Mcrscenestories

20/06/2026

A bit of good news today.

I popped into Piccadilly Records and was delighted to discover that they had sold out of the copies of my Manchester Scene Stories books that I’d left with them.

They’ve now taken stock of my latest book, Manchester Scene Stories: Soul to Jungle, which means Piccadilly Records now stocks all three books in the Manchester Scene Stories series.

Soul to Jungle explores the hidden roots, forgotten clubs and untold stories that helped shape Manchester’s underground music culture, featuring voices from the worlds of reggae, jazz, hip hop, acid jazz, jungle and drum & bass.

As someone who has spent years interviewing people and documenting Manchester’s music and club culture, it’s a real pleasure to see the books sitting in one of the city’s most respected record shops.

A huge thank you to everyone who has bought, read and supported the books so far. It really does mean a lot.

📚 Manchester Scene Stories: The Dance Years
📚 Manchester Scene Stories: The Indie Years
📚 Manchester Scene Stories: Soul to Jungle

All now available at Piccadilly Records.

20/06/2026

— Hit & Run and the Human Side of Rave Culture

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about writing my books is discovering the personal stories behind the music.

Rich Reason moved to Manchester in 2004 thinking he’d stay for a year or two. Twenty years later, he’s still here and has become part of the city’s club culture story.

This chapter from Manchester Scene Stories: Soul to Jungle explores Rich’s journey through music, rave culture and the people who helped shape it.

It’s easy to focus on the records, clubs and DJs, but for me the most interesting part has always been the people behind the stories.

📖 Manchester Scene Stories: Soul to Jungle is available now through my website and Amazon.

🌐 www.manchesterscenestories.co.uk

musichistory

19/06/2026

Before becoming one of the defining voices of house music, Kym Sims was recording jingles in Chicago.

In this clip, Kym explains how a chance invitation to a party led to a conversation with legendary producer Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley and eventually to the recording of Too Blind To See It.

It’s a fascinating story of how one opportunity can change everything.

🎥 Full interview with Kym Sims premieres next Wednesday on Manchester Scene Stories.

19/06/2026

Before became one of the most influential DJs in Haçienda history, he was a young Bowie fan whose life changed after seeing Starman on Top of the Pops.

This is a page from Manchester Scene Stories: Soul to Jungle.

Jon’s full story covers his early musical influences, Hot, the rise of house music and the energy that transformed the Haçienda.

📚 Books available on Amazon

🌐 www.manchesterscenestories.co.uk

19/06/2026

This is my next free event at Piccadilly Central in Manchester next Wednesday.

My friend Steve Redshaw will be interviewing me about my journey creating Manchester Scene Stories, the people I’ve met, the books I’ve written and some of the stories behind them.

There will also be a Q&A where you can ask me anything about Manchester music, club culture, interviewing and writing books.

I’ll have signed copies of my books available on the night.

You can scan the QR code or click the link in the comments to reserve a free ticket.

18/06/2026

Top evening then doing a live interview with and Alan Hempsall in Gullivers.
I love doing the free events, I will announce the next one in next couple of days 😀

18/06/2026

Denise wasn’t just talking about the punk scene in my latest interview – she was there. This is her original membership card for The Electric Circus, Manchester’s legendary punk venue in Collyhurst.

The Electric Circus became the heart of Manchester punk in 1976 and 1977, hosting bands including the S*x Pistols, Buzzcocks, The Clash, The Damned, The Jam, Slaughter & The Dogs and The Ramones. It was also the venue where Warsaw played one of their first gigs before becoming Joy Division.

Denise was one of the young punks travelling from Rochdale to experience a scene that would help change British music forever. Looking at this membership card, it’s incredible to think of the history she witnessed first-hand.

Her full interview is now live on Manchester Scene Stories and has already passed 1,800 views in less than 24 hours. Thanks to everyone who has watched, liked, commented and shared it.

18/06/2026

I ended Manchester Scene Stories: Soul to Jungle with a chapter featuring .dnb and her thoughts on Manchester today.

When I was writing the book, I asked to recommend a young up-and-coming Jungle DJ. He suggested Rubez, and I wanted the perspective of someone starting out in Manchester right now.

She was brilliant.

Some of the chapters in my books include playlists, and this is the one Rubez sent me to close the book.

📚 All three Manchester Scene Stories books are available on Amazon.

🌐 More information at ManchesterSceneStories.co.uk

17/06/2026

Manchester punk wasn’t just something Denise Shaw watched unfold — she was there from the very beginning.

From the Ranch and Pips to the Electric Circus, Denise witnessed the arrival of bands including the Buzzcocks, S*x Pistols, The Clash, Slaughter and the Dogs and many more.

She shares memories of being part of Manchester’s first punk generation, appearing in iconic photographs, travelling to London’s Roxy Club and experiencing one of the most important cultural movements in British music history as it happened.

The full interview is now available on my YouTube channel.

🎥 Link in bio

🌐 www.manchesterscenestories.co.uk

I will put link in first comment as well.

*xPistols

17/06/2026

There are still a few spaces left for my free event at Piccadilly Central next Wednesday if anyone fancies coming along.

I’ll be chatting with my friend Steve, who’ll be interviewing me about Manchester Scene Stories, the books, the YouTube channel and some of the amazing people I’ve met along the way.

There’ll also be a chance to ask your own questions during the Q&A, and I’ll be bringing signed copies of the books too.

Free tickets:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1991184128329?aff=oddtdtcreator

Hope to see a few familiar faces there 😊

Paul Banks interviewed by Stephen Redshaw. Manchester music stories, audience Q&A and signed books.