This was an evening that worked on various levels, all which were closely intertwined. First and foremost, this was a celebration of an important part of Rochdale history; Cargo Studios where many bands from the late seventies onwards got an initial chance to record their music, prior to going on to achieve international success. Secondly, it was a celebration of the music created primarily by bands from Manchester and Liverpool in the post-punk era when several new styles of music were emerging. By no means least, there was also a platform given to several emerging artists from the Rochdale area who continue to record in the same rooms on Rochdale’s Kenion Street, now re-branded as Voltalab Studios.
The evening had been a long time in the planning, serving as a launch event for a limited-edition LP featuring each of the bands; artists who appeared on stage but what made this rather special was that each track featured on the album was actually a cover of a song from the back catalogue of one of the original bands who recorded at Cargo Studios (or its later incarnation as Suited Sixteen). The repertoire included such now famous names as Joy Division, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and the Chameleons. Each artist did a cover of a famous song by a group or singer from the Cargo/Suite Sixteen Studios era and an original track of their own, giving an excellent blend of past and present.
There was a lot more to the evening that just a selection of performances by current artists. Clint Boon of The Inspiral Carpets (who also started out at Cargo Studios) hosted the event, interspersing introductions with recollections of working at Cargo Studios in the 80’s. Special guests Peter Hook of New Order, Vox of the Chameleons and Martin Moscrop of A Certain Ratio each provided numerous other anecdotes of Cargo Studios, often with fond memories of the recording staff and most notably legendary Manchester record producer Tony Wilson. There was a strong sense of comradery amongst these artists who had all emerged in the later 70’s and 80’s (Peter Hook even being a godfather to Clint Boon’s son). They all continue to perform their own work but it was evident that they each had a desire to encourage new talent as well, which was the real purpose of the event.
Aside from the hits that were covered, there was considerable depth and variety in the work of the ten artists who performed. There were some four-piece bands with elements of early 80’s new wave, funk and rock. There were solo performers, a singing duo who brought a full backing choir on stage and a foursome with a brash band in support. It should also be noted that there was a reasonable balance of mellow acoustic and hard electric sounds on the programme.
In the early 70’s, at a time when there were a limited number of fully-equipped studies in England, Manchester rock band 10CC created their own Strawberry studios in Stockport, which famously attracted established artists from Neil Sedaka to Paul McCartney. Cargo Studios came about a few years
later, on a more limited budget, essentially offering more cost-effective prices to up-and-coming musicians. The two studios complimented each other, located at opposite ends of Greater Manchester, offering alternatives to expensive London costs. It was fitting that representatives of Stockport were given stage time last night, outlining the North Western unity of both studios and emphasising how today, in sharp contrast to the 70’s and 80’s, both Stockport and Rochdale Councils are supporting the arts, helping new creatives launch their careers.
This was more than just a very enjoyable evening. It was a perfect blend of celebrating the past and promoting the future. Host Clint Boon spoke for the all the established artists when he said that Rochdale has a remarkable amount of talent there needed nurturing, which is makes event like last night so important.
https://www.rochdalecreates.co.uk/news/rochdale-music-stories-a-celebration-of-rochdales-rich-musical-history
Reviewer - John Waterhouse
On - 14th March 2026
