Rochdale Music Stories Album Launch: Kenion Street Tribute Show Announced
As part of Rochdale's 2026 Greater Manchester Town of Culture celebrations, music enthusiasts are invited to a unique one-off concert this spring. The event celebrates the borough's rich musical legacy, from Gracie Fields to The Courteeners, Lisa Stansfield to Autechre, with special guest appearances from members of New Order, The Chameleons, and A Certain Ratio.
Historic Studios: Cargo and Suite Sixteen
Between 1977 and 2001, Rochdale was home to two legendary recording studios on Kenion Street: Suite Sixteen and Cargo Studios. These facilities hosted groundbreaking artists including OMD, Inspiral Carpets, A Certain Ratio, The Fall, Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and Joy Division, who recorded some of their most iconic work there.
The Rochdale Development Agency has launched 'Rochdale Music Stories' in collaboration with The Stockport Music Story and Voltalab Sound Studios. Funded by Arts Council England, this innovative project has invited 14 local artists to reinterpret classic tracks originally recorded at both Cargo and Suite Sixteen studios.
Limited Edition Vinyl Release
The resulting compilation album, 'Rochdale Music Stories presents: Kenion Street,' will be released on limited-edition high-quality vinyl on March 14, 2026. Recorded at Voltalab Studios, the album features contemporary interpretations of classic tracks by Manchester music legends.
Special One-Off Live Performance
In conjunction with the album release, all participating artists will perform their renditions at a special live show at Heywood Civic on March 14, 2026. The venue has recently undergone a multi-million pound transformation, making it an ideal setting for this musical celebration.
The event will be hosted by Inspiral Carpets legend Clint Boon, who will interview special guests from the Manchester music scene, including Peter Hook (Joy Division, New Order), Vox (The Chameleons), and Martin Moscrop (A Certain Ratio).
Featured Local Artists
Audiences can expect performances from an array of local talent including:
- K-Estate
- Micah Stalgic
- Desyfer and Emma Konnanov
- From The Ground Up
- PoolEra
- Medley
- P*Starr
- Blvckout
- The Velvet Shadow
- Leo HC
Album Track Listing
The limited-edition vinyl features 11 tracks that pay homage to Manchester's musical heritage:
- Micah Stalgic ft. Local Vocals - "Atmosphere" (Joy Division)
- K-Estate - "Damaged Goods" (Gang of Four)
- Desyfer and Emma Konnanov - "Twenty Four Hour Party People" (Happy Mondays)
- P*STARR - "Keep The Circle Around" (Inspiral Carpets)
- Leo HC - "Up The Down Escalator" (The Chameleons)
- PoolEra - "Electricity" (OMD)
- Medley - "Dreams Never End" (New Order)
- Blvckout - "All Night Party" (A Certain Ratio)
- The Velvet Shadow ft. Maisie Thompson - "All Tomorrow's Parties" (Nico)
- Jennifer Reid - "Totally Wired" (The Fall)
- From The Ground Up ft. Bloom Music Community - "Elephant Stone" (The Stone Roses)
Event Details and Ticket Information
The Rochdale Music Stories album launch concert takes place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW. Tickets are now available starting from just £13.65. This special event promises to be a memorable celebration of Rochdale's musical heritage and contemporary talent.
The project represents a significant cultural initiative for Rochdale during its tenure as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, highlighting both the borough's historic contributions to music and its vibrant contemporary arts scene.
