The Mancunian Way: ‘Mr Sifter sold me songs’
manchestereveningnews.co.ukManchester has provided no shortage of inspiration for musical legends. From Ian Brown and Longsight to The Smiths’ Rusholme Ruffians, our city has energised many a great name.
Perhaps two of Manchester’s most famous exports - Noel and Liam Gallagher - name check a second-hand record shop on Fog Lane in Burnage where they spent many an hour as young men picking out vinyls.
The shop’s owner ‘Mr Sifter’ is even mentioned in Shakermaker, the second track on their debut album Definitely Maybe. Liam sings: “Mr Sifter sold me songs when I was just 16 / Now he stops at traffic lights / But only when they’re green” - a reference to the shop’s location.
Reporter Tom George went to speak to Pete Howard, aka Mr Sifter - who has run Sifters for decades. The shop is a Mecca for adoring Oasis fans, who make pilgrimages from far and wide to meet Mr Sifter himself.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk
