Explore the Grassroots Guitar Trail
Explore our Grassroots Guitar trail around the venue and find out the stories behind them.
In Summer of 2025, as a part of Music for the Senses, a city-wide art trail, produced by Wild in Art; renowned artist Liam Hopkins (Lazerian) transformed 40 donated guitars into meaningful works of art, each bearing the stenciled portrait of an emerging grassroots musician or band. The artwork is now immortalised across the different levels of Co-op Live to celebrate Manchester's rich musical heritage and showcase how Manchester’s music scene is constantly evolving through new industry partnerships and creative collaborations.
Level 1: Block 111
Concrete Club
A 5 piece indie rock band from Manchester, formed at the end of 2022. Since this time the band have already completed a UK tour, headlined multiple raucous sold out shows, played at Manchester’s Albert Hall, and perfected their energetic, in-your-face live sound.
Jack Doyle
Based in Tameside, 13-year-old Jack Doyle regularly plays local gigs and open mics across East Manchester. His love for Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin stems from his dad’s record collection, but he’s carving out his own path with a unique voice and broad taste.
Alex Spencer
He first turned heads busking on the streets, and now his sharp songwriting and magnetic stage presence have earned him acclaim from BBC Radio 1 & 6 Music, BBC Breakfast, Radio X, and CLASH Magazine  . His single “Nightmares” even featured on the EA SPORTS FC 25 soundtrack.
Concrete Club
5 piece indie rock band from Manchester, formed at the end of 2022. Since this time the band have already completed a UK tour, headlined multiple raucous sold out shows, played at Manchester’s Albert Hall, and perfected their energetic, in-your-face live sound.
YAANG
Formed at the University of Salford, YAANG is a trio that has built its reputation in Manchester’s underground gig circuit. Known for energetic live shows, they’re influenced by Joy Division and Talking Heads, and are proudly DIY.
Dirty Blonde
The duo behind Dirty Blonde, Ailis and Hayley, are Manchester-based and part of the city’s thriving female rock movement. Their grunge-pop sound echoes through Northern Quarter venues and beyond, drawing crowds with their energy and defiance.
Rolla
Manchester-based indie rock band steeped in the city’s musical DNA. Drawing from the swagger of Oasis, the groove of Kasabian, and the psychedelic layering of The Verve, they embody the essence of Northern rock and roll.
Rolla
Manchester-based indie rock band steeped in the city’s musical DNA. Drawing from the swagger of Oasis, the groove of Kasabian, and the psychedelic layering of The Verve, they embody the essence of Northern rock and roll.
Level 1: Entrance F
Member of Dr Hoppo's Collective
Inspired by icons like Herbie Hancock and Tito Puente, the band frequently performs at Manchester’s jazz clubs and rooftop venues, bringing sunshine and swing to the city.
Dirty Blonde
The duo behind Dirty Blonde, Ailis and Hayley, are Manchester-based and part of the city’s thriving female rock movement. Their grunge-pop sound echoes through Northern Quarter venues and beyond, drawing crowds with their energy and defiance.
Member of Dr Hoppo's Collective
Inspired by icons like Herbie Hancock and Tito Puente, the band frequently performs at Manchester’s jazz clubs and rooftop venues, bringing sunshine and swing to the city.
YAANG
Formed at the University of Salford, YAANG is a trio that has built its reputation in Manchester’s underground gig circuit. Known for energetic live shows, they’re influenced by Joy Division and Talking Heads, and are proudly DIY.
Rolla
Manchester-based indie rock band steeped in the city’s musical DNA. Drawing from the swagger of Oasis, the groove of Kasabian, and the psychedelic layering of The Verve, they embody the essence of Northern rock and roll.
Member of Dr Hoppo's Collective
Inspired by icons like Herbie Hancock and Tito Puente, the band frequently performs at Manchester’s jazz clubs and rooftop venues, bringing sunshine and swing to the city.
Cobain Jones
Singer-songwriter from Stalybridge whose music blends jangling indie guitars, sharp lyrics, and unmistakable Northern character. Influenced by the sounds of Britpop and beyond.
Concrete Club
5 piece indie rock band from Manchester, formed at the end of 2022. Since this time the band have already completed a UK tour, headlined multiple raucous sold out shows, played at Manchester’s Albert Hall, and perfected their energetic, in-your-face live sound.
Level 1: Craft Bar
Rolla
Manchester-based indie rock band steeped in the city’s musical DNA. Drawing from the swagger of Oasis, the groove of Kasabian, and the psychedelic layering of The Verve, they embody the essence of Northern rock and roll.
Rolla
Manchester-based indie rock band steeped in the city’s musical DNA. Drawing from the swagger of Oasis, the groove of Kasabian, and the psychedelic layering of The Verve, they embody the essence of Northern rock and roll.
Concrete Club
5 piece indie rock band from Manchester, formed at the end of 2022. Since this time the band have already completed a UK tour, headlined multiple raucous sold out shows, played at Manchester’s Albert Hall, and perfected their energetic, in-your-face live sound.
Paul Wagstaff (Tribute)
Paul Wagstaff was a key figure in Manchester’s iconic Madchester scene. As a member of Black Grape and Happy Mondays, he helped shape the city’s musical identity.
Oran Byrn
Deeply influenced by the city of Manchester's iconic music scene, Irish artist Oran brings that spirit into his own song writing, blending heartfelt lyrics with melodic guitar and piano arrangements.
Zeny Buz
a singer-songwriter whose melodic indie rock is rooted in the
city's rich musical heritage. Influenced by iconic Britpop bands including Oasis and The La's, he
combines memorable guitar-driven hooks with honest songwriting to create a sound that feels
both familiar and refreshingly contemporary.
Cameron Luke Saripalli
31-year-old Cameron is a dedicated multi-instrumentalist: primarily a drummer, but also skilled on bass, vocals, and more. His sound spans rock ’n’ roll, RnB, metal, Indian fusion, funk, blues, and even touches of jazz, reflecting a vibrant mix of influences and cultural identity.
Dr Shoko
A fixture in Manchester’s experimental music scene, Dr Shoko mixes hip-hop, Afrobeat, and soul with a unique visual identity. His music is shaped by the city’s underground culture, and he often performs at DIY events and community festivals.
Level 3
Mothman
With over a decade of experience playing guitar, Songwriter and guitarist with over 100 performances across the Northwest. Mothman has recently expanded his artistry to include piano improvisation. For him, music is not just a profession, it’s an essential part of his identity.
Michael Gallagher
His anthemic indie-rock sound and sharp, observation-driven lyrics, Michael captures stories of love, loss, and belonging rooted in his hometown. His music channels big guitar-pop vibes reminiscent of The Strokes, The Vaccines, and Bob Dylan
Naomi Kalu
Introducing Naomi, whose emotive voice and thoughtful songwriting has turned heads in the local scene. With a style that bridges soul, folk, and alternative pop, Naomi’s music explores personal stories and universal connections in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.
YAANG
Formed at the University of Salford, YAANG is a trio that has built its reputation in Manchester’s underground gig circuit. Known for energetic live shows, they’re influenced by Joy Division and Talking Heads, and are proudly DIY.
Member of Dr Hoppo's Collective
Inspired by icons like Herbie Hancock and Tito Puente, the band frequently performs at Manchester’s jazz clubs and rooftop venues, bringing sunshine and swing to the city.
Tommy Ball
Originally from Blackburn but now based in Manchester, Tommy Ball fuses blues, jazz, and rock in heartfelt acoustic performances. Capturing the emotional side of Northern songwriting.
Lily Rae Grant
Meet Lily Rae Grant 18-year-old Manchester‑born singer-songwriter making waves across the Manchester and Calder Valley region
Blending shoegaze textures with country-tinged melodies, her powerful vocals and heartfelt song writing have already earned attention at events like Electric Bloom and local festivals
Dr Hoppo
aka Steve Hopkins, is based in Manchester and leads an ever-changing collective of jazz, funk, and soul musicians.
Ewan Sim
Manchester singer-songwriter known for blending soul, indie, pop, and rock. Recently being signed to Glastry Management which has quickly established him as a compelling voice in contemporary music.
Concrete Club
5 piece indie rock band from Manchester, formed at the end of 2022. Since this time the band have already completed a UK tour, headlined multiple raucous sold out shows, played at Manchester’s Albert Hall, and perfected their energetic, in-your-face live sound.
Drew Cyprus
Drew Grooves plays drums & guitar & is known for blending rhythm and melody with ease. Drew brings a raw, intuitive energy to his music, whether behind the kit or leading the melody
