Greater Manchester has been a breeding ground for British music for a long, long time, having birthed many of the most significant bands and performers in history. With post-punk pioneers in the late ‘70s, through to ‘90s Britpop boom, Greater Manchester has left its mark in an indelible manner in the global map of music. With its energetic buzz, courtesy of Oasis, its synth-pulsed sound courtesy of New Order, and its raw post-punk sound courtesy of Joy Division, the city has been at the heart of musical revolts for years and years.
In this article, a critical examination of the renowned Greater Manchester bands that have taken over the music industry, contribution, and through whose work continues through best tribute bands including Tina Turner Tribute and Barry White Tribute will be conducted.
Oasis is one of Manchester's most famous bands, characterising Manchester's 1990s' era of Britpop. Formed in 1991, with both its leaders, two brothers, Noel and Liam Gallagher, at its head, it rose to prominence with its energetic and powerful sound, and its working-class life-themed lyrics.
Songs like Champagne Supernova, Don't Look Back in Anger, and Wonderwall became overnight sensations, filling stadiums and energizing enthusiasts all over the world. Their first album, Definitely Maybe, was the best-selling first album in UK history, showcasing their enormous contribution to the music world.
But Oasis was not simply about the sound—They were a cultural phenomenon. Their attitude, swagger, and high-profile feuds dominated the press, and helped build them a legend. To date, their influence can still be seen in tribute bands and new bands following in their sound. Love them, hate them, but one of British rock's most lasting bands is Oasis
The Smiths, formed in 1982, became one of the most influential indie rock bands of all time. With Morrissey’s poetic, introspective lyrics and Johnny Marr’s innovative, jangly guitar, they crafted a melancholic yet melodic sound that stood apart from mainstream pop. Their witty, observational storytelling and intricate guitar work set them apart, influencing countless musicians.
Hits like There Is a Light That Never Goes Out and How Soon Is Now? remain timeless, resonating with generations of fans. Their raw emotion and individuality paved the way for alternative rock, shaping the sounds of bands like Radiohead and Arctic Monkeys.
Though they split in 1987, The Smiths' legacy endures. Their songs still speak to outsiders, dreamers, and romantics, proving that truly great music never fades. Their influence remains strong in indie and alternative music today.
Few bands have impacted in such a lasting manner in such a relatively short span of years as Joy Division. Formed in 1976, with a dark, atmospheric sound and introspective lyrics, they defined post-punk times. With direction under Ian Curtis, whose deep, emotive voice imparted a raw intensity to their sound, they crafted lasting songs such as Disorder and, most famously, Love Will Tear Us Apart.
Joy Division’s sound included atmospheric basslines, ominous synths, and stripped-back production, and its influence extended to many gothic rock and alternative bands in its aftermath. With its introspective and dark sound, it differentiated them, and one of its most memorable bands during its era.
Tragically, Curtis’ 1980 demise cut short their career, but its two living members re-emerged under the title of New Order, creating electronic music. In a span of four years, Joy Division’s impact is profound, with its presence lasting through numerous years and its ongoing adoration through films, books, and cover bands worldwide.
After the unfortunate demise of Joy Division, its other members initiated New Order in 1980, mixing post-punk with electronic sound to form a totally new sound. Unlike its dark and introspective background, New Order embraced synth, drum machines, and dancing beats, revolutionizing alternative sound.
Their 1983 single Blue Monday, a best-selling 12-inch single in all of pop history, captured an era in club music and ushered in electronic dance culture. Singles such as Bizarre Love Triangle and True Faith displayed a talent for blending rock’s emotion with catchy beats.
New Order’s sound characterized the sound of both ‘80s and ‘90s, and influenced electronic producers and new raves. With a fusion of sound, they have been current for over four decades, and have been an inspiration for numerous bands and producers. To date, their unconventional style continues to resonate, and it’s a tribute to them that their contribution to rock and dance music holds its ground even today.
The Stone Roses played a defining part in Madchester during its ‘80s period, fusing rock with dancing beats in a sound that revolutionised everything. Formed in 1983, their 1989 first album, titled simply 'The Stone Roses', sits in many an observer's view in one of the greatest ever albums produced. I Wanna Be Adored and Fools Gold, for example, blended rock with beat-fuelled groove, defining an era and an age.
Their music ranged through '80s indien and '90s explosion of Britpop, and bands including Oasis and Verve took a lesson from them. Alternative rock's direction took form with their dreamlike but rhythmic sound.
Though their career spanned a mere period, their impact lived long afterward. Their 2012 tour, in a one-time reunion, smashed record sales, and their impact continues to shape modern indies and dance music.
The Verve became one of the most emotionally deep bands of the era of Britpop, fusing orchestral instrumentation with powerful rock melody. Formed in 1990, they reached worldwide success with 1997 single Bitter Sweet Symphony, a track that captured both grandeur and misery. Despite controversy over its use of a sampled orchestral riff in court, the single became its defining hymn.
Their album Urban Hymns is a Britpop classic, with deeply introspective tunes such as Lucky Man and The Drugs Don’t Work. Richard Ashcroft’s rough, soulful voice added a deep emotion to their sound, and it reached a deep part in everyone’s heart.
Though The Verve saw a lot of breakups, its legacy continues to stand strong. Its mix of rock and symphonies continues to impact bands, proving its passionate sound ageless and strong.
Before One Direction dominated the charts, Take That set the gold standard for British boy bands. In 1990, Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, and Jason Orange joined together and soon became one of the UK’s most successful groups. With such colossal hits including Back for Good, Never Forget, and Relight My Fire, dominating ‘90s pop with a mix of heart-felt ballads and high-energy pop anthems.
Take That revolutionized UK pop, opening doors for future talent. Robbie Williams' 1995 departure saw him go on to enjoy an unforgettable career in solos, but the group's success never faltered. Split in 1996, a 2000s renaissance saw them become an enormous success yet again. With bestsellers, sell-out tours, and an emerging sound, they have continued to rank amongst one of Britain's greatest and most enduring pop bands.
While London dominated in early punks, Manchester's Buzzcocks were stirring a similar controversy. Formed in 1976, they gave punks a snappy, raw, and melodic bite, defining UK alternative sound. Their single, Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve), was a top-shelf punk staple, with urgency and heart and emotion mixed in together.
Their DIY ethos not only characterized British punk rock but helped generate post-punk era's independent record movement, as well. With high-energy performances and catchy songs, The Buzzcocks have a lasting presence, having demonstrated that punks not only could but could be catchy, as well.
Manchester’s music heritage continues not only through such renowned bands but through ardent tribute performers, as well. To glimpse past-energy in a concert, tribute performers like Tina Turner Tribute and Barry White Tribute introduce the miracle of renowned performers to new concert attendees. Tina Turner Tribute: Unforgettable performance in honor of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Barry White Tribute: A warm and intimate encounter with the deep, mellow voice of Barry White Whether you're an ardent fan of Manchester's rich heritage in terms of its music for years, or a newcomer to its rich heritage, its tribute bands allow one to re-live its best times through first-rate performances.
Greater Manchester's rich heritage in terms of its contribution to British and global music heritage cannot go unnoticed. With rock and punk, synth-pop and Britpop, Greater Manchester bands have gone on to form new waves of groups and bands. To honor its heritage, a tribute act such as Tina Turner Tribute and a tribute act such as Barry White Tribute is an excellent opportunity to view firsthand the magic of lasting music.
