by Malcolm Pheby | Jan 2, 2019 | History, Manchester
The winter of 1962-3 was unique for Bolton Wanderers. They didn’t concede a point or a single goal – and never lost a match. But they didn’t win any either. In fact they failed to play at all from December 8th to February 16th. Bolton were frozen out – quite...
by Malcolm Pheby | Dec 19, 2018 | 1980s, 1990s, Football, Manchester
December 1992 brought a large slice of festive cheer to manager Alex Ferguson and his Manchester United team. The Red Devils had suffered a few setbacks – and were languishing in 10th place in the inaugural Premier League season. New striker Dion Dublin was ruled out...
by Malcolm Pheby | Oct 10, 2018 | Celebrity, Manchester
Belle Vue has a special place in the heart of every Mancunian lucky enough to ride the Bobs, make a splash on the water chute or enjoy an ice-cream or two on a hot, sunny afternoon. It was the undisputed entertainment centre for the North West for more than 150 years,...
by Malcolm Pheby | Oct 10, 2018 | 1970s, Manchester, Music
It’s fair to say there was a seismic shift in the Manchester music scene during 1968. Freddie and the Dreamers split up after a lack of chart success, Graham Nash left The Hollies and The Mindbenders folded after their latest album and single flopped. A potent mix of...
by Malcolm Pheby | Oct 3, 2018 | Manchester, Theatre
Playwright Noel Coward was in exceptionally high spirits when his play of the same name opened at Manchester’s Palace Theatre in October 1964. It was a double celebration for the legendary impresario as another of his plays, Hay Fever, had started its run at the Opera...
by Malcolm Pheby | Sep 19, 2018 | Manchester, Music
Few would mention Manchester group Simply Red in the same breath as the Sex Pistols. One was renowned for polished, soulful vocals – the other for raw, rasping power. But the lineage of Simply Red, like so many Manchester bands of the 1970s, can be traced directly...
