North West

Once upon a time Manchester and Liverpool stole all the headlines when it came to the popular music scene in the North West.

For a long time Salford remained in the shadows of these two North West musical giants.

Now the city is staking a claim to its role in music history.

Musical mystery tour

The music map of Salford has been commissioned by the city council to help music fans find their way around the many sites of historical interest.

Salford's Happy Monday Paul Ryder.

The Salford Music Map has been created and curated by author and TV producer David Nolan.

He is known for finding out the truth behind some of rock music's most enduring myths.

David Nolan explains why he felt it was time Salford was given back its rightful place in musical history.

"When Tony Wilson passed away just over a year ago, the headlines read "Death of Mr Manchester", says David.

"It's a separate city. It just happens to be geographically challenged in the sense that it sits next to Manchester.

"In the mid-90s a music map of Manchester was produced - yes, I pinched the idea.

"Guess who was on it? Tony Wilson, Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays... all Salford.

"Even the famed Sex Pistols' gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in 1976 was organised from a flat on Lower Broughton Road, Salford.

"Manchester is just a convenient branding device.

"It's a bit like when you go on holiday and someone asks you where you're from.

"It's often easier to say Manchester rather than Salford or Stockport. Saves time.

"But it would be nice if the facts were put straight.

Salford's cheerleader - Tony Wilson.

"As a city, Manchester has had a very good run, so just for once, it's reasonable for Salford to get its due credit.

"As Tony Wilson said when he introduced Joy Division to television viewers for the first time in 1978:

"They're a Manchester band apart from the guitarist who's from Salford. Very important distinction that."

Taking the tour

Inside Out sent Nigel Pivaro on the trail of Salford's musical past.

Nigel believes that Manchester has been claiming credit for Salford music for too long and it’s about time the balance was redressed.

Sound of the city - Tim Burgess.

His journey starts at the site of the former home of Ewan Maccoll, a protest singer and political activist who found himself under the surveillance of MI5 during the Second World War.

Ewan is the father of the late Kirsty Maccoll – herself a successful singer songwriter - and wrote more than 300 songs, amongst them Salford’s unofficial anthem "Dirty Old Town".

Nigel also visits the childhood home of his former schoolmates Paul and Shaun Ryder, who went on to form Happy Mondays.

And he discovers that rather than being from Northwich, as is often perceived, The Charlatans' Tim Burgess is a fellow Salfordian too.

Long live Salford

No musical trip around the city would be complete without a stop off at the Salford Lads' Club.

It was made famous by The Smiths who posed for a photograph outside the building which was then used in their Queen is Dead album.

Salford star - Peter Hook of New Order.

After having his picture taken outside, Nigel toured the special "Smiths" room which boasts photographs and memories of fans who have come from all over the world to pay homage to their favourite band.

The map accompanies an exhibition at Salford Art Gallery, where Nigel met up with former Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook who as a Salfordian is wholeheartedly supporting the project.

"We get a bit overlooked which is obviously something I get very annoyed about," says Hook.

"A lot of people in Salford were very important in starting my musical career so I'm very happy to be involved."

It is hoped that the music tour will go some way to putting Salford on the international music map.

Salford's best known musical legend, Tony Wilson, would have been proud...

Get your music map...

Music fans can sign up to receive their free copy by emailing info@visitsalford.info - provide your name and address and where you heard about the map, stating 'Salford Music Map request' in the subject line.

Photos are copyright and courtesy of Katherine MacFarlane.