A new documentary film about cult busking band The Piccadilly Rats is to premiere in Manchester next month.
The Piccadilly Rats: Live in Moderation is directed by filmmaker Nathan Cunningham, and produced by Greg Bass, alongside band members Gaz Stanley and Tommy Piggott, and it follows the gaggle of old buskers as they take their band from the cold and rainy streets of Manchester, right to the big stage – with some “hilarious and heartbreaking consequences” along the way.
The beloved band, made up of homeless musician Buddy Awful, old Tommy ‘Trouble’ Piggot, drummer Martin Busterabcat, and “street dancer” the late Ray Boddington, were known for bringing joy to the people of our city with their unique and scratchy rock’n’roll street performances.
But they always dreamed of more than singing and dancing in the rain.
The new 87-minute documentary will take viewers along with the band on their ambitious journey to the top, which is admittedly met with “nothing but a procession of epic failures”, before they eventually get an offer to perform at a big festival on the same bill as one of their music idols, Noel Gallagher.
It's been nowt but blood, sweat and tears! But as promised, The Piccadilly Rats LIVE in moderation debuts at @HOME_mcr on July 9th at 6pm followed by Q&A. Follow the link and get your tickets while you still can. Up the Rats!! 🐀 https://t.co/vrLmy9Cmk8
By proving that even a bunch of old-timers can have their moment in the limelight, The Piccadilly Rats: Live in Moderation has already been described as “hilarious and heartbreaking”.
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It ultimately aims to tell the story of “the last of a dying breed of Mancunians”.
“I chose to make this film because I saw the importance of its social documentation,” explained director Nathan Cunningham ahead of next month’s premier.
He continued: “This documentary is a wonderful story of love, friendship, loyalty and of course, rock n roll. The film is beautifully shot but keeps its rawness throughout. It was very important for me to show beauty within the raw.
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“The characters are at their best in these true and honest moments”.
The Piccadilly Rats: Live in Moderation is to premier at HOME Manchester on Saturday 9 July / Credit: The Piccadilly Rats
The Piccadilly Rats: Live in Moderation is to premiere at HOME Manchester on Saturday 9 July at 6pm, before it’s taken out on the film festival circuit.
The premier will also be followed with a Q&A by Nathan Cunningham, Greg Bass, and band members Gaz and Tommy.
You can find out more and grab tickets to the screening here.
Featured Image – HOME MCR
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Fontaines D.C. announce massive gig at Manchester’s Aviva Studios as part of UK tour
Danny Jones
Irish post-punk pioneers Fontaines D.C. have just announced a brand new UK and Ireland tour ahead of their new album later this year and leading new arts and live entertainment venue, Aviva Studios, has been selected for their massive Manchester date.
The Dublin powerhouses have emerged as one of the most exciting acts on the planet for our money, combining everything from new wave, alternative and often grungey guitars, to more classic rock and even indie sounds, making them one of the most instantly recognisable sounds on the modern scene.
With all that being said, we cannot wait for their return to Manchester and what will no doubt be one of the biggest and best gigs Aviva Studios has seen yet.
Fontaines D.C. roll up to 0161 in Fall 2024 and they’ll have a brand new album under their belt to boot.
Become a Factory International Members to gain early access tickets on Wednesday 24 April, 10am.
Fontaines D.C. return to Manchester for the first time since 2022.
Home to Factory International, which kicked off an incredible debut calendar of cultural events last year, Aviva Studios is already proving to be an impressive addition to the Manc skyline, especially now it’s coaxing names like Fontaines D.C. to come and perform there over other gig spaces.
As for the band themselves, they dropped the lead single entitled ‘Starburster’ this week and it proved to be quite the sea change for often fast, frantic and no-nonsense five-piece. If you haven’t heard it yet, strap in and get ready to be over-exhaling out loud non-stop for the next hour – you’ll see what we mean.
With their fourth record Romance set to release on 23 August, we think it’s fair to say this new record – the first with new producer James Ford (Blur, Arctic Monkeys) – is off to a much more experimental start than their heavily acclaimed 2019 debut, Dogrel.
Set to take the stage in Aviva Studios’ Warehouse space on Friday, 29 November, Fontaines’ Manchester date is part of a new run of shows announced as part of their full European which kicks off in June.
Heading back from the continent in August and starting off the UK leg in Wolverhampton on 20 November, it’ll be a fast and furious nine-show run culminating with a homecoming concert in Dublin.
Tickets for all headline dates go on general sale at 10am next Friday, 26 April and for first access to presale, fans can pre-order the album by 3pm on 23 April.
Masked Manchester rapper Meekz bursts back with surprise gig in Piccadilly Gardens with JD
Charlie Watkinson
Local rap sensation Meekz is back, if you hadn’t noticed – he burst back onto the scene last week with a surprise gig with JD in Piccadilly Gardens.
The masked Manchester rapper is celebrating the release of his latest single Mini Me’s – and a handful of Mini Meekz posters appeared around town, pasted there by artist collective Pattern Up (then swiftly removed) last week.
Meekz continues to impress with his latest release, a track that’s quickly gaining popularity.
True to form, Meekz delivers not only sonically but visually, teaming up once again with KC Locke to create a stunning music video.
Their collaboration underscores the significance of music videos, reaffirming their lasting impact in the industry.
The video pays homage to their previous work, particularly ‘Like Me’, while also pushing boundaries with a post-apocalyptic CGI rendition of Manchester, reminiscent of scenes from GTA and Marvel movies.
This innovative approach demonstrates the remarkable synergy between Meekz and KC Locke, marking a new pinnacle in their collaborative efforts.
Following the premiere, Meekz treated fans to a memorable performance in Piccadilly Gardens, organised with JD, where he made a grand entrance by gifting miniature Air Max 95’s to his fans before taking the stage atop a large storage container.
Mini Meekz posters briefly popped up around Manchester last week. Credit: Supplied, patternup.pu
I had the opportunity to speak with Meekz after the premiere, where he shared insights into his upcoming tape, ‘Tru’, slated for release on 24 May.
Additionally, he hinted at exclusive news related to GTA/GTA 6, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his future endeavours.
It’s clear that Meekz continues to innovate and redefine the game with each new project, and we’re excited to see what he has in store next.
KC Locke said: “In the time that the mainstream media is writing articles about the decline of the music video industry, swords and eagles are here to make a stand and show not only are music videos here to stay but they are more important than ever.
“This is a testament to community, bound by a shared vision, we rise and rise again, together, for the culture.”
Emily Sergeant -
20th June 2022 
