Manchester Musicians Pay Tribute To John Peel

A galaxy of musical stars are to come together this Christmas to celebrate the life of legendary broadcaster, John Peel.

Manifestomusic have collected together a host of musicians to take part in the event named ‘Christmas Kicks’ that will take place in Manchester.

‘Christmas Kicks’ will feature live acoustic sets from Badly Drawn Boy, Stephen Fretwell, Haven and Tractor, one of John’s first signings to his Dandelion record label in the 70s.

Also performing will be DJ’s Elliot Eastwick, John McCready, Richard Hector-Jones and Phil Beckett as well as some very special guests.

The tribute night was the brainchild of Matt Ryan.

He said to South Manchester Reporter: "I used to run a nightclub called South and a night called the Rock ‘n’ Roll Bar. On the second birthday we got John Peel to come down and DJ for us.

"He turned up without headphones and all we could find for him was just a rusty old microphone. He just plugged it in and was away. John Peel was live in our club taking the mickey out of the punters dancing.

"It was just phenomenal. He was a really nice guy, dead genuine. There was no ego or airy fairy nonsense.

"I felt I’d like to do something. I have got a few famous mates and they were all up for it."

Manifestomusic’s Rob O’Shea, added: "Everybody was affected by John Peel’s death. A lot of people were surprised by how upset they were by it. There’s a common feeling from music fans and people involved in the music industry about how affected they were."

The event takes place at the Southern Hotel, in Nell Lane, Chorlton, on Sunday, December 19, from 8pm.

Tickets will cost £12 and numbers are limited to 250. All proceeds will be going to Amnesty International, a charity close to John’s heart