Madchester culture was a vibrant and influential period in Manchester's history. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the city experienced a cultural revolution that brought together a diverse range of musical genres, fashion, art, and nightlife. The Madchester scene included Manchester's iconic nightclub The Haçienda, influential bands such as The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays, and the vibrant 'baggy' fashion style. But what were the influences behind Madchester culture? In this article, we will explore the various factors that contributed to this unique and influential period of Manchester's history. We will look at the key musical influences, the impact of the Hacienda nightclub, and the influence of fashion on the Madchester scene. The Madchester scene was heavily influenced by the sounds of post-punk and psychedelic rock, creating a new sound that blended elements of dance and indie music.
The Hacienda nightclub, run by Factory Records, played a pivotal role in the emergence of this new sound. Bands like The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and Inspiral Carpets are some of the most well-known artists associated with this era. Fashion played an important role in defining Madchester style, with brightly-colored clothing and unisex haircuts becoming popular among fans. The “baggy” style of dress was also prominent, which involved loose-fitting t-shirts, jeans, and sweatshirts. The Madchester scene was also heavily influenced by art and literature from the period.
Artists like Peter Saville and Peter Blake helped to define the look of the era with their distinctive artwork. Novels like The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger also had a huge influence on the scene, with its themes of adolescent angst resonating strongly with Madchester fans. Finally, Madchester was also influenced by politics, particularly left-wing ideologies such as anarchism and socialism. The radical politics of groups like Crass and The Clash resonated with many in the scene.
The Art & Literature
The art and literature of Madchester culture was heavily influenced by the works of several renowned artists and authors.Peter Saville, for instance, was a graphic designer who created iconic album covers for popular bands such as New Order, Joy Division, and The Smiths. His bold and often abstract designs helped define the look of Madchester and made it instantly recognizable. Similarly, painter Peter Blake's work was influential in creating Madchester's unique visual aesthetic. Blake's hand-painted signs and posters graced many venues throughout Manchester.
In addition to these visual influences, literature also played a major role in shaping Madchester culture. In particular, J.D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye resonated with many fans due to its themes of teenage alienation and rebellion. These themes resonated with many young people in Manchester and beyond, making it a key text of the Madchester movement.
The Fashion
The fashion of the Madchester scene was marked by a blending of eclectic styles. Brightly-colored clothing, such as neon-colored T-shirts and trousers, were popular, as were unisex hairstyles with shaved sides and voluminous mohawks. The 'mod' look was also popular among the Madchester scene, with chunky knitwear, tight jeans, and leather jackets. Footwear was often adorned with the Mod symbol of a Union Jack flag. The iconic 'baggy' look was also popular among the Madchester scene, characterized by loose-fitting trousers and T-shirts and oversized jackets.The look was inspired by the late 1960s mod subculture, but adapted to suit the music of the Madchester scene. This look became so synonymous with the Madchester scene that it has since been referred to as 'Madchester style'.The influence of the Madchester scene extended beyond its style, however. The music, art, and literature of the time all helped to shape the culture of the era and create an atmosphere that was uniquely Madchester.
The Music
The music of Madchester was heavily influenced by post-punk, psychedelic rock, and dance music. Post-punk acts such as The Smiths, Joy Division, and New Order established the groundwork for Manchester's unique sound, combining elements of punk with lush electronic music.Psychedelic rock bands such as The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays helped to shape the Madchester sound with their melodic guitar riffs and infectious hooks. Finally, the acid house and rave scene played a crucial role in creating a new style of dance music that would become synonymous with the Madchester scene. The combination of these disparate musical styles created a unique sound that would define Madchester. From the jangly guitars of The Stone Roses to the thumping bass lines of Happy Mondays, Madchester was a synthesis of punk, psychedelia, and electronic dance music. This unique sound was further shaped by the production techniques of bands like A Guy Called Gerald, which gave the music a gritty yet danceable vibe. The music of Madchester also had a strong visual aesthetic that was closely tied to the fashion of the time.
The bright colors and bold patterns of acid house fashion helped to create an image that was both stylish and rebellious. This visual style was matched by the artwork and album covers of many Madchester bands, which often featured striking graphics and bold colors.
The Politics
The cultural scene of Madchester was heavily influenced by the left-wing ideologies of anarchism and socialism. Anarchism is a political philosophy that advocates for the abolition of all forms of oppression, and rejects any form of authoritarian rule. This ideology was reflected in the Madchester scene through its focus on self-expression and freedom, which was seen in the artwork, music, and fashion.Socialism, on the other hand, is a political and economic philosophy that advocates for public ownership of the means of production and the redistribution of wealth among the population. This influence was seen in the emphasis on working-class values and solidarity among its members. The Madchester scene was also heavily influenced by punk culture, which also had strong ties to anarchist and socialist values. Punk musicians often sang about social and political issues such as class struggle and police brutality. This encouraged a spirit of rebellion amongst Madchester’s youth, which was also reflected in their art and fashion.
The emphasis on individual expression was an important part of Madchester culture, as it allowed people to express themselves freely without fear of reprisal or judgement. The social movements of the time were also an influence on Madchester culture, with the post-punk movement having a particularly strong impact. Post-punk focused on rejecting traditional forms of music and embracing more experimental sounds. This encouraged a more experimental approach to Madchester music, with bands like Joy Division and New Order often experimenting with different sounds and styles. Ultimately, Madchester culture was heavily influenced by left-wing ideologies such as anarchism and socialism, as well as punk culture and post-punk movements. These influences shaped the unique sound, style, and attitude of the Madchester scene, creating a culture that was both rebellious and creative. Madchester was a unique culture that was heavily influenced by post-punk and psychedelic rock music, fashion, art, literature, and politics.
This combination of influences helped shape the Madchester scene and created a lasting legacy that can still be felt today in music scenes around the world. The Madchester scene was an important part of the cultural history of Manchester, and its influence continues to be felt in music and culture today.
