Halifax’s music man bringing talent to town since the 1980s

HE BROUGHT Pulp to Halifax three times, gave The Orielles their first gig and played a huge part in Halifax earning the nickname ‘the Shoreditch of the North’.

Michael Ainsworth has been promoting music in the town since the 1980s - and is still bringing some of the country’s most exciting burgeoning talent to Calderdale.

His bar - The Grayston Unity has been a hub of cultural activity since it first opened in 2016 and is the UK’s smallest music venue.

Michael, who also co-owns Meandering Bear, said grassroots music has been at the centre

“I’ve wanted to make a difference culturally by bringing live music to the town.”

of most of his career: “I’ve wanted to make a difference culturally by bringing live music to the town.”

He started putting on gigs while at Percival Whitley College, where he was training to be a chef. His first show was in 1984 by a ska band called Spectre, and was followed by another by Leeds musicians The Three Johns.

He was at a gig by Halifax’s Chinese Gangster Element when he got talking to the band and they asked him to manage them. It meant turning down a cheffing job offer but he said yes and went on to secure them an

NME review, gigs abroad and a record deal.

Michael founded The Morning After Club at The Shay with acts including Pop Will Eat Itself - and The Return Club at North Bridge Leisure Centre.

Sadly ,they had to leave that venue after Parish Angels stole several giant chess pieces left out for a match.

Michael has received demo tapes from some big names, including Billy Bragg and The Wedding Present, and arranged three Pulp shows including at North Bridge Leisure Centre and The Piece Hall.

He was also heavily involved in starting The Doghouse gigs, giving The Courteeners their first gig outside Manchester,

The Orielles their first show and gigs at Halifax Minster for The Unthanks, I Am Kloot and John Grant.

He still meets people today who were at his early gigs.

“There were more places to play in the 1980s, with more pubs putting music on,” he said. “There seemed to be a lot more local bands then, now there’s

very few. If there are any that want to play, I will give them a go. I’ll always try and find them a spot.”

GRASSROOTS: Michael Ainsworth, who runs The Grayston Unity and co-owns Meandering Bear; The Orielles (top right) and a scene from a past Doghouse show.