Iconic Manchester poem to be released as single
‘THIS IS THE PLACE’ WAS READ OUT AT VIGIL FOLLOWING ARENA BOMB ATTACK
TONY Walsh’s iconic poem ‘This is the Place’ is set to be released as a single.
Tony’s poem was met with roars of approval when he performed it in front of thousands of people at the vigil in Albert Square the day after the Manchester Arena bombing.
It has gone on to symbolise the city’s sense of defiance and Mancunian pride.
Now his words have been mixed with the ‘classic Hacienda sound’ by Manchester dance music production team New Mount City Breakers and will be released worldwide as a single on Monday.
All profits from the sales will be donated to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, Forever Manchester and the Manchester Mayor’s Homeless Fund.
Tony said: “On reflection it’s hardly surprising that there was an influx of requests to put my poem to music after the vigil.
“Manchester is the dance capital of England after all. I felt this version, though, was true to the classic Manchester sound, adding a new angle without detracting from the words and giving the next generation of young people an anthem to make them proud. We’re also trying to support the city’s future vision as well as helping with donations to help support people with the devastating effects of the bomb.” Producer Lee Stanley added: “Feeling as helpless as everyone else in the wake of the Manchester bomb, I just felt the urge to mix the Hacienda classic sound with the poetry of Manchester, set to the heartbeat of the city.” NMCB was originally based on New Mount Street in 1996 when the IRA bomb devastated the city. The force of the blast smashed the windows of the building at Silk Studios, where it was based. Project manager Rose Marley added: “In the 1996 bomb the city recovered by rebuilding the infrastructure and the fabric of the city with retail, and bars and restaurants and a stronger city physically emerged. “This time though it’s about supporting the people of Manchester in the aftermath.” The track is distributed through Liverpool’s Ditto Music and available for download on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon and all leading digital stores from Monday.
I felt the urge to mix the Hacienda classic sound with the poetry of Manchester set to the heartbeat of the city