Music

Inspired by Ian Brown’s eulogy to Mani at Manchester Cathedral, a major community crowdfunder is being launched to create a large-scale mural honouring the beloved bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream and to raise funds for the Maggie’s Manchester. The mural, which will be created in Failsworth, where young Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield grew up, has been initiated by the team at GRIT Studios following an overwhelming outpouring of love from fans across Greater Manchester and beyond.…

Bal Stingray & His Goo Goo Mucks © Owen Tudor Bal Stingray & His Goo Goo Mucks| Los Coyote Men | The HangmenThe Green Room, Stockton-On-Tees12th February 2026 Bal Stingray is back on stage with two more original Stingrays – upright bassist Keith Cockburn and guitar supremo Mark Hosking –  joined by garage legend and former Headcoat Johnny Johnson on guitar,  ex-X-men Tim Hosking on electric bass and one time Headcoatee Debbie Bongo on drums. The truly manic…

Twat Union: Don’t Blame The Peach EP (Alcopop! Records) Vinyl/DL/Streaming Available 20th February Order Vinyl here Don’t Blame The Peach, the second collection of feminist punk anthems from Twat Union, full of gags along with a fistful of home truths is out this week. Iain Key reviews with commentary from vocalist Kate Mac. Twat Union are a force to be reckoned with. The sextet deliver a chaotic and theatrical live show that’s part comedy gig, part punk squat, part improv…

Adult DVDShacklewell Arms, London February 11th 2026 Tom Parry sees that the hype around Adult DVD is founded on real talent at the first of three sold-out nights in London. Adult DVD are a band with a lot of gear. Wires everywhere. On the small stage at the Shacklewell Arms, there’s not much space for manoeuvre. But on an otherwise miserable Wednesday night, they fill the breathless, sweaty room at the back of this always lively venue with a crackling…

Nico Harmony: Civilisation of Love (Self Released) DL/Streaming Out Now Hotly tipped Nico Harmony, the Manchester based songwriter and multi-genre artist releases debut single Civilisation of Love ahead of an EP later in 2026.  The young artist, inspired by world music, jazz and psychedelia may not be an unfamiliar name to many, first mentioned on Louder Than War by John Robb a couple of years ago, declaring, ‘classic Lana Del Ray croons from the rainy city for the…

Charley Stone: Forever Your Love (Self Released) DL/Streaming Out Now The indie legend™ Charley Stone releases new single, Forever Your Love,  to celebrate Valentine’s Day London-based Charley’s latest release, Forever Your Love, is a mellow, dreamy track about unrequited love. It follows on from October’s single I’ve Gotta Know, which dealt with subconscious pleas for deeper connection within a situationship. The new single explores the thoughts and feelings of a hopeless romantic longing for ‘the one’ who remains…

Half Court enter the music scene with a great debut tune Shiver and a new twist on indie bands with a nice blend of shoegaze and laid back yet wall of sound attitude that pulls them apart from the mundane tread of the mill ‘tryers’ that soak the tried and tested nonsense in a tepid bubble bath of boredom. Wayne AF Carey is enlightened… I’ve been a bit lazy lately discovering new talent, yet this band Half Court…

State Fayre FestivalHylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex26th – 28th June 2026 The inaugural State Fayre Festival comes to Hylands Park in Chelmsford this June. Boasting impressive headliners in Kings of Leon, Alanis Morissette, and The Lumineers, the line up mixes rock, country, folk and blues and bills itself as the UK’s biggest music and BBQ festival. Friday is headlined by Kings of Leon, with The Black Crowes and rising Irish band Kingfishr in support. There are also high profile…