Hard Rock Café Manchester-Treasures Of Hard Rock Exhibition 31.08.13 to 08.09.13
Today I am here in Manchester to report on 'Treasures Of Hard Rock Exhibition' which cover's all spectrums of Rock N Roll Memorabilia.
I just could not let this one pass me by, better still ..
Admission is FREE!!!
Hard Rock Café was founded by an American Tribe in Florida back in the 70's,Now there are Cafes/Branches in different areas of the world .
Here in the U.K. we have Branches of 'Hard Rock Cafe' in London,Manchester, Edinburgh and another opening before Christmas in 'Glasgow'
Many of the item's in the glass frames are donated by musicians, people involved with musicians and spouses and the occaisional fan.
U.S. Rock band 'Linkin Park' have involvement with 'Hard Rock Cafe' currently in a licensed T-shirts campaign for Environmental charities you can buy these in the shop and Staff wear them to champion the cause.
The atmosphere when you arrive is amazing ,music is all around you in every sense of the word you literally have an assault on the senses with video screens and the unique memorabilia wall to wall, todays main exhibition has been borrowed from the U.S. for 2 weeks only so be quick..
I imagined it would like the American Diners like in the 50's with that sort of memorabilia I was wrong there is something for everyone here, the staff are friendly there are 'Hospitality Waiters' with special jukeboxes on touch screen ipads for you to pick your soundtrack while you have a party a birthday bash or just sample the cuisine, this appears on the video screens mentioned earlier.
The perfect place to hang out pre-gig and right near Manchester Arena.
All of this is before you notice the walls packed with the Glass cases of items of memorabilia of guitars,clothes, gig memorabilia it is a huge showcase of rock star wardrobes!!
Upstairs is the exclusive exhibition that you have to catch quick this includes 'Michael Jackson's Red Leather jacket from 'Beat it' personally I'm here to see Madonna's Iconic Stage and promo peices.
I'm in awe when I see the 'Jean Paul Gaultier' Gold Basque Bustier which was worn on her 'Blonde Ambition Tour' in 1990,it looks so different when photographed than in reality is not plastic shiny like its perceived its carefully designed to perfection and looks fantastic on stage under the lights.
Also present from her collection is the Country style 'Nudie' suit from the 'Music' single cover she has never worn it on stage its gorgeous standing tall in the cabinet and the pink detail sparkles,there are some RiAA Record Sales Platinum Discs for both 'Madonna', and 'Like A Virgin'.
There is something for everyone here including garments worn by and immediately recognised as 'Elvis Presley' alongside each item a description of when it was worn and where,you can see current bands memorabilia here too everything from 'Brandon Flowers' jacket worn on 'The Killers' 2009 Tour and 'Human' video which is apparently designed by a lady in the U.K. just for him,to 'Liam Gallagher's suit and 'Arctic Monkeys' suits that also adorn the walls.
I managed to see the lengendary 'Maroon Guitar' Signed by the late 'Kurt Cobain' and more guitars on display include 'John Le Hooker' and 'Eric Clapton' it's fascinating to see instruments and outfits you have seen when growing up either on TV or your favourite poster, it's exciting although I've never photographed anything whilst people were eating around me it was bizarre.
The Café also becomes a venue for live music and entertainment, there is an acoustic performance by 'James Walsh' of 'Starsailor' this week (on Friday), and some exciting acts before the end of the year keep your eyes peeled folks!!
So There is more to 'Hard Rock Café' than meets the eye if you get a chance to see the exhibition before September 8th do go its an experience you wont forget.
LMi x
