Introducing Band on the Wall

Introducing Band on the Wall

Band on the Wall has been at the heart of Manchester’s music scene for decades. The venue is renowned for jazz, folk, blues, and international music, and it played a key role in Manchester’s post-punk scene, hosting early gigs from Buzzcocks, The Fall, and Joy Division. Today, it continues to present a world-class live music programme, both in-house and across the UK.

Reopened in 2022 after a huge £3.5 million transformation, Band on the Wall now boasts one of the UK’s top showcase spaces, with purpose-built rehearsal rooms, studios, and a large communal music-making area.

We spoke with Santana Guérout, Artistic Director, for a closer look behind the scenes into one of Manchester's most loved music venues.

Can you tell us a little bit about Band on the Wall?

It’s not the oldest venue in Manchester, but it does have the oldest music licence. The venue has held a music licence since 1805, back when it was called the George and Dragon. That was the first music licence given in Manchester.

The name ‘Band on the Wall’ comes from the landlord at the time, who literally put the band on the wall to make more space for people to dance and drink. With the venue being here for so long, it’s gone through different refurbishments and different music scenes. It’s really become a cultural institution - a long‑standing landmark in Manchester’s music scene.

Why are grassroots venues important for Manchester, both for artists and for fans?

Grassroots venues are incredibly important because that’s where most artists start out. We see artists selling out arenas, but almost all of them came through the grassroots circuit. A good example is Jalen Ngonda - he’s a recent breakthrough artist, and a few years ago he toured Manchester’s grassroots venues: The Castle, Deaf Institute, Band on the Wall, and others.

They’re also really important for audience development. Not everyone can afford a £100 or even £50 ticket. Grassroots venues make it possible for people to see up‑and‑coming artists and multi‑artist bills. It’s essential for the foundation of the music scene and for supporting diversity.

Manchester is hosting the BRITs and the MOBOs this year. What does that mean for a venue like yours?

Last year we had similar major events in the city, even if they weren’t at this venue, and they brought people in. I think showcases and award ceremonies are important; they put Manchester on the map and help the local economy. People travelling in want to explore the culture, so they check out different venues, not just the arena. As the UK’s second city musically, it’s a great spotlight. It brings more music, more joy, and more people into the wider circuit - whether that’s Band on the Wall, The Deaf Institute, Gorilla, Night & Day, or others.

Are there any artists who played here early on and then went on to bigger things?

Absolutely. As I mentioned, Jalen Ngonda supported a lot of artists here before going on to sell out the Apollo multiple times. We were also the first to put on Snarky Puppy back in the day - they played to around 200 people here, and now they’re selling out the Apollo. We’ve also promoted artists like Lady Blackbird, who played here first, then went on to the Cathedral, and last year, the Bridgewater Hall. You can see that amazing progression. Honeyfeet have grown from small Manchester shows to much bigger stages. Mr Scruff has kept up his long relationship with Band on the Wall. Craig Charles too. So many artists have come through our venue and the wider grassroots network.

Have you had any big‑name artists play here, and how does it feel seeing careers take off from Band on the Wall?

Yes, definitely. Lady Blackbird is one I mentioned, it’s still exciting every time she and the band come back because they started here. It feels like being part of their journey. It’s something we’re really proud of.

We also have big artists doing underplays. Pixies, one of my favourite bands, played an underplay here. I had to be kept away so I didn’t completely fangirl! Moments like that remind you how connected artists still are to grassroots venues. They want that intimate, 500‑capacity energy again. Seeing that loyalty and connection is really special.

If someone has never been to Manchester for a gig before, why should they experience one at Band on the Wall?

Manchester always says, “We do things differently.” Artists often comment on the atmosphere here. It’s part of the culture. Manchester audiences are warm, engaged, and bring so much energy. That’s actually one of the reasons I fell in love with the city. I’m not from here, and it’s amazing to experience how a Manchester crowd reacts to artists. Everyone should experience that at least once.

And for 2026, what are you working on?

We’ve got Ibibio Sound Machine returning, a great live band, and they’ll also be part of Baby Rock Sampler, which is a parent‑friendly afternoon show. So, they’re doing a double show here. I’m really excited about The Cavemen. returning to Manchester. Nubiyan Twist. Femi Kuti is coming back for a full tour.

There’s so much good music coming through, it’s a really exciting year ahead.