10 Manchester Music Documentaries
Check out 10 of the best Manchester Music Documentaries available to watch on Youtube. These documentaries and video clips offer a unique look into Manchester’s rich musical history and culture – from the punk scene to jungle and rave music.
Uncover the roots and take a musical journey through the city’s distinct sound, exploring how Manchester music and its people and places have made an impact throughout time.
The story behind Manchester's legendary Reno nightclub
In 1962, a Nigerian man named Phil Magbotiwan opened a new nightclub in Moss Side, Manchester and a space where everybody would be welcome. The Reno became Manchester’s first racially inclusive nightclub and an important space for Manchester’s mixed heritage community. Listen to Phil’s youngest daughter, Lisa Ayegun’s memories of the Reno on the BBC’s Witness History.
In recent years, the site of the Reno was excavated by archaeologists so that the artefacts and stories could be preserved. Discover more about The Reno at the Whitworth.
Before 1989: How Manchester Became MADchester
This music documentary by Trash Theory explores Manchester music and its influence before 1989. It’s the story of punk and disco colliding and how Manchester became Madchester.
Madchester: The Sound Of The North
Aired in 1990, this Granada TV documentary explores the ‘Madchester’ music the late 80’s and early 90’s. The Sound of The North features NME reporters on a tour of the city, live footage and interviews of bands including Happy Mondays, 808 State, Inspiral Carpets and Northside with contributions from Factory Records.
The Hacienda - The Club that Shook Britain
A recent documentary (2022) The Hacienda – The Club That Shook Britain is the story of the iconic Manchester nightclub and features contributions from Joy Dvision and New Order members Peter Hook and Stephen Morris, Happy Monday’s Shaun Ryder, Oasis’ Noel Gallagher, Factory Records designer Peter Saville and others.
MC Buzz B - How Sleep The Brave and chat
Not quite a documentary but representative of Manchester Hip Hop – Here’s a live performance of ‘How Sleep the Brave’ and an interview with MC Buzz B on Snub TV (1989/1990)
Soul Nation Manchester - Pirate Radio Station
Part one of a 2 part mid 90’s documentary on Manchester Pirate Radio station Soul Nation, uploaded by Tower Block Radio. Find the second part and more insight into 90s Manchester radio on their Youtube channel.
You should also check out these archived clips and tunes from Buzz FM, another 90s street soul station.
Underground ina Moss Side Jungle
Underground ina Moss Side Jungle explores the Manchester Jungle music scene in 1996. The classic footage features the originators of Jungle in the inner-city areas of Manchester, including the legendary MC Trigga, DJ Die Man Ed, DJ Sappo, Zipparah Tafari, The Quick Crew, Johnny Jay and Umoja,
The Club That Shaped Manchester's Bass Sound
This Manchester’s Finest documentary tells the story of Mint Lounge and the Northern Quarter venue’s importance in shaping Manchester bass music. From the wild Ballin on a Budget parties to Hit&Run Bass nights, as well as the longstanding soul, funk night Funkademia.
The Manchester documentary features Mint Lounge boss Tunji Oyewobi, Broke N English’s Strategy, Konny Kon, and DRS, Chimpo, Manchester promotor Rich Reason, Pops Roberts, Jamie Scahill and Dave Payne.
LEVELZ - THE TWISTED MELONS TRIP TO LONDON
The Twisted Melons mini-documntary, featuring Bez and The Queen, follows LEVELZ on their 2014 jaunt to London to perform on the Levelz Rinse FM Special and then drop off melons with a copy of the LVL 07 video to music labels.
Marcus Intalex on DJing and Producing
The only extensive interview on our list of Manchester Music documentaries, this Red Bull Music Academy video is a great watch and a real insight to Manchester D&B pioneer Marcus Intalex’s experience as a DJ, producer and label boss (Soul:R and Intalex Productions). Rest In Peace.