Manchester

Joy Division

24 Apr 2008

DOCUMENTARY (15) 96mins After last year’s Control, Anton Corbijn’s considered and stylish dramatisation of Ian Curtis’ life, it would be easy to think that everything you need to know about the legend and legacy of English post-punk outfit Joy…

Sian Williams quitting BBC Breakfast

TV Gossip

29 Mar 2011

Sian Williams is one of a host of 'BBC Breakfast' presenters prepared to quit rather than move to Manchester. The popular mother-of-four has decided not to move her family to the city when the morning show relocates to Salford Quays later this year…

Happy Mondays

23 Aug 2007

‘Hola!’ Shaun Ryder is just back from Spain, and has clearly been learning the language. In between shows leading up to next week’s T on the Fringe gig, though, the surprisingly sharp and decidedly affable Happy Mondays frontman is at home, ‘catching up…

Take Me Out contestant was an escort

TV Gossip

10 Jan 2012

A contestant on 'Take Me Out' has been exposed as a £50-an-hour escort. Aaron Withers - who won a date with 28-year-old Wen on Saturday night's (07.01.12) show - advertised his services on Platinum Select, a website with more than 5,000…

Lady Gaga and Coldplay play Children In Need Rocks

Music Gossip

18 Nov 2011

Lady Gaga, Coldplay and Gary Barlow wowed crowds at a one-off charity concert in Manchester last night (17.11.11). A star-studded line-up took to the stage for the Children In Need Rocks event at the MEN Arena - organised by Take That singer Gary…

The Stone Roses reform to play dates at Manchester's Heaton Park in summer 2012

19 Oct 2011

As you’ve no doubt heard, yet another cornerstone of the British music establishment has chosen to dust off its bucket hat and have it large with a reunion tour. This is no ordinary by-the-numbers reformation, though. This is The Stone Roses. Capable…

Gary Barlow impressed by impersonator

TV Gossip

13 Jun 2011

Gary Barlow heaped praise on a Take That impersonator at 'The X Factor' auditions at The Trafford Centre Manchester yesterday (12.06.11). The Take That star - who is joined on the judging panel of the TV talent show by Louis Walsh, Kelly Rowland and…

Kong plays at Captain's Rest in Glasgow

Loud, abrasive, and possibly naked bellies

30 Jul 2010

Loud, creepy and fond of wearing Y-fronts onstage (and nothing else except a plastic kid’s mask, or Sellotape on their faces). If that’s how you like your music, then this Fugazi-echoing Manc trio are most definitely for you. Expect abrasive punk, and…

Happy Mondays and James

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

19 Jul 2007

Step on, sit down Happy Mondays and James hailed from very different sides of the Manchester musical fence. As the two bands get set for T on the Fringe, Paul Morley says hallelujah to the returning heroes and considers their legacy