Full Breakdown
Beyond The Band: A New Initiative for Music Careers in Manchester
9/10/2025, 6:57:15 AM
Overview of the Event
Beyond The Band is a free career event aimed at young individuals aged 16-25, scheduled for October 2, 2025, at Co-op Live in Manchester. This initiative is part of the Beyond The Music conference and music festival, which began in 2023. The event seeks to inspire and connect the next generation of music professionals by providing access to industry insights and networking opportunities.
Key Features of Beyond The Band
The event will feature prominent speakers, including Marcus Russell and Clare Byrne from Oasis’ management team, Michael Adex, and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. The program includes panel discussions covering various aspects of the music industry, such as management, publishing, and live production. Participants can apply for free entry tickets, with an emphasis on creative and bold applications that demonstrate their passion for a music career.
Official Statements & Responses
Andy Burnham emphasized the importance of inspiring young talent, stating, “Our future depends on inspiring the next generation and making sure they have the access and opportunities to take it even further.” Councillor Bev Craig echoed this sentiment, highlighting that investments in grassroots venues and initiatives like Beyond The Band are crucial for nurturing young talent and sustaining Manchester's vibrant music scene. The co-founders of Beyond The Music, Sarah Pearson, Oli Wilson, and Rose Marley, noted that the initiative aims to shape the future of Manchester's music ecosystem by providing equal access to education and industry networks.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive outlook for initiatives like Beyond The Band, there are concerns regarding the broader music industry landscape. Wolf Alice's frontwoman, Ellie Rowsell, pointed out that the focus on established acts, such as Oasis, could overshadow smaller bands struggling to gain recognition. She warned that if the industry continues to favor well-known artists, it could lead to a lack of diversity and opportunities for emerging talent.
Why It Matters
Beyond The Band represents a significant effort to diversify and decentralize the music industry in Manchester, which has historically lagged behind London in creative job opportunities. The initiative aims to empower young professionals and ensure that Manchester's rich musical legacy continues to thrive by fostering new talent and innovation.
What's Next
Following the Beyond The Band event, Oasis is set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their iconic Knebworth concerts with five shows planned for summer 2026. This reunion comes after the band's successful world tour, which reportedly generated up to £1.2 billion. The Knebworth concerts are expected to attract significant attention and further solidify Oasis's legacy in the music industry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council: “Manchester’s music legacy is celebrated across the world—but its future depends on the investments we make today.” — Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council
- “Our INSPIRE program has already seen how free and equal access to music education and networks can change the trajectory of a career, and with such significant strides taken for Manchester’s music calendar over the past twelve months it’s feels more urgent than ever for Beyond The Band to open the doors at a grassroots level.” — Sarah Pearson, Co-founder of Beyond The Music
