EightiesG writes:

My late uncle Dave Sykes was Social Secretary at Manchester University. This is a copy of a booking contract for T-Rex. I sadly no longer have the original, but he booked quite a few big bands at the union, around 1969/1970.

The Who return to the University after a triumphant year touring 'Tommy'.

In early 1970 the band decided to follow 'Tommy' with a live album. 'Live at Leeds' (recorded 14th Feb 1970) was the result. This LP came out exactly a week after their performance at the Main Debating Hall.

I can't find a set list for this gig, but it is unlikely to have altered dramatically from their early '70 dates, from which this set list is taken:

"Heaven and Hell" (John Entwistle)
"I Can't Explain"
"Fortune Teller" (Naomi Neville)
"Tattoo"
"Young Man Blues" (Mose Allison)
"Substitute"
"Happy Jack"
"I'm a Boy"
"A Quick One, While He's Away"
"Overture"
"It's a Boy"
"1921"
"Amazing Journey"
"Sparks"
"Eyesight to the Blind" (Sonny Boy Williamson II)
"Christmas"
"The Acid Queen"
"Pinball Wizard"
"Do You Think It's Alright?"
"Fiddle About" (John Entwistle)
"Tommy, Can You Hear Me?"
"There's a Doctor"
"Go to the Mirror!"
"Smash the Mirror"
"Miracle Cure"
"Sally Simpson"
"I'm Free"
"Tommy's Holiday Camp" (Keith Moon)
"We're Not Gonna Take It"/"See Me, Feel Me"
"Summertime Blues" (Eddie Cochran, Jerry Capehart)
"Shakin' All Over" (Johnny Kidd)
"Spoonful" (Willie Dixon) (not played every night)
"My Generation" (usually including "See Me, Feel Me", "Naked Eye (instrumental)", "Coming Out To Get You" and "Sparks".)
"Magic Bus" (performed at least once, at Leeds University on 14 February)

An early christmas present from T.Rex who had just started their imperial phase after ditching the Tyrannosaurus Rex moniker and turning up the volume of the guitars.

Dave Owen remembers:

T.Rex had a few technical problems with the sound. Marc Bolan asked for the audience to be patient as they were using stereo sound for the first time.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

Another lovely advert for Union Socials gigs with a distinctly proggy-folky air.

A rag concert is due to be announced at the Free Trade Hall, indicating a growing relationship between the Union and FTH, and a desire on the Union's part to promote converts outside of the University campus.

Right click the zoom graphic to see this artefact in all its glory.

We love this cartoon illustrating the dreams and ambition of students arriving in Manchester versus the reality of student life. Nothing's really changed has it?!

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

A rare and exciting listing featuring shows at the UMIST by Greasy Bear (pre-Alberto y Lost Trios Paranoias) and Nick Lowe's first band, Brinsley Schwarz.

Taken from the Mole Express.

Review of the Rolling Stones show at the Free Trade Hall by Dave Nelson. They did two performances due to popular demand. The shows were promoted by the Students' Union.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

Absolutely deserving a front page splash, (and massive kudos for Socials Secretary Mike Paul), news that the Rolling Stones were planning on making an appearance in Manchester on what was being touted as a farewell tour, that old chestnut. The band were due to bring their own roadshow which included lights and support act.

The show was eventually staged at the Free Trade Hall with a matinee and evening performance on 5th March 1971, promoted by the Students' Union - a coup for the Union at this time.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

A rare entertainment guide to the city including a gig from Mott The Hoople in the Main Debating Hall, the show was prior to their Bowie collaboration which would send them rocketing up the charts a year later with All The Young Dudes.

It's also worth noting the great line-up over at the UMIST building feating Curved Air and an early formation of prog titans Supertramp.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

This program of rag events provides a great snapshot of student life in 1971.

Musically, prog rock is king with performances in the Main Debating Hall by Pentangle and Curved Air. The UMIST had a special show from Cat Stevens who was touring to promote his Teaser and the Firecat album.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

Report of a last minute cancellation by Procul Harem due with a very suspect apology from their agency blaming it on a bout of flu. It was becoming more common for large bands to cancel shows if a more attractive proposition was presented and Procal Harem were known as the main offenders of this shitty practice.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

A picture of the Rolling Stones at the Free Trade Hall in 1971, promoted by Manchester University Students' Union.

Sent in by Ted Tuksa.

Poster supplied by Jason at Tracks.

Led Zeppelin at the University!

Dave Owen remembers:

'During the early seventies I was never away from the Main Debating Hall (Academy 2) soaking up the music
and atmosphere and maintaining my hippy personality. (I still miss my Afghan coat!)

Fashion was very relevant at the time and Manchester had an array of different boutiques including the Crispy Crunchy Clothing Company situated on New Brown St.

Led Zeppelin was a stand-out concert for me. Tickets cost 60p and you had to produce your Student Union card, which would then be stamped. Robert Plant looked resplendent with his mane of hair and beard and Jimmy Page was wearing his famous Zoso jumper.'

John Nutall remembers:

'My best Academy memory is back in the mists of time when Led Zeppelin played in what was then the Main Debating Hall.

It was back in the early seventies when Led Zeppelin were one of the biggest bands in the world, but they had decided to get back in front of some small audiences. MDH, which had a capacity of about 900 people, was one of them.

It was amazing to see the band at the height of their powers in such a small setting. I recall Jimmy Page hitting a note that caused my inner ear to vibrate - something I'd never felt at a gig before or since!'

This what's on guide provides a good insight to the entertainment scene across the City at the time and features Main Debating Hall gigs by Quintessence + Greasy Bear, Yes and Trees. Also playing across the City were T-Rex, The Spinners, Rory Gallagher and King Crimson amongst others.

Dave Owen remembers:

I went to see Yes in 1971. Bassist Chris Squire received an electric shock from his guitar. He was thrown backwards. The band played on with Jon Anderson looking on in bemusement. Fortunately Chris was ok and the show continued.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

Photo: Emma Gibbs
Interview: Abigail Ward

Dr. CP Lee talks about seeing Doug Yule's Velvet Underground at the Main Debating Hall, Manchester University, 1971.

This interview was conducted on 30th August 2016. I have selected the above date in reference to the subject matter.

Here's an exclusive interview with Lindisfarne only months before they became chart toppers. The what's on section provides a good insight to the entertainment scene across the City, including shows from T.Rex, Manfred Mann, Canned Heat and Pentangle.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

Music Force was an important socialist music agency and collective set up by, amongst others, Victor Brox (renowned blues guitarist) and Bruce Mitchell (jazz drummer extraordinaire from Albertos, later Durutti Column and many more). It was set up partly as a response to the effects of the Corporation Act 1965, which had resulted in the closure of hundreds of beat clubs in Manchester, leading to a deficit of work for Manchester's once very busy musicians. Music Force provided everything you might require to put a concert on: musicians, PA and equipment hire, flyposting, the full works. They worked closely with The Squat venue and were an important force and influence within the Manchester punk and post-punk scenes.

Bruce Mitchell still runs a successful music equipment high business: Manchester Light & Stage Company.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

Back in 1973 Tractor played Manchester University Students' Union (MDH).

Their second LP 'Tractor' had come out on John Peel's Dandelion label at the end of 1972.

On the same stage that night were Australian prog band Fraternity, featuring soon to be legendary AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott.

Thanks to Chris Hewitt for uploading this shot of Tractor's gear.

A rare listing advert very much of its time leaning heavily towards prog and folk music. All dates included the brilliantly named Groovy Stereo Disco.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

This comment piece is from a series of articles where people were asked to express their views on the problems faced in the expansion of the University.

The author, Andrew Christie gives a balanced view on the The Squat, the old music school building that was occupied by students in demonstration of the accommodation crisis. The occupants wanted to protect the building and provide extended facilities of the wider community, including live music which was facilitated with the aid of Music Force - a socialist music agency.

Taken from the Manchester Independent Newspaper, written and edited by University of Manchester students. With thanks to James Peters at the University of Manchester Archives and Ben Ward at The University of Manchester Students' Union.

Another brilliant poster design by OK Dave, this was a 3 x A3 poster for A Winter Boogie, featuring Tosh Ryan's United Mates of Hysterica, Swinbourne Swingers, Albertos and a DJ set of soul and reggae from OK Dave himself.

A Winter Boogie was a benefit gig held in the Old College of Music building on Devas Street. At this time, the building was slated for demolition by the University - a decision which provoked an 'occupation' by a group of disgruntled students. They squatted the building to highlight the student accommodation crisis, to extend the facilities available for community activities within the University campus and to protect the building itself.

You can read more information about the Old College of Music, which became known as The Squat, here.

Fumble were a rock 'n' roll revivalist band from Weston-Super-Mare. Not sure about Leroy and the Kools.

This is typically brilliant poster design by OK Dave - a Manchester DJ and designer who was closely involved with Music Force - a socialist collective of musicians, DJs, promoters, producers and sound engineers.