Product Description
Includes free tour map. 'Morrissey's Manchester - the essential Smiths tour' is a guide book for fans of one of the greatest groups of the 1980s. This guide takes readers to the places Morrissey wrote about or which formed an influential part of the group's history, such as concert venues, meeting places and sites captured on film. Indeed a tour of Smiths and Morrissey related places, is also a tour of Mancunian history. The two literally go 'hand in glove', as you will discover whilst reading about Manchester's past and the life of the band. Has any other band been so inspired by their hometown as much as The Smiths? It's as if they could never have been formed anywhere else in the world. The decaying Manchester of the late 1970s and early 80s shaped the band which is why they provided the soundtrack to so many thousands of lives growing up not only in Manchester, but throughout the world. Since then of course Manchester has changed considerably, nonetheless the Smiths part in that revival is often overlooked. Manchester's part in the cultural revolution of the late 1980s proceeded The Smiths starring role in a city which has continued to produce world class music time after time. These tours allow dedicated fans to visit the sights and sounds that inspired Morrissey's writing - however they also offer the casual tourist a cheap day out at points of interest and history in the city. We hope to expand this series further over the coming months and hope you enjoy a taste of Manchester's musical heritage.
From the Publisher
It is expected that Morrissey's Manchester will be widely reviewed both locally, nationally and internationally.
From the Author
Welcome to Morrissey's Manchester, Your complete guide to ensuring that your visit to the home of ‘The Smiths' is a truly unforgettable experience.
Why have I produced this guide? The simple answer is that there is a need for a publication devoted exclusively to the places that influenced the life and lyrics of The Smiths and Morrissey.
Having said that, there are a few websites that contain a fair deal of information relating to the same subject, but in most cases they have been
produced by fans who openly admit to never having set foot in the city. Whilst not a crime the information contained is somewhat limited, lacks a local flavour and the accurate details required to get to and from each place of interest.
Fans of The Smiths and Morrissey are obsessive about every detail regarding their heroes. So whilst some local guide books briefly mention places of musical interest concerning Manchester music in general; devotees of Morrissey expect and demand more. If you are to pay only one visit to Manchester in your lifetime, then you will want to see it all and this guide offers just that.
Why have I produced this guide? The simple answer is that there is a need for a publication devoted exclusively to the places that influenced the life and lyrics of The Smiths and Morrissey.
Having said that, there are a few websites that contain a fair deal of information relating to the same subject, but in most cases they have been
produced by fans who openly admit to never having set foot in the city. Whilst not a crime the information contained is somewhat limited, lacks a local flavour and the accurate details required to get to and from each place of interest.
Fans of The Smiths and Morrissey are obsessive about every detail regarding their heroes. So whilst some local guide books briefly mention places of musical interest concerning Manchester music in general; devotees of Morrissey expect and demand more. If you are to pay only one visit to Manchester in your lifetime, then you will want to see it all and this guide offers just that.
From the Back Cover
Fans of The Smiths are obsessive about every detail regarding their heroes. So, whilst some local guide books briefly mention places of musical interest concerning Manchester music in general; devotees of Morrissey expect and demand more.
If you are to pay only one visit to Manchester in your lifetime, then you will want to see it all and this guide offers just that. Included - here are two comprehensive tours of the Manchester area. One which can be taken on foot in the city centre and the other stretching across the suburbs that affected the band's history.
There is plenty to see as you will soon discover. This guide relates to the places Morrissey wrote about or which formed an influential part of the group's history, such as concert venues, meeting places and sites captured on film. It does not list the schools or places of work that band members attended. A tour of Smiths and Morrissey related places, is also a tour of Mancunian history. The two literally go ‘hand in glove', as you will discover whilst reading about Manchester's past and the life of the band. Has any other band been so inspired by their hometown as much as The Smiths? It's as if they could never have been formed anywhere else in the world. Manchester shaped the band which is why the band provided the soundtrack to so many thousands of lives growing up not only in Manchester, but throughout the world..
If you are to pay only one visit to Manchester in your lifetime, then you will want to see it all and this guide offers just that. Included - here are two comprehensive tours of the Manchester area. One which can be taken on foot in the city centre and the other stretching across the suburbs that affected the band's history.
There is plenty to see as you will soon discover. This guide relates to the places Morrissey wrote about or which formed an influential part of the group's history, such as concert venues, meeting places and sites captured on film. It does not list the schools or places of work that band members attended. A tour of Smiths and Morrissey related places, is also a tour of Mancunian history. The two literally go ‘hand in glove', as you will discover whilst reading about Manchester's past and the life of the band. Has any other band been so inspired by their hometown as much as The Smiths? It's as if they could never have been formed anywhere else in the world. Manchester shaped the band which is why the band provided the soundtrack to so many thousands of lives growing up not only in Manchester, but throughout the world..
About the Author
Although this is Phill Gatenby's first book, he has been involved with writing for various publications since 1988. A staunch supporter of Manchester City FC, he became one of the main contributors for 'Blue Print'; a fanzine dedicated to the strain and the pain of supporting City. When Blue Print folded in 1992, he then produced his own fanzine entitled 'This Charming Fan', which ran for three years. Since then, he has contributed articles for several football books including 'Survival Of The Fattest' (Volumes 1 and 2 in 1995 & 96), and Maine Road Voices (2002). Away from football, Phill produced articles for the short lived independently produced Manchester 'What's On' guide magazine, 'Whatever' (1998), looking at local issues effecting local people and scrutinising council policy. He also has a short piece in The Smiths fans' book 'All Men Have Secrets' (1995). Aged 39, Phill counts himself extremely fortunate to have seen The Smiths in concert five times.
Excerpted from Morrissey's Manchester - the Essential Smiths Tour by Phill Gatenby. Copyright © 2002. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
The World's First Modern City
Manchester had quietly developed over the centuries, gradually becoming a wealthy - and therefore powerful - district. By the late 1700's, almost 75% of Britain's cotton industry was centred around Manchester and its surrounding districts. The reason being that good old Manchester weather - the rain!
The dampness, coupled with the soft Pennine hill waters, made ideal conditions in which to spin the cotton. Then, as transport improved, firstly the canals, followed by the railways, allowed for trade to
develop and expand further. As more and more mills were built, Manchester became known as 'Cottonopolis' producing textiles that travelled the globe. Soon everyone wanted to see Manchester's blueprint for success and many took the idea of an industrial city home with them and implemented similar models in towns and cities around the world.
The Peterloo Massacre.
This particular chapter in Manchester's story, is perhaps the most important of all. Hand in hand with the burgeoning industrial revolution came a growing need for workers rights and trade unionism. Manchester became known and feared in London for its radicalism and political leaders. Public meetings were regularly held, many turning into protests,
frequently leading to riots. Those convicted of rioting were hanged, as magistrates fought hard to maintain civil order.
Eventually the government banned all forms of public meetings in 1817. However, meetings still took place, one of which was formed on Sunday 16th August 1819 at St. Peter's Fields, Manchester. The
campaigners were seeking reforms in the law, and demanding 'more rights for man'. Thousands and thousands of men, women and children carrying banners and flags descended on Manchester from neighbouring towns. The sheer size of their numbers left local magistrates extremely worried.
At this time there was no police force in England so the magistrates called up the 15th Hussars alongside the local voluntary Manchester Yeomanry.
The magistrates ordered the arrest of the organisers and wanted the people dispersed before the speaking began and so The Yeomen made their way through the crowds and the arrests took place.
However on their return, the Yeomen panicked among the thronging crowds and began
indiscriminately lashing out with their swords and havoc ensued. The Hussars were sent in on horseback to disperse the public, which they did in ten minutes. When it was all over eleven people had died and another six hundred injured.
Outbreaks of violence took place later that evening and over the next few days in several
different districts, battles took place with the cavalry and attacks were carried out on businesses of the volunteer Yeomen. The tragic event was later given the name 'The Peterloo Massacre', as the 15th Hussars had, four years before, been in action at the Battle of Waterloo.
Manchester had quietly developed over the centuries, gradually becoming a wealthy - and therefore powerful - district. By the late 1700's, almost 75% of Britain's cotton industry was centred around Manchester and its surrounding districts. The reason being that good old Manchester weather - the rain!
The dampness, coupled with the soft Pennine hill waters, made ideal conditions in which to spin the cotton. Then, as transport improved, firstly the canals, followed by the railways, allowed for trade to
develop and expand further. As more and more mills were built, Manchester became known as 'Cottonopolis' producing textiles that travelled the globe. Soon everyone wanted to see Manchester's blueprint for success and many took the idea of an industrial city home with them and implemented similar models in towns and cities around the world.
The Peterloo Massacre.
This particular chapter in Manchester's story, is perhaps the most important of all. Hand in hand with the burgeoning industrial revolution came a growing need for workers rights and trade unionism. Manchester became known and feared in London for its radicalism and political leaders. Public meetings were regularly held, many turning into protests,
frequently leading to riots. Those convicted of rioting were hanged, as magistrates fought hard to maintain civil order.
Eventually the government banned all forms of public meetings in 1817. However, meetings still took place, one of which was formed on Sunday 16th August 1819 at St. Peter's Fields, Manchester. The
campaigners were seeking reforms in the law, and demanding 'more rights for man'. Thousands and thousands of men, women and children carrying banners and flags descended on Manchester from neighbouring towns. The sheer size of their numbers left local magistrates extremely worried.
At this time there was no police force in England so the magistrates called up the 15th Hussars alongside the local voluntary Manchester Yeomanry.
The magistrates ordered the arrest of the organisers and wanted the people dispersed before the speaking began and so The Yeomen made their way through the crowds and the arrests took place.
However on their return, the Yeomen panicked among the thronging crowds and began
indiscriminately lashing out with their swords and havoc ensued. The Hussars were sent in on horseback to disperse the public, which they did in ten minutes. When it was all over eleven people had died and another six hundred injured.
Outbreaks of violence took place later that evening and over the next few days in several
different districts, battles took place with the cavalry and attacks were carried out on businesses of the volunteer Yeomen. The tragic event was later given the name 'The Peterloo Massacre', as the 15th Hussars had, four years before, been in action at the Battle of Waterloo.
