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.
17. Four Tet (Raised in Cheshire)
Four Tet, known for his experimental blend of electronic music, has helped shape genres ranging from ambient to electronica, dubstep, and beyond. His ability to fuse organic sounds with electronic textures has influenced countless artists, redefining the possibilities within the genre. | Getty Images
18. Simply Red (Manchester)
Simply Red helped define blue-eyed soul in the ‘80s and ‘90s, with frontman Mick Hucknall’s distinctive voice and emotional lyrics. Their success across multiple genres, from pop to soul to jazz, has made them one of the UK’s most enduring acts. | Getty Images
19. The Stone Roses (Manchester)
The Stone Roses were integral to the Madchester scene, blending indie rock with acid house and dance music. Their self-titled album became a blueprint for the British rock sound in the late '80s and early '90s. Their fusion of psychedelic rock with dance beats paved the way for Britpop and remains one of the most influential albums in British music history. | Getty Images
20. Magazine (Manchester)
Formed in 1977, Magazine was led by Howard Devoto, who had previously been the frontman of Buzzcocks. The band's sound was a unique blend of punk aggression, art rock complexity, and experimentalism, which set them apart from the mainstream punk movement. Magazine's music was characterized by complex arrangements, angular guitar riffs, and Devoto’s distinctive, often cryptic lyrical delivery. | Getty Images