Try GOLD - Free

Album and concert to mark Rochdale’s legendary music scene

Rochdale Observer

January 31, 2026

ICONIC music recorded in Rochdale is being celebrated with a new album featuring re-imagined recordings of some of the classic tracks, and a live concert in March.

Rochdale boasts a rich and diverse musical legacy, from Gracie Fields to The Courteeners, Lisa Stansfield to Autechre.

Between 19772001 it was home to both Suite Sixteen and Cargo Studios on Kenion Street in the town, where trailblazing artists including OMD, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Joy Division, Inspiral Carpets, A Certain Ratio, The Fall and many others recorded some of their most memorable work.

Fast forward to 2026 - Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture and lots of local artists, a choir and a brass band have recorded their version of a Cargo or Suite Sixteen classic at Voltalab Studios in Rochdale that will soon be released as a limited-edition vinyl record.

This story is from the January 31, 2026 edition of Rochdale Observer.

Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Already a subscriber? Sign In

Trade in your mobile phone for cash

PEOPLE will now be able to trade in their old mobile phone in exchange for cash in three Timpson stores across the borough, after the retailer struck a deal with Music Magpie.

1 mins

February 04, 2026

Rochdale Observer

Rochdale AFC'S Trust kicks on with help for homeless

ROCHDALE AFC Community

1 mins

February 04, 2026

Rochdale Observer

Former DJ unable to walk due to cancer

FORMER Radio 1 DJ and Live Aid presenter Andy Kershaw, born in Littleborough, says a shock cancer diagnosis has left him unable to walk.

1 mins

February 04, 2026

Rochdale Observer

Planners expected to approve 'town'

1,550 new homes earmarked for land next to M60 junction

2 mins

February 04, 2026

Rochdale Observer

Focus on kids’ eye health, urges optician

FOCUS on your children’s eyesight and book an eye exam this half term holiday to safeguard their sight for the future, a Rochdale optician has advised parents.

1 min

January 31, 2026

Rochdale Observer

Council elections cancelled – what’s still on?

DOZENS of councils have been told by Westminster they can postpone their elections this year.

2 mins

January 31, 2026

Rochdale Observer

Body found at nature reserve

POLICE have confirmed that the body of a man was discovered in the water at Healey Dell.

1 min

January 31, 2026

Rochdale Observer