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.
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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Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Emily Sergeant -
20th June 2022 
