It would be safe to say that the North West of England has, and still is, a hotbed of innovation and talent when it comes to the world of music.
From leaders of the Britpop movement, Oasis, through to the band that laid down the foundations for pop bands in the future, The Beatles, there is plenty to celebrate when it comes to musical influences around the region - but we’ve only picked 25 to save you a few hours.
Be it spoken-word poets, teeny-bopper boy bands or the hedonistic Madchester music scene, here’s our picks of 25 acts from the North West region that helped define musical genres going forwards, based on cultural relevancy, influence and their everlasting appeal across future generations of musicians.
5. The Smith (Manchester)
The Smiths defined the sound of indie music in the '80s, blending jangly guitars with Morrissey's melancholic yet sharp lyrics. Their unique blend of introspective, often bittersweet poetry, paired with Johnny Marr’s iconic guitar work, shaped the British indie music landscape and has been a massive influence on subsequent bands, from Radiohead to The Strokes. | Getty Images
6. Bugzy Malone (Manchester)
One of the pioneers of grime in the North, Bugzy Malone helped propel the genre into the mainstream with his hard-hitting flow and insightful lyrics. A prominent figure in Manchester’s urban music scene, his success helped put Northern grime on the map, alongside collaborations with major UK artists. | Getty Images
7. Take That (Manchester)
As one of the UK’s biggest boy bands, Take That became a global phenomenon, blending pop melodies with heartfelt lyrics. Their success helped shape the '90s pop landscape, influencing future boy bands and pop acts with their stage presence and harmonies. | Getty Images
8. Lisa Stansfield (Rochdale)
With her soulful voice and massive hits like All Around The World, Lisa Stansfield was one of the UK’s biggest pop and R&B stars in the '80s and '90s. Her blend of pop, soul, and R&B made her one of the most influential voices in British music. | Getty Images