1) The infamous Sex Pistols show at the Free Trade Hall was notoriously only seen by a handful of people but amongst them were the future members of Joy Division, Mick Hucknell from Simply Red, as well as Tony Wilson, the infamous founder of Factory Records and the Hacienda -  and subject of the recent film 24 Hour Party People.

2) The Smiths cover photo for the back of the classic The Queen is Dead album was taken outside the front of Salford Lad’s Club on Coronation Street, though no relation to the popular TV soap.

3) Justin Timberlake caused shopping chaos last year in Manchester’s city centre when the pop star  decided he wanted to buy some cool new trainers.

4) The Chemical Brothers formed at Manchester University in 1988 and here they developed their world famous DJing styles.
 
5) Ian Brown of local legends the Stone Roses and a proud Mancunian, famously said 'Manchester's got everything except a beach...'

Best places to see big bands

Carling Apollo
This venue has seen countless bands and comedians through its doors over the years, including greats like The Beatles, Queen, Prince, as well as popular comedians like Billy Connolly and local legend Peter Kay. Stockport Road, Ardwick Green. >> Carling Apollo

Manchester Evening News Arena 
A huge state-of-the-art venue used for sporting events, and hosting a versatile range of world-famous sounds from Eminem to Pavarotti to Robbie Williams, and the stage for Morrissey’s recent homecoming concert. Victoria Station.