - Band / Artist Bob O 02 Dec
Half Edge Records - Record Label Bob O 02 Dec
Andy Yates - Band / Artist Bob O 02 Dec
Boz Hayward - Band / Artist Bob O 02 Dec
Karl Brockbank - Person Mcrscenestories 19 Nov
Neal Davies - Person archivesplus 17 Nov
Colin Walters - Person archivesplus 17 Nov
Paul Banks - Person Mcrscenestories 12 Nov

News
19 Jun 25
Neither Factory Records, Nor Madchester
15 Aug 24
Blue Plaques for Black Music in Manchester
10 Jun 24
Louder than Words - Black Women in Music / 50 Years of Hip-Hop
05 Apr 24
Re-Membering Music Worlds: Exhibiting the Rebel Women of Manchester’s Suffragette City
14 Oct 23
Beyond the Music - October
05 Sep 23
Echo Salford interactive music trail launches
Hulme Jubilee Weekender - A fun filled Celebration of Our Culture & Diversity 26 May 22
Manchester Histories Festival 11 May 22
Help Shape Our Future-Complete our Survey 05 Jan 21
MDMArchive in city-wide 50 Windows of Creativity exhibition 26 Oct 20
Abigail Ward steps down 10 Sep 20
CP Lee 1950-2020 26 Jul 20
23 Jan 2026

On this day in history

1
The Deaf Institute
Manchester University (see Academies)
Academy 2 (Main Debating Hall)
Waterworld
NorthsideDermo
Laurie LaptopSteve Manford
Academy 2 (Main Debating Hall)
Urbis
Urbis
Chubby GroovesAdam Leaver (Rookie)
Attic
Tricky Nixon
Night and Day Cafe
Tricky Nixon
Night and Day Cafe
Longview
Academy 2 (Main Debating Hall)
Joy DivisionNew OrderPeter Saville
Urbis
Tim Lennox
Paradise Factory
Tim Lennox
Paradise Factory
Tim Lennox
Paradise Factory
Tim Lennox
Paradise Factory
Tim Lennox
Paradise Factory
Tim Lennox
Paradise Factory
1
Tim Lennox
Paradise Factory
Tim Lennox
Paradise Factory
Tim Lennox
Paradise Factory
Tim Lennox
Paradise Factory
Tim Lennox
Paradise Factory
Paradise Factory
Electronic
Simply Red
Manchester University Students Union
The Hacienda
The Fall
The Apollo
The Boardwalk
Maxwell Hall, Salford University
The Apollo
The Apollo
Maxwell Hall, Salford University
Band On The Wall
International 1
Manchester University Students Union
Manchester University Students Union
Maxwell Hall, Salford University
The Apollo
The Apollo
The Apollo
International 1
The BoardwalkInternational 1
The Ritz
International 2
International 2
The Apollo
The Apollo
Yargo
International 1
Mike Pickering
The Hacienda
The SmithsMorrissey
The SmithsMorrissey
Andy RourkeThe Adult Net
Pete ShelleyMarc Riley & The Creepers
BuzzcocksHoward Devoto
Mark E SmithBrix Smith
1
Royal Northern College Of Music (RNCM)
2
New Order
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
1
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
A Certain RatioBuzzcocksDistractionsThe Durutti ColumnJoy DivisionThe FallX-Defectors
429b Bury New Road
Maxwell Hall, Salford University
A Certain RatioNot SensiblesSlight SecondsManchester Musicians CollectiveBathroom Renovations
Band On The Wall
Our archive currently contains 4076 Bands & Artists, 810 DJs, 1562 Places, 431 People and 33527 artefacts contributed by 4791 members.
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