Tributes are being paid to the late Marc James Watmough, frontman of the much-loved Happy Mondays tribute band, Happy Mondaze, who sadly passed away earlier this month.
In terms of tribute acts, you won’t find many as adored as the Happy Mondaze, and with that, the news of Marc James Watmough’s death has hit Manc music fans and avid ‘Madchester’ die-hards, specifically, rather hard.
Watmough was the lead singer who played the role of Shaun Ryder for more than a decade as part of the Mondaze – the number one Happy Mondays tribute band in the world – as well as being involved in other musical projects over the years.
His bandmates shared the following statement below on Tuesday, 8 April.
RIP Marc, great guy and frontman. Loved working with him. Sending love to his friends and family.
Speaking on social media, the real Shaun Ryder himself joined the procession of tributes online, writing simply: “RIP Marc James Watmough of Happy Mondaze. Sending condolences to Marc’s bandmates and loved ones.”
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He is said to have died suddenly last week; the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Fellow tribute artist Laid (who double as another iconic local band, James) said: “Really sad to hear this. God bless you all. Nothing But Love.”
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Music event production company M35 Live went on to add: “Rest In Peace Marc. Gutted to hear this sad news. Remember when I first met Marc with his band New Antics many years ago pre-Mondaze. He was a star. We hit it off straight away – I booked his band New Antics and we became pals.
“Always a pleasure to work with, both with New Antics and later with Happy Mondaze. I recall clearly the day he phoned me, telling me he was putting together a Happy Mondays tribute group and he’d love me to be involved, management or whatever. I didn’t – had too much on at the time but wished him luck…
rip to marc james watmough,, lead singer of the happy mondays tribute band “happy mondaze” absolutely lovely chap. let me and my dad on the guestlist multiple times and was so so lovely💔 proper heartbroken to find out this news
— ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚anais˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ (@autofiction__) April 9, 2025
“He was fired up for it – he hadn’t even got the band together at this stage, but he said he was already working on taking it on tour all over the UK and beyond. Well, Marc – you did it ‘r kid – smashed it. There was never any doubt. God bless you pal.” They shared an even lengthier tribute on their own page.
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Several other tribute bands have paid tribute to the talented vocalist and charismatic performer, serving as yet more proof that this particular corner of the music world is a close-knit community that means a lot to those who make a living from it and the thousands who watch them every year.
Our thoughts go out to all of his friends and family during this difficult time.
15 of the best record shops in and around Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
When it comes to listing things that define our city’s culture, music and Manchester go hand-in-hand; we’re up there with one of the most influential music places on the planet, and we’ve got the best record shops to go with it – no exaggeration.
In fact, we’re sure you can relate when we insist that some of our earliest memories of coming into town are when we came to shop for new music and flick through old records for hours.
That being said, in the age of streaming and digital music dominating much of how we consume our favourite tunes these days, the record shop is one of the last bastions of that lovely analogue tradition of not just listening to music but devotedly collecting for decades.
So, for those of you audiophiles who still like to flip through a proper LP or try and find a gem amongst the old, well-thumbed singles from back in the day, we thought we’d put together a list of the best record shops in Greater Manchester. You’re welcome.
The best record shops in Manchester city centre and beyond
1. Sifters Records – Burnage
The vinyl action around Greater Manchester may be concentrated around the city centre, but you’ll find comfortably one of the best record stores out in Burnage.
The musician used to shop here when he was a teenager, way before Oasis started releasing their own records, and their impact on the surrounding community and other local artists is massive.
The shop was opened more than 40 years ago by Mr Sifter himself, Pete Howard, who stocked it with 700 of his own LPs.
Inside now you’ll find a massive collection of rare and vintage records.
2. Piccadilly Records – Northern Quarter
Piccadilly Records, ironically in the Northern Quarter instead (Credit: The Manc Audio)
This is arguably the city’s best-known (and most-photographed) record store, with its orange sign and pretty patchwork of vinyl covers in the window.
Part of Manchester’s music scene since 1978, the shop thrived in the post-punk era of the 1980s.
Following relocation and new management in the 90s, it’s widely considered one of the world’s best independent record shops — yes, the world — and is always at the heart of Record Store Day with queues forming at least a day before.
You’ll find it in the middle of Oldham Street, right in the beating heart of the Northern Quarter.
3. Vinyl Exchange – NQ
One of the GOATsAlways busy on RSDAn NQ favourite (Credit: The Manc Group/Vinyl Exchange via Instagram)
Another Northern Quarter institution is Vinyl Exchange, which has stood on the corner of Oldham Street and Dale Street (give or take a few metres) since 1988.
Its impressive catalogue of collectors’ editions and fan favourites makes Vinyl Exchange a popular site with people of all ages – including, apparently, some of the world’s most iconic musicians themselves. Regular shoppers have included Tim Burgess, Johnny Marr, and Bez.
Sprawled across two floors are CDs and records spanning just about every genre, from rock and indie, metal, punk, alternative, experimental, industrial, psychedelic and soundtracks.
Vinyl Revival, also Northern Quarter (Credit: The Manc)
It’s all about Manchester’s musical history at Vinyl Revival, which proudly toots the horn of the city’s local bands from the 1960s to the present day.
Sandwiched in between a sex shop and an old pet store, it’s been here sat here in NQ for almost 30 years and stocks a massive range of vinyl, CDs, t-shirts and posters.
Their Record Store Day collection is always up there with the very best, so keep your eyes peeled.
Bury‘s only independent record store spans two floors in a beautiful Grade II-listed building on Market Street in the heart of the town.
As well as its new and used vinyl collection — which you can test out on a turntable and headphones set-up — there’s a cafe serving hot and cold drinks, food, snacks and fresh cakes.
It pulls in a lot of live music from some massive names too, with recent intimate gigs and meet-and-greets from The Lathums, Inspiral Carpets and The Cribs.
And the queues for Record Store Day always start a good 20 hours before it opens for the big day…
6. Kingbee Records – Chorlton
A proper throwback of a shop‘r LesChorlton’s Kingbee Records (Credit: X/Facebook)
Once again, while many of you living outside the city centre might often complain ‘there aren’t enough record shops near me’, those of you living in Chorlton will know that isn’t a problem you have to worry about.
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You don’t need to hop on a tram into town or wander your way down some miscellaneous backstreet to spot the sunny yellow frontage of Kingbee Records, a place that has been a staple in Chorlton for as long as most of us can remember and owned the entire time by Les Hare.
The shop buys and sells all styles of music, with a stock that changes daily.
Charmingly, their website bio says (and strap in for this):
“You can’t move in here on Saturday afternoon for errant dads who’ve been sent out for a loaf and taken a musical detour, indie hipsters discovering krautrock and discovering the 80s on 50p sevens, serious spending collectors eyeing the big pieces on the walls, disco mums with prams in the 12′ racks, reggae obsessives sifting the boxes for super heavyweight ska, still sharp in their 50s chaps in good shoes, evaluating the latest northern stock, Big shot US house DJs in town for the night and doubling up on obscure electro on sale at a snip, king bee WAGs huffing and puffing at the door while their loved ones spend half of next months mortgage on a pile of Cds that remind them of pramless teenage freedom, old fellers in the jazz racks lost in a world of trios, blue note and bossa, Beatle nuts buying different issues of records they already own, mods and sods, pop gods and odd bods – people who know that music is the only real magic in life.”
Kingsbee Records, in their own words
Say no more.
7. Eastern Bloc – NQ (sensing a theme here?)
Eastern Bloc isn’t just about food and bevs, it’s about records too (Credit: The Manc Eats)
Anyone who’s spent time soaking in the sun on Eastern Bloc‘s benches in NQ come spring and summertime will know that it’s one of the pure joys in life, however, it surprised us to learn how many people still don’t realise it’s much more than that. Upstairs, you’ll find (for our money) one of the best record shops anywhere in Greater Manchester.
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Starting out as a record store back in 1985, ‘E Bloc’ soon became a cultural institution and music mecca in the Manchester music scene, helping launch bands such as the Inspiral Carpets and hosting many an in-store signing for the likes of The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays.
It’s also responsible for breaking plenty of the new dance music back in the day, being one of the only shops in the UK to import dance music from around the globe and with one of the owners even going on to become part of Manc electronic legends, 808 State.
Countless names have come through here to get their hands on the latest vinyl promos down the years, and it remains a cutting-edge corner of the electronic scene, especially to this day.
They don’t always take part in RSD, but it doesn’t mean it still isn’t a place to waste an afternoon looking through their catalogue and sinking a couple of pints.
8. Clampdown Records – Piccadilly
We’d well and truly label this an old-fashioned record shopping experience (Credit: Facebook)
Clampdown Records is another city centre sweet spot located on Paton Street at the back end of Piccadilly.
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Not be confused with the record-pressing company, the honest little independent record store has the charm of somehow always feeling quiet but cosy – well, except for when it comes to that one Saturday in April, obviously.
It started out life as a mail-order service only before posting up in the Corn Exchange in 1990. Sadly, following the IRA bombings six years later, they lost most of their stock and had to start again from scratch.
Nevertheless, cut to more than 30 years later, and they’ve been open every day since, stocking some of the best rock, punk, indie, funk, soul and jazz records, both old and new.
Better still, it’s also one of the best places to exchange music, with healthy trade-in prices as owner Neil Clarke is always looking to add big collections to his catalogue.
9. Vinyl Resting Place – Afflecks
An Afflecks institution (Credit: Facebook)
And then, of course, we have Vinyl Resting Place: arguably the greatest name for a shop we’ve ever come across anywhere in 0161.
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Located on the third floor of the ever-enchanting Afflecks Palace, the record store is taped in the Hacienda black and yellow with a sign and might be on the busiest shops in Afflecks on any given day — and that’s saying something.
Run by fellow enthusiast Alistair Hall, who makes sure the soundtrack to this site is also on point, Vinyl Resting Place is, without a doubt, one of the best places to buy and sell records in Manchester. It really is as simple as that.
From our experience, he’s also a very hands-on owner and is always happy to help you sift through as many records as he can stomach in the search for a winner, stocking a wide variety of stuff beyond his go-to classic rock staples.
10. FOPP – Central
FOPP on Brown Street — silly name we know, but a good shop nonetheless (Credit: FOPP)
Now, you might be forgiven for mistaking FOPP for a HMV — after all, they are owned by the same people — however, this place is much more and after being rescued by the music and entertainment store chain a few years back, they’ve downsized and have done better than just steady the ship.
With just six locations across the UK at present (Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Nottingham, Cambridge and Manchester), this quirky music shop sells everything from vinyls to games and DVDs, books, random merch and more.
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Tucked away on Brown Street just across the way from the Arndale, FOPP is like HMV with an added feel of Forbidden Planet and still has plenty of traffic through its doors each and every day.
It’s also been the site of some really big signings in recent years, such as the Pixies, Declan McKenna, Idles and countless others. It’ll be packed for Record Store Day, so make sure to get there early.
11. Empire Exchange – Piccadilly
Last but not least, we have Empire Exchange, which as they famously note is much more than a record store and is always a joy to wander around.
If you’ve never come down from the station and towards Piccadilly Gardens without hearing the speakers blaring music out of the front door to passersby all day long, have you ever really been to Manchester?
Empire Exchange on Newton Street sells everything from vintage records and retro CDs to comics, memorabilia and all manner of other trinkets.
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Starting out from nothing more than a young stamp collector’s obsession, it spawned into two shops (the old one up on Shudehill) before downsizing to this one legendary location over 20 years ago.
It was opened by two mates, John Ireland and Ian Stott, and although Ian sadly passed away in 2021, John and his son Dave have been keeping their love of music and collecting things alive.
Now, if that doesn’t sum up how special places like record stores are, then I don’t know what does.
Last up on our list of a dozen brilliant shops selling vinyl and hidden gems from the Manc music scene is one of the newest on the record store circuit. It also happens to have one of the best names too.
Fittingly called Withy Groove in relation to the historic Stores over the road, this new addition to Shudehill is buried in a basement just next to Rambo’s Tattoos and really does feel like you’ve stumbled a well-kept secret. There are very few of those left these days.
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They’ve got a dedicated section for rarities and super valuable special editions too, and we spent a good long while flicking through it, believe us.
In fact, we were such big fans that we did a whole little feature on this new curiosity located just on the edge of NQ, so click HERE to find out more.
13. Rubber Ducky Records – Islington Marina
When you listen to a certain track sometimes you can feel like you’re ‘Walking On Sunshine’ or ‘Flying Without Wings’ – Well this shop doesn’t make you feel like you’re floating, you actually are.
Specialising in all things dance, trance, house and more, Rubber Ducky Records is just off the Northern Quarter, docking up in and around Islington Marina.
Shop owner Myles also loves to show off his collection by spinning his records during DJ sets up and down the country, including right here in Manchester.
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14. Vinyl Fetishes – Pollard Yard
Vinyl Fetishes – Pollard Yard’s LGBTQIA+ owned music shop with its many pop offerings.The selection at Vinyl Fetishes specialises in pop releases.
If you can’t get enough of pop music, this is the place to go (and you’ll also never want to leave).
Vinyl Fetishes is fairly new to the Manchester record shop scene, and it has definitely made a name for itself, stocking practically all variants of Parklife headliner Charli XCX’s monumental ‘Brat’ album after it hit our ears last summer.
One thing’s for sure: school is back in session, as you’re about to be educated on every single pop diva that has graced planet earth, from Whitney to Madonna, Mariah to Gaga, all the staples are covered.
Record shop owners Bobby and Angie, Off The Record at Bury Market.Racks upon racks of holy grail (vinyl), especially Elvis.
If you leave a record shop feeling ‘All Shook Up’ or you’re bank account screams “You’re the devil in disguise” after one too many purchases, then this record shop is ideal for you.
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Right in the heart of the much-loved Bury Market, you’ll find none other than Off The Record, the music shop with a ‘Burning Love’ for King of Rock ‘n’ roll, Elvis.
Fear not, though: it isn’t just the Graceland star who sits pretty on their shelves; music lovers can find everything from Metallica to some of the best deep cuts of reggae. This really is a shop for all.
Now, this is by no means an exhaustive list; we know full well that there are plenty more locations up there that many of you would consider among the best record shops in Greater Manchester — that’s what the comments section is for.
But that’s what the love of music is all about, right? Blindly trying to make your way through all of the incredible records and artists in the world, knowing full well it’s an impossible task and you’ll never listen to it all, as well as sharing it with your mates and getting them onto their new favourite band.
Record shops are one of the perfect places to do that and play your part in the eternal circle of a music lover’s life: never even scratching the surface of all the music out there but eagerly awaiting to play it to your friend, whilst watching their face light up as they discover a new obsession, and vice versa.
There’s a FREE jazz festival coming to Manchester this summer
Thomas Melia
Manchester is about to get blessed by the music gods this summer as our annual free jazz festival is making its way to the city centre very soon.
Whether it’s the rich and creamy vocals of Raye that feel like a warm embrace or the lively and energetic horns of Ezra Collective that get you on your feet instantly, jazz is beloved among us Brits.
Jazz aficionados and music lovers alike are welcome to rejoice in the resounding rhythms of this special genre for free as Manchester Jazz Festival returns for an equally special anniversary.
This iconic festival, commonly abbreviated to MJF, has been blasting out triumphant horns, piano riffs, vocal scats and more for a whopping 30 years, and they’re inviting everyone to party with them.
Manchester Jazz Festival is returning to the city centre this May.This year, Manchester Jazz Festival are celebrating their milestone 30th birthday.Credit: Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Manchester Jazz Festival is taking over First Street with tonnes of family friendly activities, food and drink vendors and, of course, lots of live music.
So much live music that they don’t just have one stage; in fact, this summertime festival will be spread across three different stages with a sweet selection of over 20 different bands too.
This year sees the event running across three dates next month, all aimed at featuring the very best homegrown contemporary jazz artists, with a showcase for rising stars on the final day.
We got to see the likes of Nubiyan Twist, adopted Manc favourites Conor & The GreensKeepers, Mercury Prize-nominated Corto Alto and tonnes more last time around.
The first batch of activities that will be taking place on 16 May include crafting with the geniuses from Plant, an ‘interactive Alice in Wonderland show’ and even a free yoga session.
Of course, there will be plenty more announcements and updates to follow, but this is already set to be a vibrant and exciting three-day party dedicated to keeping everything groovy.
In order to keep Manchester Jazz Festival ‘jazzin up your summer since ’96‘, they rely on donations to make the event accessible for all, support northern artists and keep running incredible creative projects.
That’s why, to celebrate this festival’s milestone birthday, a ‘£30 for 30’ campaign has been set up to raise money for the charity, which you can contribute to as you like.
Manchester Jazz Festival is returning for 2025 throughout First Street and further out into Manchester city centre from 16-18 May; best of all, as mentioned, the large majority of shows are completely free with no prior booking required.
However, if you’d like to keep attending events such as this, once again, you can pledge a donation to their ‘£30 for 30’ campaign, and it really does make a big difference.
You can check out the full lineup and events programme HERE.
MJF 2025 is set to be packed with all the usual groovy tunes and fun activities.Smiles all round, especially when you’re watching live entertainment at this impressive festival.Credit: Publicity Pictures (via Supplied)
Danny Jones -
10th April 2025 
