Manchester has birthed quite a few famous rock groups in the United Kingdom, and we think these five outfits are worth some appreciation. Letโs dive into five of the best bands to ever come out of Manchester! This list isnโt exhaustive; we just love these particular five bands.
1. Oasis
Oasis formed in 1991 and went through a few different lineup changes, with brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher being the only constants in the band. Their end was abrupt and rough, but the music they made in their heyday is still on rotation today, via any Manchester radio station. Fans have been waiting for their return and finally got what they asked for, and we canโt wait to see them tour internationally again.
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2. The Fall
Mark E. Smith and The Fall left a lasting mark on post-punk across the pond. The outfit was a rare instance of a band having a very long and enjoyable career, rather than falling apart just a few years into their inception. โTotally Wiredโ and their cover of โHark The Herald Angels Singโ are essential listening for the unfamiliar.
3. Joy Division
Joy Division (as well as New Order, realistically) was one of the most iconic and influential bands to come out of Manchester. The formerโs ability to turn big concepts and stunning instrumentation into something quite minimalistic is commendable. Nobody had a voice like the baritone crooner Ian Curtis.
When New Order was birthed from the ashes of Curtisโ death, their new synthy sound didnโt totally diverge from what Joy Division was originally doing.
4. Buzzcocks
What would a list of the best bands to come out of Manchester be without mentioning Buzzcocks? These punk legends launched a special era of punk music in Manchester, and their influence is still felt in English (and beyond) punk bands today.
In fact, several of the other entries on this list (namely The Smiths and Joy Division) have cited the Buzzcocks as influences. Their influence has transcended punk rock and influenced pop music through the years as well.
5. The Smiths
Even if you arenโt Morrisseyโs biggest fan, you canโt deny that The Smiths left a mark on English rock history. One could say The Smiths were the OG indie band. They expertly mixed together elements of psych-rock and punk and created something entirely new and exciting. Thereโs just something so likable about music that manages to be both incredibly depressing yet uniquely uplifting. โThis Charming Manโ still hits hard today.
Photo by Simon Emmett
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