A mainstay in Manchester's musical history, Band on the Wall started its life as a music venue in the late 1800s.
Originally built in 1803 as a pub called the George & Dragon, it is now a vital part of Manchester's broad musical landscape. The Band on the Wall name comes from the 1930s when landlord Ernie Tyson placed a stage high on the far wall of the pub where musicians performed.
Take a look at this
superb black and white photo of the revellers crowded into the dancehall; you can see the band situated behind them.
The George & Dragon was purchased by musician Steve Morris and his business partner Frank Cusick in 1975 with the idea of turning it into a Jazz club. The venue was renamed Band on the Wall after Johnny Roadhouse (well-known jazzer and music shop owner) insisted on the name, incorporating its colourful history.
The venue then hosted a diverse musical program, including jazz, rock, and experimental acts, distinct from the mainstream pop of the era, and provided a platform for emerging talent, ultimately becoming a hub for Manchester's alternative music scene
During the 1970s, Band On The Wall became notorious for the burgeoning punk scene, showcasing local bands like The Fall, Buzzcocks, and Joy Division to name but a few. This became one of the foundations of the emerging Manchester music scene.
Band On The Wall is also a charity that focuses on bringing in a wide range of musical talent, from all over the world.
Band on the Wall is a historic venue that has consistently adapted and evolved, remaining a vital part of Manchester's vibrant musical landscape.
BotW has its own archive such is its importance to the city, and is a much respected venue, not just in Manchester, but nationally too.
