Noel Gallagher, one of the city’s favourite sons, has officially joined the esteemed list of ‘Greater Mancunians’, a pioneering student-led photography project created by The Manchester College in partnership with Manchester City Council.
Ahead of his monumental gig at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Thu 21 Dec, Noel made a customary stop-off in town and had his picture taken outside India House, where he wrote all the songs for Definitely Maybe and What’s the Story, Morning Glory.
“India House is literally ground zero in the story of my musical life! I moved into a flat there with my then girlfriend in 1989, broke and bored. By the time I left in 1993 I’d joined my little brother’s band and had written Live Forever and Rock ‘n’ Roll Star!”
The landmark picture was captured by Katie O’Neill, one of the photographers for Greater Mancunians, as part of an eventual collection featuring a decorated array of musicians, sports figures, entertainers, entrepreneurs, politicians, actors, comedians, artists, poets, academics and community champions. The project seeks to embody the essence of those born, bred or contributing substantially to the region, celebrating the diverse yet profound impact left on the city and its boroughs by a selection of illustrious figures. Seven years in the making, the project has enlisted over 150 young visual artists and 120 Greater Mancunian contributors, from celebrities to everyday heroes, in celebration of the unique Mancunian spirit.
Greater Mancunians will culminate in a major exhibition from Fri 19 Apr – Sun 30 Jun at Manchester Central Library, with an accompanying book to go on sale in the coming months.
For more information, check out the Greater Mancunians website.
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Wed 20 Dec 2023
