manchester tour joy division

New Dawn Fades

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New For 2024!

New dawn fades – thurs 10 oct – sat 26 oct.

New Dawn Fades – A Play About Joy Division and Manchester kicks off its series of shows in October 2024! Check the details on this page and please sign up for updates so you don’t miss anything! See below for details and links to tickets.

The 2024 edition of New Dawn Fades extends our success with even more music from our talented cast. We are just doing more dates and more UK cities! You can read all about the team behind the play here. You can also follow the process of the play’s production here. Tickets will sell very quickly so don’t hesitate in booking your seat for these new run of shows. Thank you for your support!

Upcoming Shows

• Oct 10 Chester - The Live Rooms The Live Rooms --> Tickets
• Oct 14 Sheffield - The Leadmill The Leadmill --> Tickets
• Oct 15 Wigan - The Edge The Edge + Joy Division Exhibition --> Tickets
• Oct 16 Bury - The Met + Joy Division Exhibition The Met + Joy Division Exhibition --> Tickets
• Oct 17 Bury - The Met + Joy Division Exhibition The Met + Joy Division Exhibition --> Tickets
• Oct 18 Manchester RNCM - Matinée (4pm Start) + Joy Division Exhibition RNCM + Joy Division Exhibition --> Tickets
• Oct 18 Manchester RNCM + Joy Division Exhibition RNCM + Joy Division Exhibition --> Tickets
• Oct 19 Manchester RNCM + Joy Division Exhibition RNCM + Joy Division Exhibition --> Tickets
• Oct 21 Birmingham - Crescent Theatre Crescent Theatre --> Tickets
• Oct 22 Leeds - City Varieties Music Hall City Varieties Music Hall --> Tickets
• Oct 25 London - The Bloomsbury Theatre The Bloomsbury + Joy Division Exhibition --> Tickets
• Oct 26 London - The Bloomsbury Theatre The Bloomsbury + Joy Division Exhibition --> Tickets

New Dawn Fades – A Play About Joy Division and Manchester

About the play, new dawn fades – a play about joy division and manchester  chronicles the rise and fall of ​ manchester’s ground-breaking post-punk band and the tragic suicide of lead singer ian curtis..

(Photos: Shay Rowan)

New Dawn Fades – A Play About Joy Division & Manchester is celebrating 11 great years with a re-energised and vibrant new production touring the UK this October.

New Dawn Fades: A Play About Joy Division and Manchester is the story of four ordinary lads who, inspired by the punk revolution of 1970s Manchester, came together to form one of the most influential bands of all time,  Joy Division . Following the untimely death of lead singer Ian Curtis, the band went on to huge world-wide success as New Order .

The show which is produced by Nigel Carr and Tony Davidson is written & directed by the award-winning Brian Gorman , who reprises his role as the legendary Factory Records’ boss Tony Wilson. He guides the audience through the heart and soul of both the band and the city, introducing an array of historical figures, including Roman General Julius Agricola, Dr John Dee, Frederich Engels, Paul Morley, and Pete Shelley of Buzzcocks! The result is a spellbinding journey of love, passion, grief, and of course music, drawing inspiration from the enigmatic lyrics of Ian Curtis, with a soundtrack featuring iconic hits of the late 1970’s UK music scene including of course Joy Division. 

A smash hit when it debuted at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival in July 2013, New Dawn Fades has toured regularly across the country, playing to capacity audiences and standing ovations.

  What the reviewers said about New Dawn Fades:

  “… a spellbinding and brilliant play about one of the greatest bands of all time. I totally urge anyone left out there who believes in music to go and see it.”

 “I was crying. It was very emotional at the end. It captured everything perfectly. I loved it; it had everything – the music and the emotion… there was such a buzz in the building.”

Rowetta, Happy Mondays

 “New Dawn Fades is more than a play about Joy Division; it’s about Manchester, friendship, love and heartbreak … it’s clear this is a piece full of energy.” 

Tracey Lowe, The Good Review

 “It’s all very entertaining and works unexpectedly well, especially at capturing the spirit of the times…” 

Kevin Bourke, Manchester Evening News

“An evocative piece that beautifully captures the heart and soul of Manchester in the 1970s. This is the way, step inside…”

  Kevin Cummins

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Peter Hook and the Light announce ‘Joy Division and New Order classics’ gigs at Albert Hall

Rolling back the years for three nights on the trot.

Peter Hook and the Light have announced a trio of nights at Manchester’s Albert Hall next April and promise to play through the very best of the Joy Division and New Order .

The bassist, vocalist and co-founder of the two iconic Manchester bands will be playing three nights in April 2023, as per an announcement by the Peter Street venue.

Perhaps the biggest selling point besides seeing the legendary Manc musician and his current outfit, who has been playing with for more than a decade now, is the fact that each night will cover different albums from across the two Greater Manchester groups’ discography.

JUST ANNOUNCED: For our 10th Anniversary, @peterhook & The Light do 3 dates in April, playing @joydivision + @neworder classics! Unknown Pleasures + Movement https://t.co/snq1fs5X0E Closer + Power, Corruption and Lies https://t.co/W46V1bBUPm Substance https://t.co/Y4JOCkjDwL pic.twitter.com/RAKsTzXtuS — Albert Hall (@Alberthallmcr) October 11, 2022

Having been in the industry for nearly 50 years now, stretching across multiple musical outfits in that time, it’d be hard to cram all of his work into one concert.

With that in mind, each night of his ‘Easter Homecoming’ will cover two albums – one from Joy Division and one from New Order. As you can see, the albums selected for the first two nights are as follows:

• Joy Division : Unknown Pleasures and Closer
• New Order : Movement and Power, Corruption, Lies

As for the third and final night (8 April) the set will be comprised of Substance: Joy Division and Substance: New Order , two compilation albums which tracks the bands’ singles, remasters and a select few special album tracks.

Hook and the Light are actually playing their first-ever gig at Manchester’s 02 Apollo this weekend, ‘The Sound of Joy Division Orchestrated’. You can still get tickets now .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Peter Hook & The Light (@peterhook_thelight)

The band is made up of his son Jack Bates, who has taken over the reins on bass, as well as Andy Poole (keyboards) and Paul Kehoe (drums) of the 66-year-old’s former side project, Monaco.

While the likes of Monaco and Revenge might not get a play on the night, each date promises to showcase different eras throughout the Salford sensation’s illustrious career.

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Both single and season tickets for the full run are available to purchase for the concerts from 6 April-8 April 2023, with presale for the three-night, six album special going live on Wednesday, 12 October and general sale from 14 October, 2022.

You can links to purchase on the official website and be sure to keep updated on their socials for info as to when tickets go live and availability. They’ll go fast so you better get in the quick.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester,  subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE .

Featured Image — Peter Hook & The Light ( via Instagram )

Music fans, strap in because Co-op Live has just confirmed a frankly ridiculous trio of gigs, and all in the space of a few hours as their first year of events only gets tastier.

The brand-new music and entertainment venue, the biggest indoor facility of its kind anywhere in Europe, only opened back in April and has already attracted some ridiculous names but they’re not slowing down with the announcements. Not even one bit.

After barely taking a beat between welcoming the Eagles, Liam Gallagher , Smashing Pumpkins and The Killers just to name a few, Co-op Live has revealed that iconic 80s singer Cyndi Lauper would be coming to the arena early next year.

Then, before even getting the chance to catch our breath, they followed that up by revealing that hip-hop and R’n’B legends Lauryn Hill and The Fugees will be arriving in just a few months, along with rock and pop-punk veterans Sum 41 just a couple of later.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Cyndi Lauper Cyndi Lauper announces UK and EU dates to her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour. https://t.co/6eU3m6MfDp @CoopUK Members get first in line access to tickets Co-op Member presale:10:00 26 JUNE General Sale:10:00 28 JUNE pic.twitter.com/vBxJAix1pr — Co-op Live (@TheCoopLive) June 24, 2024

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Co-op Live (@thecooplive)

JUST ANNOUNCED: @sum41 This October the band will be saying their final goodbyes as part of their "Tour Of The Setting Sum". https://t.co/7L5jBQZqf3 @CoopUK Members get first in line access to tickets Co-op Member presale:10:00 26 JUNE General Sale:10:00 28 JUNE pic.twitter.com/ao0wtDlpBk — Co-op Live (@TheCoopLive) June 24, 2024

To make things even more special, not only will it be Cyndi Lauper’s farewell tour following a career spanning nearly 50 years but these will also mark Sum 41’s final ever shows after confirming their split ahead of their new album .

And there’s The Fugees – an equally legendary trio in their own right – who they have decided to extend their current ‘Miseducation Anniversary Tour’. It’s music Christmas all come at once.

It feels like we get a whole of new acts announced for Co-op Live pretty much every week but it’s so rare you get a run of gigs dropped on you pretty much in go. The atmosphere in the immensely impressive space hasn’t disappointed even once just yet either.

Don’t think we’ll ever fully get over this… @liamgallagher said he wanted to ‘put @TheCoopLive arena on the map’ — then proceeded to just take the roof off the place instead. 🔥 Night One in Manchester was something else. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ROBCqCFhUi — The Manc (@TheMancUK) June 16, 2024

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Although you’ll have to wait until 9 February next year to scream your heads off to ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ at the top of your lungs, Lauryn Hill and The Fugees arrive in Manchester on 12 October, while Sum 21 says their goodbyes just over a fortnight later on 28 October.

Presale tickets for all three events go live to Co-op members at 10am on Wednesday, 26 June and general admission will follow at the same time on Friday, 28 June.

At least in Lauper and Sum 41’s case, this is your last chance to see them live in Manchester, so don’t sleep on lining up for tickets in the morning.

You can book yours via Co-op Live’s events page HERE .

Featured Images — Press Images

In the seven years since Troye Sivan’s sexual awakening on 2018’s semi-explicit ‘Bloom’, the Australian has emerged as a sex-positive powerhouse.

He’s been soundtracking queer nightclubs across the globe with the dancefloor-ready earworm ‘Rush’ – the lead single from his third studio album ‘Something To Give Each Other’, itself a further step into self-embrace and expressionism and one that has seen Troye embark on a global tour endlessly spilling out online videos of brilliantly sexy and sultry dance routines and on-stage playfulness.

His Manchester outing at the AO Arena is no different, oozing with sensual choreography that wouldn’t be out of place on the Magic Mike Live stage, yet set to make those with a more reserved outlook blush.

But that’s largely the point here, the third step in a chronological journey that carefully treads from the self-questioning of ‘Heaven’ on his 2015 debut ‘Blue Neighbourhoods’ through to his unapologetic onstage gyrating, a symbol of his self-acceptance.

Anybody uncomfortable in tonight’s crowd is undoubtedly at the wrong show, an open celebration of all-round gayness and its culture.

It’s inherent in everything he says, informing the crowd that he made a b-line direct to Manchester’s iconic Canal Street the night before, and tantalisingly hinting that he may do the same after the show, before immodestly suggesting that this may cause some type of stampede.

Perhaps it’s the reason why the show both starts and ends unusually early, and why at just 17 songs, it’s one of the shorter headline sets an arena is used to.

It’s also telling that Troye doesn’t go further back than ‘Bloom’, with the title track, the anthemic ‘My My My!’ and the Ariana Grande-featuring ‘Dance To This’ just about making the cut.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by troye sivan (@troyesivan)

The song choices are in-keeping with the mood of the evening, more mature and more adult than anything off his debut, or ‘Bloom’s retrospective numbers that failed to make the setlist.

Tonight is evidently an acknowledgement of lust, love and sex; a call to live in the moment and not to look back, and a hedonistic masterclass.

With that, each set piece is brilliantly positioned, the performance split into six acts each broken with Troye running off stage for an outfit change or for structures to be seamlessly assembled or disassembled.

Fan favourite ‘One Of Your Girls’ sees him don a lacey corset as he shares an intimate lap dance with one of his dancers, while the sultry ‘STUD’ glides like silk both in its vocal and on-stage performance.

But the biggest reaction is saved for the Charli XCX featuring (although sadly not on stage) ‘1999’, which rounds out the main set with a party befitting its lyrics, and gay anthem ‘Rush’ – complete with full dance routine and mesmerising light show to bring the decadent thrill ride to a close.

As Pride Month draws to a close, and with Salford’s Pink Picnic acting as the show’s pre-party for many, Troye Sivan delivers easily one of the biggest and most freeing celebrations of queerness Greater Manchester has to offer – via Perth, Australia, of course.

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Featured image: Stuart Winecoff

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Manchester Music Walking Tour

The Manchester Music Walking Tour takes you on a journey through the city's rich musical history. Led by an expert guide, you'll visit iconic venues such as the Hacienda and the Free Trade Hall, and learn about the city's famous bands including The Smiths, Joy Division, and Oasis. The tour is a must for any music fan visiting Manchester.

Tour Highlights

• Guided tour with a local music expert
• Visits sites from musicians including The Smiths, Oasis, New Order, Joy Division and many more
• See sites in Manchester not normally visited on the tourist trail

Manchester is a city steeped in musical history, with a vibrant scene that has produced some of the most iconic bands in the world. From The Smiths to Oasis, Joy Division to The Stone Roses, Manchester has played a pivotal role in shaping the British music landscape. The Manchester Music Walking Tour is the perfect way to explore this rich cultural heritage.

Led by an expert guide with an encyclopedic knowledge of Manchester’s music scene, the tour takes you on a journey through the city’s musical history, visiting iconic venues and landmarks along the way. The tour typically lasts around 1 ¾ hours and covers a distance of approximately two miles.

The tour visits the Northern Quarter, a bohemian area of the city known for its independent boutiques, street art and music venues. You will also see where the legendary Hacienda nightclub once stood. The Hacienda was once the epicentre of Manchester’s post-punk and acid-house scenes, along with the Free Trade Hall, where Bob Dylan famously went electric in 1966.

Other notable stops on the tour include the former home of Factory Records, the record label that launched Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays, and the Salford Lads Club, immortalized in The Smiths’ famous album cover for The Queen Is Dead. Fans of Oasis will also enjoy a visit to the boardwalk in the heart of the city, where the Gallagher brothers famously posed for a photo shoot early in their career.

Along the way, the guide will share fascinating stories and trivia about the bands, venues and people that shaped Manchester’s musical history. You’ll learn about the city’s punk and post-punk scenes, the rise of the Madchester rave scene in the late 1980s, and the impact that Manchester’s musical heritage has had on popular culture around the world.

The Manchester Music Walking Tour is a must for any music fan visiting the city. With its rich cultural heritage, iconic venues and legendary bands, Manchester is a city that has truly earned its place in the pantheon of great music cities.

What’s Included

• 1 ¾ hour music-themed walking tour of Manchester.
• Knowledgeable, approachable & fun guide

What’s Excluded

What to bring.

• Consider layers of clothing
• Comfortable shoes

Good To Know

• English language tour
• Download the Spotify playlist for the tour here

How long is the route?

• The tour is approximately 1.5  miles long .

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

• The tour is not suitable for a wheelchair due to the pavements and uneven surfaces on the route. British Sign Language is not provided on the tour.

Do children need to be accompanied?

• All people under 18 (i.e. 17 years old and younger) must be accompanied by an adult (aged 18 years or over) on all tours

Is the tour suitable for children?

Take a look at our TripAdvisor page or leave us a review. We love hearing from you!

Related tours.

Glasgow Music Mile Walking Tour

Liverpool Music Icons Tour

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Show all results, manchester music tours - joy division tour.

A four hour musical journey covering all things Joy Division and Factory Records!

The chance to visit many of the important venues and locations around Manchester and surrounding areas that helped shape and influence the Joy Division sound.

Iconic places that will be visited on the tour include; The Hacienda, the legendary nightclub bought by Factory Records in 1982. The home of director Alan Erasmus where Factory Records established their headquarters in 1979. The Epping Walk Bridge – synonymous with the band due to Kevin Cummins’ iconic photograph taken in 1979.  You will have the opportunity to recreate that important photograph that every Joy Division fan wants to capture.

Manchester Music Tours - Joy Division Tour Tickets

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Manchester Music Tours: Exploring the Madchester Music Scene

Manchester music tours.

The Manchester music scene was huge in the late 70’s and 1980’s. Bands like the The Smiths, Joy Division, Oasis, The Stone Roses and New Order all hailed from Manchester and helped put in on the musical map worldwide.  

Manchester Music Tours: Music Themed Bus & Walking Tours  explores the legendary Manchester music scene in its heyday as well as celebrating newer musicians such as James, Elbow and The Courteeners.

Ads are how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy. We also use affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Note: Since writing this article, Craig Gill has sadly passed away . The tour company still exists and I’ve kept my original article and photos of Craig below as a tribute the super cool guy I met while visiting Manchester.

What made this tour interesting was the founder and guide, Craig Gill. Craig was the drummer for Inspiral Carpets. They are an alternative rock band with   12 top forty UK hits and 3 top ten albums   that came to prominence, alongside bands The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, in the ‘ Madchester ‘ scene of the late 1980’s.

Craig offered several tours including ones that solely focus on Oasis, The Smiths and Joy Division among others.

The tour I participated in is the Manchester Music Walk. Put on some comfy shoes and be ready to keep up, because Craig’s tour is a fast-paced walk through the musical history of Manchester.

Read reviews for Manchester Music Tours  on TripAdvisor

Fan alert:   Inspiral Carpets are touring and recording and have a new album.

The tour lasts about two hours and Craig shares history about Manchester and and it’s musical evolution.

Craig has been in the Manchester music scene for over 30 years and knew most if not all of the members of the bands who catapulted to fame in the 1980’s. This offers him a unique point of view and during the tour he shares his personal history in the 80’s Madchester scene and stories such as how the Sex Pistols changed everything in music with one show.

Craig shared the importance of the show which was that all those mentioned except the Buzzcocks were not in bands at the time. It is said that all those who attended who were not in a band went out the next day and bought and instrument and started a band. This was the true beginnings of the Manchester music scene.

During the tour we visited locations of famous gigs and concerts such as Free Trade Hall and The G-Mex Centre. Our tour took us to the Boardwalk Club, which was once the rehearsal spot for the Happy Mondays, Inspiral Carpets, Purescense and Oasis. The Boardwalk Club is also where Oasis played their first gig. It has now been converted to apartments, and no longer a club, but it was still fun to hear the stories.

Manchester has produced more rock and pop stars per capita of population than other city around the world.

It was outside of the Boardwalk Club building that Craig told me that Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame auditioned for Inspiral Carpet in 1988 but didn’t make the cut. He was hired on as their roadie and toured with with band as an employee.

Next we headed to the building that was once the Hacienda club. The club has been turned into flats but the building bears the same name as the legendary club and even a plaque for the performer James.

Head behind the Haçienda building to find the real treasure. If you head down Rochdale Canal you’ll find a timeline detailing all the famous events and bands associated with the Hacienda.

Below are a few pieces of the art created by the artist Stewy focusing on the musicians who played the Hacienda Nightclub.

Other spots visited on the tour include Factory Records headquarters which is now Fac251 nightclub owned by Joy Division and New Orders Peter Hook. Another stop on the tour is The Ritz which is the longest continuously running club and the scene of the Smiths first gig. There is also a walk by India House, the flats where Noel Gallagher use to live and the inspiration for Definitely Maybe and Whats the Story LP.

Also on the tour is a walk by Dry 21, a long-standing bar opened by Factory Records’ Tony Wilson, with self-contained basement music venue. It was used in the filming of 24 hour party people and it’s said that Shaun Ryder and Liam Gallagher are still barred from the venue.

Craig is a wealth of Manchester music knowledge and this tour is a must for music fans. Craig does a great job weaving his own personal music story into the larger Manchester music narrative as well as adding fun facts and history about the city itself.

What is your favorite music town? Where have you taken a music tour? Share your stories in the comments!

Tour Information:

Walking Tours meet at the town hall steps and scheduled tour prices are £10 adults £5 children.

A big thank you to Craig for sharing his personal musical journey with me. I was a guest of Craig’s on this tour,  but as always, all opinions are my own.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on some of the links in this post and purchase something, I might receive a commission. This is a good thing! There is no additional cost to you and I make a tiny bit of money to keep this website alive!

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Alexa Meisler is the editorial director of 52 Perfect Days. Born in Paris, France she has since lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. She currently resides in San Diego with her husband and son where they enjoy exploring California and Mexico.

Travel has always been a part of her life; traveling to such places as Morocco, Tangiers and Spain as a young child as well as taking many road trips to Mexico with her grandparents as a young girl. Since then, she has traveled abroad to locations such as Russia, Taiwan and throughout Europe.

Prior to working at 52 Perfect Days she was a freelance travel writer; focusing on family and women’s adventure experiences.

Sounds like a fab tour! I love joining these kind of experineces, because you pick up on so many interesting facts and info you wouldn’t have otherwise known just walking past the buildings and sites. Craig sounds like a wealth of knowledge, I would love to take his tour!

Sounds like a great way to explore the city. I love learning the music history of places and for Manchester it is a must. Thanks for sharing.

Sounds fun! Manchester is high up on my list! Great post, thanks for sharing. Happy travels 🙂

I can totally see why this is a must for music fans. I’m not that much of a music buff but recognize some of the names 🙂

What a cool concept – music tours. I’ve never gone on one but love the idea. The closest similar experience is blues music scene in Chicago. There are several clubs steeped in history and with amazing talent. Seeing Buddy Guy play in person was a special treat!

I never thought Manchester as a place to go for music, but you’ve opened my eyes. Haven’t been to a music tour either but it sounds like an interesting concept, would love to attend a jazz tour!

Excellent music tour! Being able to get the inside scoop from someone who has had a long attachment to the industry is such a great treat. It’s awesome to know that some of my favorite artists have investments in these historic buildings, perhaps to keep the memory alive well.

This is such a great idea. I’ve actually heard of this tour guide before – a friend of mine went on one of his tours and couldn’t stop raving about it. Looks like it’s time for me to go. Absolutely love music from Manchester!

I would invest my time into a tour like that in a heartbeat! I’ve always been clinging to those various 80’s groups and I feel that this place holds one of the richest musical histories ever. Joy Division is one of the best classic ones!

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Joy Division's Manchester/The Smiths' Manchester – private tour

11:00 am – 1:00 pm 04/07/2024

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The atom bomb is hot news right now, thanks to this summer’s big blockbuster film, Oppenheimer, named after J. Robert Oppenheimer, organiser of the Manhattan Project which dropped the bombs on Japan in 1945.

Ed Glinert of New Manchester Walks, who has hosted countless local tours that include stopping at the atomic bunker on Chinatown’s George Street, and gives talks on the story of the atom bomb on cruise ships, relates the full atomic story to coincide with the release of the film and as the 78th anniversary of the dropping of the bombs in August 1945 to end the Second World War approaches. Continue reading →

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• Where to Go on a Manchester Music Tour

By Maisy Farren

Take a music pilgrimage to the Northern hub of Manchester

Whether you were a fan of Joy Division in the 70s, The Smiths in the 80s or Oasis in the 90s, it's undeniable that Manchester boasts an eclectic music history. Many iconic locations in this city have been demolished or simply closed down, but you can still visit spots to pay homage to punk, rave and Britpop through the years.

Image credit: Andrew Stopford via Flickr

Free Trade Hall (now the Radisson Blu Edwardian)

Coming from out of town? Well a great place to stay would be at the central Radisson Blu Edwardian which was originally the city’s Free Trade Hall. If you’ve watched the film 24 Hour Party People then you might recognise it as the venue for the iconic Sex Pistols gig in 1976. The iconic punk band’s first Manchester gig was attended by about 40 people, despite the fact that a ticket cost only 50p! This crowd turned out to be small but mighty, and went on to form bands called The Smiths , Buzzcocks , Joy Division and The Fall . The band returned to the hall a few weeks later and played to hundreds who’d obviously caught on.

Image credit: Rich via Flickr

Salford Lads Club

Ah, The Smiths . The legendary coming of age band, perfectly discovered in your sombre teenager years and developed over years of heartbreak and malaise. God bless the years where you could enjoy The Smiths without acknowledging the problematic nature of Morrissey’s public opinions. A trip to Salford Lad’s Club is a pilgrimage for indie teenagers of Greater Manchester and beyond, a place to pose for a picture just like the one on the cover of The Queen is Dead . This listed building has been in use for over 110 years and is still a place to go for boxing, snooker and gym - although it’s worth noting that girls are welcome now!

Image credit: EthelRedThePetrolHead via Flickr

The Epping Walk Bridge

Another iconic photo spot is the Epping Walk Bridge in Hulme, where Joy Division were shot for NME in 1979. Almost put off by the bleak Manchester winter, the band and photographer Kevin Cummins set off in the snow to take some press shots. The photographer was sent out with two rolls of film, all he could afford, and the band stopped on the bridge completely unplanned. This accidental shot became an iconic piece of Manchester music history and is recognisable 50 years later. Pay homage to the late Ian Curtis at Epping Walk Bridge, perhaps stopping to read Touching from a Distance whilst there.

Image credit: Olivia Kinsella via Flickr

The Haçienda

Kept alive by memory, The Haçienda was once one of the most exciting nightclubs in the UK. The ‘Madchester’ years saw a rise in house music, acid rave and ecstasy tablets, all of which found a home here at The Haçienda. Owned by Factory Record’s Tony Wilson and New Order ’s Rob Gretton, the place fell into various states of disrepair and closed in the summer of 1997. Serving as a music venue, nightclub and cocktail bar, the club saw regular performances from The Smiths and a one-off show by Madonna . The site was sadly demolished in 2002 and now exists as a luxury block of flats. Find original Haçienda artefacts and memorabilia at the local Science and Industry Museum , along with Haçienda themed glasswear designed by Factory Record's designer Peter Saville, inspired by the iconic striped pattern on Ben Kelly's original dancefloor.

Manchester Music Tour: The Smiths, Joy Division, Hacienda

Set out on a musical meander through Manchester with the ‘Manchester Music Tour: The Smiths , Joy Division , Hacienda 2024.’ This immersive journey promises a tantalizing insight into the city’s musical legacy, where melodies and memories intertwine.

From the melancholic tunes of The Smiths to the raw energy of Joy Division , you will uncover hidden gems and untold tales of musical mastery. But what secrets lie within the walls of iconic venues like the Hacienda , waiting to be discovered?

• Uncover iconic spots of The Smiths and Joy Division in Manchester
• Explore the legendary Hacienda nightclub’s history and influence
• Engage with expert commentary and seamless navigation on the tour
• Explore the spooky and haunted side of music history in Chester

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Street Art: The Modern History of the Northern Quarter
• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester
• Derbyshire & the Peak District From Manchester
• Private Manchester Walking Tour

Tour Highlights

Uncover the pulsating heart of Manchester’s music scene as you embark on a self-guided tour to explore the legendary spots where iconic bands like The Smiths and Joy Division made their mark.

Manchester, a city steeped in musical history, offers a vibrant journey through the landscapes that shaped these music legends . From the iconic Hacienda to the historic Salford Lads Club, each stop on the tour immerses visitors in the rich tapestry of Manchester landmarks that have become synonymous with the city’s musical heritage.

Explore the stories behind the venues that witnessed the rise of influential bands, and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance these locations hold in the realm of music history .

Band Locations

Set out on a journey through Manchester’s vibrant music history as you explore the iconic band locations where The Smiths and Joy Division began their musical careers.

The Smiths : Visit the infamous Southern Cemetery where The Smiths shot their iconic music video for ‘There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.’

Joy Division : Explore the Lesser Free Trade Hall, the venue where Joy Division famously supported the Sex Pistols in 1976, sparking their musical journey.

Hacienda : Discover the site of the legendary Hacienda nightclub, a pivotal location in Manchester’s music scene where bands like New Order and Happy Mondays performed.

Haunted Chester : Uncover the spooky side of music history with a visit to haunted Chester , rumored to be frequented by ghosts and spirits, adding an eerie twist to the band locations tour.

Iconic Venues

Exploring further into Manchester’s rich music history, visitors can now discover the iconic venues that have played a significant role in shaping the city’s legendary music scene.

One of the most famous venues is the Hacienda, known for its pivotal role in the rise of rave culture and electronic music. This legendary club has a storied history, hosting performances by music legends like New Order and Happy Mondays. The Hacienda’s influence on the music scene of Manchester is undeniable, making it a must-visit location for music enthusiasts.

Along With the Hacienda, other venues like Salford Lads Club have also left their mark on Manchester’s music landscape, providing insight into the city’s vibrant musical heritage.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour package for the Manchester Music Tour includes 48 hours of uninterrupted content, smartphone and headphones provision, and private transportation for a comprehensive and immersive experience.

Personalized Experience : Participants can enjoy a tailored journey through Manchester’s music history at their own pace.

Expert Commentary : Engage with insightful commentary on each stop to deepen the understanding of the music scene.

Seamless Navigation : Utilize a GPS-powered map for easy maneuvering between iconic music landmarks.

Exclusive Access : Benefit from private transportation to ensure a comfortable and exclusive tour experience.

Additional Tour Option

For those seeking a thrilling and eerie experience in North West England, consider delving into the haunted tales of Chester with a self-guided walking tour option starting from $6.99.

This tour option offers visitors the chance to explore the historical haunts of Chester and potentially encounter ghostly encounters along the way.

From the eerie Chester Rows to the spooky tales of the Eastgate Clock, this self-guided walking tour promises a spine-chilling adventure through the city’s haunted past.

Whether you’re a history buff fascinated by ghostly encounters or simply looking for a unique and immersive experience, the Haunted Chester and its Ghosts tour is sure to provide an unforgettable journey into the paranormal side of this ancient city in North West England.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester
• LGBT Manchester Walking Tour
• Craft Beer Tour Around Manchester
• Windermere & Lake District Tour From Manchester Including Cruise
• Detective Outdoor Escape Game in Manchester
• City River Tour

Common questions

Can Children Participate in the Manchester Music Tour, or Is It Only for Adults?

Children can participate in the Manchester music tour, making it a family-friendly experience. There are no age restrictions, allowing kids to explore legendary music spots and iconic venues like The Smiths and Joy Division did, creating a memorable adventure.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Smartphone That Can Be Used for the Tour?

When considering smartphone compatibility for the tour, participants should note that the experience provides a user-friendly GPS-powered map accessible through any modern smartphone. No specific device restrictions apply, ensuring tour accessibility for all.

Is There a Specific Recommended Time of Day to Start the Self-Guided Tour for the Best Experience?

For the best experience on the self-guided music tour, the optimal time to start is early morning. The morning air carries a magical vibe, enhancing the exploration of legendary spots like The Smiths and Joy Division.

Are There Any Specific Safety Precautions in Place for Participants During the Tour?

Safety measures are in place for all tour group participants. Tour guides provide emergency contact information and ensure a secure experience. Visitors can explore Manchester’s music history with peace of mind, knowing assistance is readily available.

Are There Any Recommended Nearby Dining Options for Participants to Explore After Completing the Tour?

For those hunger pangs post-tour, nearby dining spots offer a feast for the senses. Participants can sample local cuisine at charming eateries near iconic music venues, enhancing the Manchester experience with flavorful delights.

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• Private Transfer From Manchester Airport (Man) to Glossop
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• One-way Private Transfer From/To Manchester Airport
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• Private Transfer From Manchester Airport (Man) to Hebden Bridge
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• Breathtaking Manchester – Walking Tour for Couples
• Private Transfer From Astley to Manchester Airport (Man)

Join the Manchester Music Tour to uncover the city’s legendary music scene.

Did you know that Manchester has produced more chart-topping singles per capita than any other city in the UK?

With 48 hours of immersive content and a GPS-powered map, this self-guided experience is the perfect way to explore the rich musical heritage of Manchester.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey through the iconic locations of The Smiths, Joy Division, and the Hacienda.

Make the pilgrimage to visit dozens of locations that illustrate Greater Manchester’s rich musical heritage and significance – from Salford Lads Club to Sifters Records in Burnage!

The Smiths Tour​

Learn more about The Smith’s origins by visiting locations across Manchester that shaped your favourite records.  

Joy Division Tour

Fans of Joy Division have the opportunity to learn more about the locations in Macclesfield where their iconic sound was crafted.

This 3 hour tour explores the humble beginnings of the Gallagher brothers including their upbringing in Burnage.

The Stone Roses Tour

Take a trip to the places that inspired The Stone Roses in Chorlton and experience their music in a new light.

Manchester Music Tour Special

Can’t decide on a specific tour? Discover the old haunts, hangouts, and gig venues across the city that all your favourite Manchester bands made their own.

Private TourS

Available to book for private parties – large groups or individuals.

View tour dates and book your tickets.

Read more reviews on Tripadvisor

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She’s Lost Control: How Joy Division Let Loose Their Creative Genius

So good they recorded it twice, Joy Division’s She’s Lost Control is a stark post-punk classic that still sounds like the future.

It’s often said that life imitates art, and that theory certainly rings true where Joy Division ’s She’s Lost Control is concerned. Though never released as a single A-side in its own right, this stark post-punk classic has long since taken its place among the best Joy Division songs , and it still has the power to startle: its metronomic backdrop immediately draws the listener in, providing the bedrock for Ian Curtis to lay his soul bare with lyrics which were all too personal.

Listen to the best of Joy Division here .

“that must have been terrifying for ian to discover”.

“Ian was apparently moved to write the lyric after an incident at his work [as a civil servant] with the Macclesfield employment exchange,” bassist Peter Hook wrote in his memoir Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division . “It’s about a young lady with epilepsy who was having problems finding and keeping a job who Ian had been helping. She eventually died after suffering a seizure. That must have been terrifying for Ian to discover.”

Curtis was, indeed, shaken by his client’s death – not least because the Joy Division vocalist had himself been diagnosed with epilepsy. For many sufferers, the condition can develop early in life, but for Curtis it didn’t afflict him until he was 22. As Anton Corbijn’s biopic Joy Division biopic, Control , all too realistically depicts, Curtis suffered a violent seizure when Joy Division were returning to Manchester from their first London gig, in December 1978 – and, from then on, epilepsy dogged him until his death in May 1980.

In the short term, however, these two painful events inspired something transcendent. The young woman’s unexpected passing, and Curtis’ subsequent awareness and experiences of the stigma endured by himself and other individuals suffering from similar neurological impairments, inspired his heartfelt lyrics for She’s Lost Control.

“He delivered his vocals with the perfect amount of passion and spirit”

Almost immediately, the song proved it had the ability to stop listeners in their tracks. Having established itself as a highlight of Joy Division’s live set early in 1979, She’s Lost Control was first officially taped for a BBC Radio 1 John Peel session on 31 January that year, and it became a highlight of the group’s seminal debut album, Unknown Pleasures : the first album to appear on Manchester’s Factory Records imprint, in June 1979.

Driven by one of Hook’s most distinctive high-end bass motifs and drummer Stephen Morris’ innovative timekeeping, She’s Lost Control sounded like nothing else around, and its creation is still recalled with fondness.

“That’s one of our most famous songs, really personal to Ian, and for him to base those lyrics around my riff was so fucking cool,” Hook enthused in his memoir.

“You also hear Steve’s Synare on the track – that was a drum synthesiser with a white noise generator, which he also used on Insight,” the bassist added. “He was one of the first drummers to use them. That was one of the great things about Steve – and Bernard [Sumner, guitarist] actually. They’re both very experimental in their approach, always wanting to try new things.”

Hook was also quick the praise Curtis’ visceral lyrics (“She screamed out kicking on her side and said, ‘I’ve lost control again’/And seized up on the floor, I thought she’d die”) and the way his urgent vocal performance perfectly mirrored the band’s harsh, metallic music.

“He delivered his vocals with the perfect amount of passion and spirit,” the bassist recalled. “Exactly what we wanted. Saying that, reading the lyrics now, his use of repetition and onomatopoeic delivery is startling.”

“People recognised that this was something unusual”

She’s Lost Control remained a staple of Joy Division’s live set following the release of Unknown Pleasures . Onstage, the band usually performed the song with a punishing intensity, particularly during an appearance for BBC Two’s Something Else in September 1979 – a ten-minute slot (the band also played the song Transmission) which is now widely recognised as one of rock’s most transcendent televised live performances.

“I’ve never seen a TV musical performance like it,” graphic designer, author and long-term Joy Division fan Jon Wozencroft recalled in Jon Savage’s The Searing Light, The Sun And Everything Else: Joy Division: The Oral History .

“I was in hospital recovering from an operation and they showed it in the TV room, Wozencroft continues. The extraordinary thing was it was prime-time Saturday afternoon viewing, around 5.30 or 5.45pm, so anybody could have been watching it and everyone did in the room I was in.

“All these old men who’d got cranky legs and hips were suddenly watching Joy Division instead of Dad’s Army . It was extraordinary, the effect it had. There was none of the usual ‘turn that rubbish over’ you’d usually get when bands are on TV. People could obviously recognise that this was something quite unusual.”

“We reworked it with the idea that it should be longer, louder and more percussive”

Indeed, Joy Division soon realised they had something special with She’s Lost Control. While they arguably captured the song’s definitive studio take for Unknown Pleasures , they later recorded a new version at Stockport’s Strawberry Studios during the March 1980 session that produced the Love Will Tear Us Apart single .

This reworking of She’s Lost Control later appeared on the flip of Factory’s 12” single edition of the song Atmosphere , first released on 2 September 1980. It was recorded from scratch, with the addition of a new keyboard line and an extra verse from Ian Curtis.

“I think it was the 12” of Blondie’s Heart Of Glass that was responsible for the idea of us trying to do an extended version of a track,” Stephen Morris wrote in his book Record Play Pause . “Or else it was something that Rob [Gretton, manager] liked the idea of. Either way, we ended up reworking She’s Lost Control with the idea being that it should be longer, louder and more percussive.”

Ultimately, Joy Division achieved that aim with the angular 12” cut of She’s Lost Control, though it wasn’t achieved without Morris suffering at the hands of producer Martin Hannett. Having decided on a whim that the sound of an aerosol can of tape-head cleaner would make the perfect audio component to complement the “chi-chi” sound of Morris’ Syndrum, Hannett rigged up a mic in Strawberry’s small glass vocal booth and sent the drummer in with the can.

“One spark and I’ve have been the exploding drummer out of ‘Spinal Tap’!”

Blithely ignoring the aerosol’s safety warning about usage in strictly well-ventilated areas, Morris enthusiastically squirted the can in time with She’s Lost Control’s rhythm track – while the booth slowly filled with toxic fumes.

“I put the ensuing buzzy headache and blurred vision down to some unforeseen side effects of my last joint, like you do,” Morris later reasoned. “Once I finally finished squirting, I took off my headphones and reached for a reinvigorating cigarette, only to discover Rob had pinched my lighter. He was too lazy to bring it back and thank fuck for that – as it was only after I stepped into the fresh blast of air-conditioned chill that I realised my tiny booth was now a highly explosive, haze-filled chamber. One spark and I’d have been the exploding drummer out of Spinal Tap !”

“The song was us doing something new and trying not to repeat others”

Thankfully, Morris survived to drum another day – and to experience She’s Lost Control’s rise to iconic status. Covers by artists as disparate as Girls Against Boys, Siobhan Fahey and Grace Jones have enhanced the song’s reputation along the way, but when it comes to stark, otherworldly brilliance, Joy Division’s original recordings are likely to remain unassailable – and both of them still sound like the future.

“She’s Lost Control features one of my favourite drum tracks of Steve’s, but the whole thing was groundbreaking,” Bernard Sumner said in an interview with Jon Savage. “ Kraftwerk and Cabaret Voltaire were definitely influences on us, but while it was an extension of us getting us into electronic music and synthesisers, this song was definitely us doing something new and trying not to repeat what other people had already done.”

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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