Rochdale’s rich musical history will take centre stage this March as the town hosts a special one-off live show celebrating the legacy of Cargo and Suite Sixteen studios, featuring guest appearances from members of Joy Division, New Order, The Chameleons and A Certain Ratio.
Taking place at Heywood Civic on Sat 14 Mar, the Rochdale Music Stories Album Launch Concert forms part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture and coincides with the release of a new limited-edition vinyl, on which fourteen local artists reimagine classic tracks produced at the legendary Kenion Street studios.
The event will be hosted by Clint Boon, with special guest appearances from Peter Hook, Vox and Martin Moscrop, who will reflect on the era and Rochdale’s role in shaping the Manchester sound.
Alongside the guest appearances, the night will showcase the artists on the album and their imaginative reworks, with live performances from K-Estate, Micah Stalgic, PoolEra, Medley, P*Starr, Blvckout, The Velvet Shadow, Leo HC and more, each presenting a contemporary take on material drawn from the town’s musical heritage.
Between 1977 and 2001, Cargo Studios and Suite Sixteen hosted recordings by artists including The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, OMD and Inspiral Carpets, helping to cement Rochdale’s reputation as a vital hub in Greater Manchester’s artistic landscape.
Tickets are on sale now, priced from £13.65. Book yours below.
Sat 14 Mar, Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
- Words:
- Wolf McFarlane
- Published on:
- Thu 19 Feb 2026
