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.
13. Aitch (Manchester)
Aitch has risen to fame as one of the leading voices in UK hip-hop, with his distinct flow and witty lyrics. His rapid rise is emblematic of Manchester's emergence as a hotspot for British rap. His success has opened doors for more Northern talent to thrive in a genre traditionally dominated by London, putting the city's rap scene on the map. | Getty Images for Bauer Media
14. Echo & The Bunnymen (Liverpool)
Echo & The Bunnymen’s contribution to post-punk and neo-psychedelia is monumental. With their atmospheric, melancholy sound, they crafted iconic tracks like The Killing Moon that blurred the lines between rock, psychedelia, and gothic music. Their use of layered soundscapes and evocative lyrics has made them a touchstone for subsequent alternative rock bands. | Getty Images
15. Buzzcocks (Bolton/Manchester)
One of the first punk bands to move into pop territory, Buzzcocks are considered one of the defining acts of the UK’s late '70s punk scene. Their fast, melodic songs, combined with their ability to write anthemic tracks that also explored themes of love, angst, and youthful rebellion, helped lay the groundwork for pop-punk. | Getty Images
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16. Oasis (Manchester)
Oasis became the face of Britpop in the '90s, with their anthems of working-class rebellion and their iconic swagger. Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher brought forward a new wave of rock that channelled the raw energy of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, propelling them to massive global success. Their songs, including Wonderwall and Don't Look Back in Anger, became anthems for an entire generation and continue to shape rock music today. | Getty Images