The classic Joy Division track was released in 1980 and was focused around lead singer Ian Curtis and his troubled relationship with wife Deborah Woodruff. The song has gone on to influence many other musicians and bands including The Pet Shop Boys. The song focuses on Curtis’ marriage, but also takes into account his own struggles with epilepsy and his efforts to hold down a day job whilst his singing career got off the ground. The track is rough and elegant, and will go down as a work of art for years to come. It was released a month after Curtis died by suicide. placeholder image
The classic Joy Division track was released in 1980 and was focused around lead singer Ian Curtis and his troubled relationship with wife Deborah Woodruff. The song has gone on to influence many other musicians and bands including The Pet Shop Boys. The song focuses on Curtis’ marriage, but also takes into account his own struggles with epilepsy and his efforts to hold down a day job whilst his singing career got off the ground. The track is rough and elegant, and will go down as a work of art for years to come. It was released a month after Curtis died by suicide. | Getty

The 11 biggest and best Manchester songs and anthems - including Joy Division, Oasis and The Smiths

Patrick Hollis
By Patrick Hollis

Digital Journalist

Published 16th May 2023, 14:40 GMT
Updated 7th Nov 2023, 16:28 GMT

Plenty of iconic songs have been born from Manchester- we’ve had a go at picking out just a few

Manchester is a city steeped in musical history, with some of the biggest names coming from the area. From Oasis to Joy Division, The Smiths to Happy Mondays, plenty of talent has s[ruing from Manchester and the surrounding area. 

With this, some of the most memorable and iconic songs in UK music have been created by these local acts. Many of these songs remain just as popular as they were when first released. 

To celebrate the rich Mancunian music influence, we’ve taken a stab at collecting together the best songs which have come from the city. Many of these were suggested by you, our readers. 

'Step On' has all the pep and fun vibes which Happy Mondays have come to be known for. The track was rleased in 1990 on the album 'Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches'

9. Happy Mondays- Step On

'Step On' has all the pep and fun vibes which Happy Mondays have come to be known for. The track was rleased in 1990 on the album 'Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches' | Getty Images

This one is for the junglist massive. Moss Side-born Gerald Rydel Simpson, the mastermind behind acid house classic Voodoo Ray, was also the genius behind the jungle’s genre-defining album Black Secret Technology.

10. A Guy Called Ray- Voodoo Ray

This one is for the junglist massive. Moss Side-born Gerald Rydel Simpson, the mastermind behind acid house classic Voodoo Ray, was also the genius behind the jungle’s genre-defining album Black Secret Technology. | Juice Box

The 1992 track became a favourite with fans when it was released on the album 'Take That & Party'.

11. Take That- Could It Be Magic

The 1992 track became a favourite with fans when it was released on the album 'Take That & Party'. | Getty Images

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