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.
9. John Cooper Clarke (Salford)
As a spoken word artist and poet, John Cooper Clarke became a voice for the punk movement in the '70s and '80s. His sharp wit, observational poetry, and unique delivery have influenced generations of poets and musicians, cementing his place in the alternative cultural landscape. | Getty Images
10. Gerry & The Pacemakers (Liverpool)
One of the earliest Merseybeat bands, Gerry & The Pacemakers helped define the sound of Liverpool’s music scene in the early '60s. Their hit You’ll Never Walk Alone has since become an anthem for football fans worldwide, and their musical legacy continues to inspire pop and rock musicians today. | Getty Images
11. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (Wirral)
Pioneers of synth-pop, OMD's futuristic sound, blending synthesizers with catchy melodies, helped shape the electronic music landscape of the '80s. Their influence extended across genres, from pop to industrial, with hits like Enola Gay still resonating in modern electronic and indie pop. | Getty Images
12. The Chemical Brothers (Manchester)
The Chemical Brothers were at the forefront of the big beat movement in the '90s, blending rock, electronic music, and psychedelia into genre-defining tracks. Their innovative live shows, unique use of samples, and their ground-breaking albums like Exit Planet Dust and Dig Your Own Hole have made them one of the most influential acts in the history of electronic music. | Universal Images Group via Getty