Manchester university makes archive of music memorabilia

Britpop bands Blur and Oasis are among the bands who have played at the university

Gigs by some of the best musicians of the last 50 years at Manchester University are being celebrated in an online archive.

The Manchester Academy Memories project has over 400 images, relating to live music from 1963 to the present day.

It marks the end of a year-long celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of the Manchester Academy.

Curator Abigail Ward said it was a "fascinating glimpse into student life across the decades".

This snap of the then Pulp lead singer Jarvis Cocker features in the online archive

The project has more than 400 images relating to live music at the university

"Gigs at the University of Manchester Students' Union were one of the reason I moved to Manchester," she said.

"During the 90s, I saw some unforgettable performers and saved all of my tickets, many of which feature in this digital exhibition which has been an absolute joy to curate."

David Bowie appeared at the Academy during his Earthling tour in 1997

Images of newspaper clippings include an interview with Jimi Hendrix for a student newspaper in 1967 and a rather unfavourable review in the Mancunion newspaper of the "posing Pretenders" from 1980.

The first gig at the Academy was by Manchester punk icons The Buzzcocks in 1990.

Ms Ward said the project was not just about the big names the university has attracted such as Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Oasis, Prince, Amy Winehouse, Blur, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.

She said it was also about the "social and political histories inextricably entwined with the music... particularly evident in the [press] cuttings.

"They provide a fascinating glimpses into student life across the decades."

The press cuttings provide "fascinating glimpses into student life across the decades" said Ms Ward

Many of the images have been uploaded by members of the public and anyone who would like to contribute is asked to contact the Manchester District Music Archive.

Manchester has enjoyed a thriving rock and pop music scene since the 1960s.

The city led the way in dance music in the late 1980s and early 90s and was home to the fiercely independent record label, Factory, which owner the famous Hacienda nightclub.

Ian Brown brought his solo show to the venue in June 2005

Famous Manchester bands that played the venue

1960s: Herman's Hermits, The Hollies

1970s: The Buzzcocks, The Fall, Joy Division

1980s: New Order, The Smiths, Simply Red, Stone Roses, Happy Mondays

1990s: Oasis, The Charlatans, Take That, The Verve

Ms Ward dedicated the project to "all the fans" as well as her father "who took me to the Academy in the first place all those years ago"