Rochdale Music Stories Exhibition

Explore Rochdale’s rich musical history in this new exhibition at Rochdale Library. The exhibition is a snapshot of the artists, record labels and gigs that put the borough’s music sector in the spotlight. The exhibition features stories and archive material from old record covers, fanzines, local record labels, concerts and clubbing history and reminisces on artists such as The Chameleons, Lisa Stansfield, The Courteeners and many others who helped shaped the borough’s musical heritage. 

Karen Boardman, Music Development Manager for Rochdale Development Agency said ‘I’m absolutely delighted to see this exhibition open. What started as an idea back in October 2025 at the Rochdale Music Stories/Cargo Studios book launch to see it in all its glory, celebrating Rochdale’s amazing musical heritage, is truly uplifting. Huge thanks go to Chris Connelly for not only pulling this all together, but for loaning us some wonderful exhibition pieces. From Stephen Morris’s drumsticks to original cassette tapes, there’s lots to see so come along and enjoy this special collection. Oh, and it’s totally free!’ 

The exhibition, curated by Chris Connelly the author and designer of ‘Cargo’, a book examining Cargo Studios extensive recording history and the iconic tracks recorded there. In 1978 Cargo Studios opened its doors on Kenion Street and became a hotspot for up-and-coming bands to find their own unique sound working with legendary producer Martin Hannett and studio engineer John Brierley. Artists such as Joy Division, The Stone Roses, OMD, and many more walked through the studio door. Cargo became the UK’s in demand studio and as quoted by John Peel in 1979 ‘This was recorded at John Brierley’s Cargo studios in Rochdale, isn’t everything these days’. 

The heritage of Cargo/Suite Sixteen Studios is the inspiration behind Rochdale’s latest music project, Rochdale Music Stories. The project was a collaboration between Stockport Music Stories, Voltalab Sound Studios and Rochdale Development Agency as part of Rochdale’s Town of Culture Progamme. bringing together local artists/bands to reimagine 11 of the biggest tracks recorded at Cargo Studios, to produce ‘Kenion Street’ a limited edition vinyl album. From brass bands to dance music, the vinyl is an exploration of all genres, and a creative expression of the Borough’s broad range of artists. The record will be commercially released on August 7th and can be pre-saved here. 

The music doesn’t end there, as Rochdale will soon play host to Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), Peter Hook & The Light, A Certain Ratio and Clint Boon all performing OMD’ on Friday 7th August. Andy McCluskey, lead vocalist from OMD said, “We can't wait to come and play at Rochdale’s magnificent town hall square. We recorded our first single at Rochdale's Cargo Studios back in 1979, but have never played in the town before, so what a great way to finally come back and have a party with our old Factory Records friends.” Rochdale played a huge part in all of the band’s histories, with Peter Hook stating ‘because of John Brierley and Cargo Studios on Kenion Street, all three of us - me, OMD and A Certain Ratio recorded with John, engineering at Cargo. He was a sonic assassin’. 

The exhibition will be live to coincide with the OMD Summer of Hits show and Rochdale Feel Good Festival. Open from Monday 20th July to Friday 28th August at Rochdale Library, Number One Riverside. Rochdale Library opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.