As the city gears up to host over 1.3 million music enthusiasts, coinciding with the highly anticipated Oasis homecoming shows at Heaton Park this Friday, Manchester has been transformed by “Music for the Senses.”
This vibrant, city-wide art trail features 80 unique artworks, murals, mosaics, and installations, all dedicated to celebrating Manchester’s rich musical heritage and raising vital funds and awareness for grassroots music venues and projects.
Music for the Senses
The initiative has garnered immense support, with over 300 guitars generously donated by both the public and renowned musicians. Among the most prized contributions is an Epiphone Riviera guitar, personally signed by Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis.
Epiphone Riviera
This iconic instrument is currently on display at Selfridges and will be auctioned off in September, alongside guitars from other celebrated artists including Busted, Doves, Elbow, Mani, New Order, PINS, and Pixies.
Lazerian
A spokesperson for Oasis expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “We’re delighted to donate this guitar signed by Liam and Noel to help support Manchester’s grassroots music projects and kickstart the series of celebrations.”
Beyond these celebrity contributions, the trail boasts interactive installations such as “Guitar Street” and “Cathedral of Sound,” both created by the acclaimed Manchester artist Liam Hopkins, known as Lazerian.
“Guitar Street,” located on King Street, is an engaging display of repurposed donated guitars, with Lazerian stencilling the faces of local grassroots musicians onto the backs of forty guitars that will line the exhibition.
Cathedral of Sound
Lazerian’s “Cathedral of Sound” is another breathtaking installation, currently captivating audiences in St. Peter’s Square until July 20th, before moving to Mayfield Park from July 25th to August 31st. This architectural pavilion serves as a powerful tribute to Manchester’s past musical glories while embracing its exciting sonic future.
Publicly donated guitars have also been transformed into individual works of art by professional artists, including Hammo, Danielle Rhoda, Jim Medway, Tim Sutcliffe, Becky Smith, Thomas Wolski, Sally Adams, and Jenny Leonard.
These unique pieces are showcased in various shop windows and venues across the city, such as Fred Aldous, The Treehouse Hotel, Co-op Live, AO Arena, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Forsyth Music Shop, Royal Exchange Theatre, People’s History Museum, NOMA, Represent (New Cathedral Street), Hallé St Peters, and Royal Northern College of Music.
Manchester Music Mooch
Adding to the visual spectacle are brand-new murals by internationally renowned street artists Lei-Mai LeMaow, Nomad Clan, and ASKE.
Visitors are also invited to participate in the “Manchester Music Mooch,” an interactive journey through the heart of Manchester’s grassroots music community.
At the culmination of the trail, all decorated guitars will be auctioned to raise funds for grassroots music projects and venues throughout Greater Manchester.
This vital support will be facilitated through a special fund established by charity partner Forever Manchester in collaboration with Manchester Music City.
More Information
- About Manchester
- Manchester Evening News
- Lazarian
- Lazarian Studio Instagram
- More Noel Gallagher-related articles
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