The Tameside Radio presenter shines the spotlight on a popular Greater Manchester band who have played their final gig.

The statement on Twitter read: ‘Thanks to everyone who’s ever supported and helped us. We were three kids who started playing terrible versions of Smells Like Teen Spirit, and for over ten years this band has been our life.’

Last Friday, one of Oldham’s most notable bands of the last decade played their farewell gig at a sold out Night People in Manchester.

Gardenback have been a firm staple on the Manchester music scene for 11 years, as well as a highly respected favourite to many. 

No attitudes, no notoriety, no wild stories of trashing venues and hotel rooms, just three decent music-loving lads who came together, created a band, and now leave a huge gap on the scene. 

When the day comes somebody writes a book about all the great bands that have come from Greater Manchester, Gardenback will no doubt have a good space of their own in it. 

Ellis, Neil and James formed the band in their home town of Oldham in 2011, and have featured regularly on many radio stations, have received rave reviews in many columns by respected music reviewers such as Louder Than War and Even The Stars, and for much of their musical journey have been signed to the Sour Grapes label. 

The band may be no longer, but their music will live on, and will remain available on all of the usual music streaming platforms. 

Like many, I will be interested to see what comes next for the lads in the band, as they are all too talented not to continue working in music in some form. 

It was a surprise to see the band coming to an end, but their fans from all over the music world will always thank them for 11 years of great music and first class gigs. 

It actually feels strange writing about one of our favourite local bands calling it a day, as the music scene is undoubtedly the best and strongest it’s been for a long time, if not ever, and if you read my column or listen to my radio shows each week, that’s something you will have heard me say many times. 

But, with the new generation of bands that continue to come through, it’s inevitable that a few, such as Gardenback, will feel that for whatever reason their time has come to an end. 

The great thing is, even with as much amazing new music as we have now, each time we go back and listen to bands who are no longer together, as we will with Gardenback, the memories and joy that their music and performances gave us, will stay with us forever. 

That’s why music is the best thing in the world. Thanks for the great times and good memories Ellis, Neil and James,.

The band may no longer be active, but the music and memories, and the part you played in the Northern music scene will remain cemented in the Manchester music history books forever. 

You can listen to Dave on Tameside Radio 103.6FM on Monday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. Click here to subscribe and catch up on previous shows.

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