If you are a fan of rock music, then you have to come to Manchester. It is a city that had not only produced some of the most innovative bands of all time but a one that is also filled with music today. There is not a single street here which wouldn’t be connected to a music history in some way. And, as typically with such cities, it continues to inspire new artists to innovate in music, just like the well known Manchester bands in the past.

The Free Trade Hall

Some claim that rock music as we know it today wouldn’t be the same without a single gig that happened in Manchester in 1976. The Sex Pistols came to play at the Free Trade Hall. Dubbed as “the gig that changed the world”, this show was witnessed by the future members of some of the most famous bands from the city. Joy Division, the Buzzcokcs, New Order, the Smiths, Simply Red and more attended this evening and got inspired to make music and ultimately, change the music world forever. Free Trade Hall is still open and you can visit it, or attend one of the many events in the venue.

The Hacienda

Another must see place is the site of the former Hacienda club. Known as the most popular club in the world, Hacienda was opened by the members of the New Order in 1982 and closed its doors in 1997. During its existence the club hosted many big stars playing, helped to establish music genres and elevate new bands to stardom. Today the original building is no more and in its place a set of apartments, aptly named the Hacienda Apartments was built. In spite of that, the site is still visited by many music fans today.

Ian Curtis Brige

Joy Division is one of the most influential bands from Manchester. Their music was closely connected with the city, so was their image. Their most famous photo shoot took place on the Epping Walk Bridge in the city, a place that is soon to be renamed to Ian Curtis Bridge to commemorate the bands tragically dead singer.

Salford Lads Club

If you are the Smiths fan, you probably know their famous photo at the back of their “The Queen is Dead” LP. It was taken outside the Salford Lads Club and the venue today is a museum of the band, with a lot of memorabilia, pictures and more.

The Sifters

And, if you are more into Oasis, you can’t miss the Sifters music store. This is where Noel Gallagher used to buy records, and this is where he got to discover a lot of the bands that came to inspire him later on to start creating music. He immortalized the shop in the lyrics of his hit “Shakermaker” from the Oasis’ second album.

Manchester is truly filled with music. There are new bands emerging from the city everyday, many that end up revolutionizing the music. If you are coming to the city, make sure that you visit those rock music related spots to get a feeling for the magical place that Manchester is.

Thomas lives in Manchester, experiences the great musical culture of the city, runs a city breaks site and shares his knowledge with the leading UK serviced apartments provider.