Rochdale's Tractor Studios and Cargo Studios have been honoured with blue plaques from historical preservation society English Heritage.
The studios, started in an attic and built from "old washing machine parts" by John Brierly and Steve Clayton of the prog rock band Tractor, received investment from DJ John Peel and became a hub of the Rochdale music scene. Brierley's DIY ethic was described by Julian Cope as "the new Joe Meek with attitude enough to reach the Moon."
Peel received a Tractor demo in 1968, was intrigued by the Rochdale postmark on the envelope having spent his childhood there, and struck up a relationship with the band. He began to fund their studio in 1973 and from 1974 to 1990 the studios - now named Cargo and in bigger premises - serviced a host of influential artists such as Joy Division, New Order, Inspiral Carpets, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, The Chameleons, The Charlatans, The Fall, The Mock Turtles, The Teardrop Explodes and OMD, many of whom turned out for the event.
New Order's Peter Hook took over in 1985, renaming them Suite Sixteen. Hook was present yesterday to accept the plaque for the Kenion Street building, saying: "For me it's all about inspiring people. If you come from a small town like Heywood or Rochdale and you have an interest in music, then you can feel lost. But if you can look at something like that, it's inspirational and that's what's lacking these days."
A concert at Rochdale's Back Door Music Project went ahead afterwards, featuring performances from Peter Hook and Section 25, Tim Griffin, Rhythms Of Rochdale and Safety Pins with DJ sets from Clint Boon, Mock Turtle Martin Coogan and John Robb. Proceeds will go to equipment and a new toilet block for the volunteer enterprise.
Picture: Rochdale Observer
12:34 PM | 24/09/2009
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