‘The Packhorse’ in Levenshulme which was once the favorite haunt of the chart topping South Manchester band ‘Oasis’ is once again host this years Boddingtons ‘YGG Unsigned 2007’ as part of this years Manchester Irish Festival www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk
Boddingtons ‘YGG Unsigned’ is the festivals annual search for the next chart topping Rock band with Irish roots. The competition with a £1,000 worth of prizes was by founded by the award winning Irish promotions company ‘Young, Gifted & Green’. A demo tape from a then unknown Irish Mancunian band called 'Oasis' led the company to organise this annual event which aims to uncover the next world conquering super group.
Since starting the competition the company has invested close to twenty thousand pounds in supporting new bands on the rocky road to stardom and just over four hundred bands have been showcased in the event.
Manchester has a rich history of bands with Irish roots, as well as ‘Oasis’ other chart topping bands with Irish roots include ‘The Smiths’, ‘Morrisey’, ‘The Stone Roses’ and ‘Happy Mondays’. Morrisey even named one of his albums ‘Irish Blood English Heart’ as a testament to his Irish background.
The three hundred capacity Packhorse Pub celebrates its centenary next year and this is just one of the many events it has planned to celebrate its one hundred years of existence. It has recently undergone a major refurbishment to convert it into a purpose built late night entertainment center hosting regular Live Music, Comedy and Club nights. Venue owner Lawrence Hennigan said “I do not know whether Liam and Noel will recognise the venue now, but I think they would approve the fact that we are keeping the live music alive in the area. They are more than welcome to pop in for a drink anytime they are passing through.”
‘YGG unsigned’ is now in its twelfth year and regularly attracts entries from all over the UK and Ireland. Bands entering the competition must have at least one member of the group with Irish roots (parents or grandparents). It is open to any musical style but all bands must be over 18.
The event organiser Tony Hennigan said “The inspiration behind the competition was from a demo tape from a then unknown local Irish Mancunian band called 'Oasis'. The tape is now in the club’s musical archives and the rest as they say is Rock n Roll history. It seems appropriate to stage this years heats and final in the venue where ‘Oasis’ spent most of their youth. The regulars still get VIP tickets for the bands homecoming gigs. Some of the World’s biggest Music stars such as U2, The Corrs, Westlife, Ash, The Smiths, Happy Mondays, Badly Drawn Boy and The Doves, all have Irish roots and we want to continue to support the next generation of superstars.”
Heats start in December 2006 and continue into the new year, with the final taking place on St Patrick’s eve the 16th March 2007. Bands wishing to enter the competition can contact the competition Hotline on 0161 225 0706 or email rockfest24@hotmail.com or visit the website www.24rockfest.com. They should also send a demo and biog to YGG Unsigned 908 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3BF
Competition's history
In previous years the heats were held at the Manchester's famous Boardwalk, the same venue that discovered 'Oasis'. The competition has now outgrown the Boardwalk since people without advance tickets had to be turned away. Oasis drummer Tony McCarroll has been one of the competition’s previous sponsors. "I just to put something back into the community. I know how hard it can be for young bands starting off and if I can offer them a little help along the way- I'm happy." "My parents come from Tyrone and Offaly so was delighted to help sponsor the competition in the Irish festival".
YGG Background
Young, Gifted & Green (YGG) was established in 1995 to promote the very best of the UK’s Irish Music, Comedy and Dance talent. One of the companies previous dancers is the three times World champion ‘James Keegan’. James is now the principal dancer with the world famous ‘Lord of the Dance’ show. On the Comedy side it has promoted the likes of the award winning Irish Comedians ‘Ardal O’Hanlon’ and ‘Peter Kay’. Finally the Irish musical acts it has worked with include BBC Radio 2’s instrumentalist of the Year ‘Mike McGoldrick’, along with Sharon Shannon and Davey Spillane of ‘Riverdance’ fame.
2 comments:
Yes, such competitions are truly inspiring and motivating for the aspiring talents in the field of music or performers who have Irish roots. I also wanted to know where you received the pic of the tape for it gives a surreal effect to the entire post. Great post! Do visit my blog for there are many an interesting thing that would be of interest to you.
Gerry,
picture of tape was taken from www.levenshulme.com, I tyhink, or an email tat was sent out.
Not 100% sure.
Nice St Patrick's website btw.
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