The old cinema where Jimi Hendrix & Pink Floyd played

[@keeperofthegood]

Where I live, there were Places of Legend that were hot spots of entertainment. As I grew up, entered my early teens, mid teens, late teens and finally independent living, they all shut down. By the time I was "of age" to explore and experience these places, they were firmly rooted in the decades past. If Pink Floyd were to form today, from where I am sitting, I would not be able to point and say "oh they are playing down the road at" because down the road at just does not exist any more. If they cannot sell out a 10K or 20K or larger hall, they simply would have no where to go and in that I think, like this beautiful little theater, we have lost not just a bit of history but a bit of our selves as a people.

[@yonmons]

What did my old grandma used to say about dogs…..” Am not avin out licking me that licks it’s own arse 😂 ! “ proper Lancashire women…said it like it was. Enjoyed the video chaps.

[@Richardj410]

That box in the projectionist booth was a rectifier for supplying DC electricity for the arc lamps in the projectors. .

[@colinogden]

It is a Robin Hood boiler, worked on many of these. Converting them, from solid fuel to oil fired pressure jet burners.

[@RaggyAl1971]

The boiler was made by the Beeston Boiler Company of Nottingham and is of the Robin Hood design,possibly a Colonel.

[@kevinparkin5438]

Was it the river Calder which was seen in your old cinema video right at the end

[@peterking2794]

It would probably have been coke fired originally before being converted to oil.

[@johnstilljohn3181]

Brilliant adventure...! That boiler looks like it would kill you given half a chance...!!!

[@MrsSilversurfer]

I went to that cinema back in the day. My grandparents lived across the road in wellington grove. Mum took me to see the glen miller story…dad want interested so it was up to me as a little girl to sit through it.

[@Lighting_Desk]

Breaks my heart to see such gorgeous archetecture and history just being left to rot.

[@gaffysmenk]

I used to live on Bullock St next to there.. on a small urban hippy travellers site in the early 90s. I don't think Hendrix played the Manor Lounge but many other big name bands did, Small Faces, The Who, Pretty Things.. the list goes on and on... Hendrix played in Stockport twice firstly The Sinking Ship in February 67, then back again in March 67 at the Tabernacle. If you could gain access to the Sinking Ship site that'd be interesting. It's cut into the sandstone cliff at the bottom of Hillgate. I played there myself many years ago.

[@markmunro8753]

That little dog is so cute😊😊😊Thank you Martin and James.

[@stevemarshall3481]

Been in the construction industry now for 35 years, I'm 52 and have breathing difficulties, lungs just can't seem to get enough oxygen to feed me, knowing what I know now, I'd definitely be putting a mask on whilst walking around in there.

[@m.m.i.9586]

Congratulations to James, on becoming a dog father! 🎉 Timmy is adorable, and he’s very lucky boy to have Martin for an uncle! 😄 If you all can train him, when he’s older, to wriggle into small places with a camera, what a boon to the team he could be! That’s quite a remarkable history that old cinema building has. All that decay is both sad, and at the same time, rather fascinating.

[@dulciemargaretcolton145]

We loved the boiler aswell we had a Beeston Boiler in our kitchen in late 50's-60's on 24/7 I live in Nottingham too. They should have got the Snooker tables out they would have bin worth alot of mo ey. Makes me annoyed, it's a Listed building and left to rot.

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

I always feel that there's a pitiful sort of seediness that envelopes old cinema's once their original use ends. Like you said in the video, once they become a bingo hall that's the nail in the coffin. All those old cinema's that have been re-purposed for the same old reasons. Music, snooker, bingo, the same old downward spiral.

[@TheDoosh79]

These nice old buildings weren't really made with maintenance costs in mind I don't think, when some tin pot bingo outfit takes it on they barely make a profit let alone have the money for the upkeep of the building. Hence that naff suspended ceiling covering up the amazing original one.

[@nikanikasavina]

how sad it is abandoned and not used as a concert hall/cinema anymore 😢

[@jetsons101]

Blame smartphones and online gaming.

[@jean-lucpicard5510]

​@@jetsons101 Always the first scapegoat with people like you.

[@colinogden]

Have you ever considered looking at the history of the Lancaster Canal? Especially the disused northern reaches section, with the 1700s gunpowder. Mills.And the locks and Especially Hincaster tunnel. I have walked this section many times.And sailed the canal for many years.

[@colinogden]

I have sailed the disused sections of the Northern reaches many times in my vintage launch. Including Hincaster tunnel in a dinghy. Several years ago, I restored bridge 180 at Larkrigg Hall.and walked this section a few times. A very good friend of mine is a relative of the family who started the gun powder Mills.Sir Humphry Wakefield of Chillingham Castle. A group of boaters started restoring the locks at tewitfield, but CRT halted all work. I am on the canal at the moment, enjoying sailing.

[@philipduckworth5020]

Martin i used to go to manor lounge in its hey day also acts that appeared there i saw was P P Arnold The Troggs and a good singer from Eccles called Lovelace Watkins was a regular act as a filler. Great time was had.

[@Hairnicks]

Well done Martin, it's good to step out of the box occasionally and that was fascinating plus the fact that another bit of history has been recorded and investigated for future generations. I'm 66 now, but when I was about 12 I lived in Taunton in Somerset and went with my sisters to our Gaumont cinema and watched The Kinks and The Hollies perform, they were up and coming bands, also at 16 saw Debbie Harry as a supporting act in the Taunton County Hotel! We sometimes have no idea what we're witnessing do we?

[@markmunro8753]

Thank you Martin and James . It is true dogs are like their owners😂😂😂😊

[@mikesheldon1957]

You mentioned that Rod Stewart played at that cinema amongst others. One of our family friends is called Gary LePort and Rod was his harmonica player in his band called the Moontrekkers in the 60's who released an instrumental single called the 'Night of the Vampires' that Gary wrote that was banned by the BBC. Gary played in the band 'Jimmy Powell and the Five Dimensions', and my partner Maggie's father played with him in the local Hampshire band called 'The Plonkers' on the Double Bass. Gary played with Rod obviously before Rod hit the big time as they were school friends, later Gary played with all manor of famous people and he's still with us living in Christchurch in Hampshire with his partner.

[@carolynmartin5336]

Hello from Australia. We think it's Hebden bridge. We will be visiting there in the Summer.

[@mal_752]

I remember it as a Snooker 🎱 venue.. Pass it every day on the way to Hazel Grove. Well done Martin & Co. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@oldmanhuppiedos]

A beautiful kitchen James, a cuddly Poodle your pup. It is a special building Wellington Cinema with its special history.

[@evie.3625]

I can never understand how listed buildings are allowed to rot away silently like that. It’s such a shame.

[@andrewwarcup684]

Hi Martin, the projection room would have had two carbon arc projectors, each ran for twenty minutes before changing over. Once running, and the film had gone through the count down the 'slots' would be open and the other one shut, as the film ran out. There could have been a third, which would have been used for advertising slides.

[@jonrutherford6852]

There are a number of good videos on KZbin showing the workings of projection booths similar to this venue's. Well worth watching and another glimpse of a world now almost totally changed due to "digital" innovation.

[@RaggyAl1971]

The lamp house behind the projector had the carbon arc system, not the projector itself,one of the best was the Peerless "Magnarc" lamp house.

[@andrewwarcup684]

@@RaggyAl1971 hi, that is technically correct. Worked in a projection room, had one lamp 'projector' and two with carbon arcs, till one was replaced with a second lamp. Had to throw the knives, start the power, then slowly bring the carbon rods together to get a flame, then pull apart till about a half inch. When the platter system was introduced, the second 'projector' was spare, as the film was now joined in a continuous length.

[@robertmaitland09]

That phrase 'the past is another country' rings so true, this is modern archeology at its best. Cheers Martin.

[@ponyboymb]

Another excellent video, young man. Aww the puppy, what a cutie 👌🏻👌🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💯💯

[@MrJeep75]

Would be a very gorgeous building to restore

[@ArcAudios77]

Thanks Gentlemen, good watch & listen. Laughed at James 'thoughts of drinking 40 year old bottle of Beer'. Glad it was actually passed over. James, happy for you - your furry Lad. Like having a Kid, without doubts. Enjoy it as the test it is. Best wishes as you move forwards & regards from the West of Scotland.

[@badgerlandcouk]

Painting is of Hebden Bridge - the place of the cute railway station, the canal marina, the flood-prone town and all the welcoming coffee shops.

[@timjones6255]

Good to see lads. I remember a couple of old cinemas when I was a kid. They were very elegant buildings, and it's sad more were not listed and preserved. Big comfy seats too, just like the old railway carriages. Kia-ora and choc ices 👌🏻

[@danielbarrows7144]

Very cool Route 66 road sign in the basement!

[@gregbolitho9775]

Good stuff Martin, James. G'day Timmy. J.Russel/Poodle? When they sold my Y.M.C.A. in Ballarat they made nearly $30,000 for the 2 Antique Pool Tables that had been there since the late 20s. This is shocking to see these similar tables left like this. The ceiling frieze reminded me of the old Vegas Cinema in Ballarat. Nice walk around m8s, appreciate that look.

[@navigator902]

I'm hooked.... One of the best contents I've seen lately, with good friends, Martin and James... Thanks Gents Having a brew too, and James got a puppy too . So cute Timmy.

[@gregbolitho9775]

Thanks!

[@patrickspeer2990]

Definitely need a Timmy Cam. Thanks for pics to see what it used to look like. Somebody should save that molding and windows. My mom did that, took me to theater called a Hippodrome in Cleveland and saved a woman's face in plaster molding and several flowers, then she spray painted it gold and made it a piece of art. Those windows would be worth a lot, well worth effort to get them out. Original stain glass is worth a helluva lot today. It seems like that would have been a club in the 1980s and 90s. Unfair questions, there are Americans watching and we have no idea where that painting is 🦀☔🎄

[@AidanEyewitness]

Wow, that’s incredible. I never knew it was a music venue. Unbelievable. And to see it on the inside is quite an experience though, rather depressing. I know this building because I live not far away and pass it frequently. I remember when it was still open, though I never went in. Well, you’ve made my day, Martin, I won’t look at that building in the same way again, now I know what’s inside! The nearest music venue today on Wellington Road South is the Spinning Top, a mile or so north, next door to where the legendary boutique 7 Miles Out was in the 60s.

[@stephenwebb24]

Not a music venue as such, but the Blossoms just over the road from this place has pretty frequent gigs in the upstairs room. I was at one a few weeks ago.

[@aorlanguages]

@@stephenwebb24 Yes, you are right. I should have mentioned it and it has a band named after it!

[@apb3251]

The Plaza which was saved, refurbished and invested in is an amazing place both for music and films. It has been put back to how it would have looked in the 1930s.

[@AidanEyewitness]

@@apb3251 Yes the Plaza is fantastic. The interior is incredible and the volunteers do a great job of running the place. A great asset to Stockport

[@Randy_Loafers]

I’ve always been aware of its history and it was great to soak it in when I became a member of Riley’s to play pool. Such a sad end to a great building.

[@damianbutterworth2434]

I have seen old adverts about the same time for music do`s in Lincoln and Pink Floyd and Jimi was on the list. They must of been going round the whole country. Someone shared a picture of the queue outside and old cinema here where the Beetles were playing and my mum and dad was in the picture. 1963.

[@HighPeakVideo]

Interaction of Martin with the puppy reminded me of Harry Corbett with Sweep...

[@rickmarsden9101]

Been away for a month and just catching up. really enjoyed the video and the interaction between you both. keep up the good work. Rick.

[@MrToradragon]

That stuff on the wall at 4:59 seems to be indeed audio amplifier that could be as old as 1930's, those tubes looks lot like 6K7 or 6J7 which both can be used in input stage of audio amplifiers.

[@MrShotlighter]

The valves in the amp are 1940's era, probably ex WW11 American military with those metal jackets.

[@SteveW139]

@@MrShotlighter The metal cans are screens to prevent the valves from picking up interference from the carbon arcs in the projectors.

[@MrShotlighter]

@@SteveW139 Whilst screening would be essential in close proximity to arc lamps, here the screening is an integral part of the valves seen in the video. These metal clad valves (tubes) were originally developed by RCA in the U.S. Widespread cheap availability, as surplus following WWII, meant they were then widely used in the UK too. In the video, one can be seen on the left of the upper chassis & another hanging from its top cap from the same chassis. (At 1st glance it looks like a cable with an octal connector on the end)

[@MrToradragon]

@@MrShotlighter I have bunch of those 6K7 made in 60's in USSR (yes they just copied those designs and early were not even renumbered according to their system) and those are metallic as well as 6K7 were originally developed having metal body (just as 6V6, 6F6 and many other, EF12 comes to mind), glass tubes would be 6K7G (or maybe GT). 6J7 would be the same story (designed in same time as 6K7 but for lower frequencies). Those metallic cans are not just shields, but body of the tube itself. But most likely origin of those tubes would be US Army surpluses or supplies in post war period.

[@davedear929]

The banter and humour is what makes your yideos. So different from other urbex guys. Keep it up. Thank you Martin and James..

[@jonrutherford6852]

Agreed -- it makes me happy to watch these videos, almost like briefly visiting good friends.

[@liamkinder8697]

Can't believe I passed this place so many times and never bothered to check it out

[@lorrainemerry8661]

What an amazing painting

[@jeffjones6107]

This old cinema features in when stockport rocked book, many big bands learnt there trade in stockport in the sixties. Sad to see a building with such history left to decay. Another great video, Martin and the team. 👍

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thanks for the video today. It’s a shame on how the these places become destroyed. Good to see you and Giggles today!!! See you both on the next! Cheers mates! ❤❤😊😊

[@Dave64track]

What a great looking building it's such a shame that these building are just left to rot like that the National lottery should put money into these places and open them back up for the community. That boiler did look amazing a great piece of history it should be put in a museum or something and preserved along with those stained glass windows. Love the dog James, your dad is very talented with that painting it looks like Hebden Bridge. Keep up the great work guys and keep the memory of these historical places going. 🦮

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Can’t believe all the gear left in there ! If you had your red lens it would have looked like war of worlds in there 🧱👍🏼

[@elainemclelland5121]

Aw bless, he's so cute ... and the dog isn't bad either!! 😊 Another good video though.

[@nickshipway8199]

Yep, that bit, in the projection room, that you thought was a sound system is definitely the remains of a valve powered amplifier or two. The large steel box, on the other side, is a ballast unit which would have provided power to the arc lamps in the projectors. Likely, by the age of the gear, they would have been carbon rod arc lamps, that the projectionist would have needed to constantly monitor to ensure that the gap between the carbon rods, as they would burn away. As the rods burnt out and the arc gap increased, I think the current would change, which is why the large amp meters were needed. Also, as you go down the steps again, there was a glimpse of some old resistance coils, which may possibly have been to do with the house lights dimming system.

[@anneforster510]

Hebden Bridge ? Thanks Martin for the tour. I can imagine my Dad went to the pictures there in the 1930s , he was living in Stockport at that time.

[@mesmogruvinski]

Love your dog James. I had a little black poodle. I had to have her put down. She was so brave and funny. She'd leave the ball for me to find and stare at me. You're going to have so much fun. Poodles have a fabulous temperament. They're clever too. They used them in circuses.

[@johnn1575]

Great to see these old spots and record them. Hopefully the council won't knock it down - if it was in Carlisle it would be gone! Remember the Lonsdale in Carlisle it was an amazing spot with mouldings etc, now a car park. Dog will keep James a bit fitter!

[@davehanson7764]

Great video Martin , those snooker tables must be worth a small fortune.

[@rowgli]

Probably only need a good clean and new felt.

[@philjones3550]

I live around the corner from the Wellington its a disgrace how its been left to fall into decay there is a lot of renovation projects happening in Stockport at the moment hopefully somebody will find a new purpose for it save it and bring it back to life.

[@allanboult]

The painting is of the canal in Hebden Bridge, the building to the left of the painting is I think, the Thai restaurant (Rim Tam?)

[@havingalook2]

How bizarre - they walked out, locked the door and then we see what we see. No effort to sell off the assets. I know it would take millions of £ but it would make a great set of flats. And likely in Stockport too, housing is needed. Well done for going out late at night and covering this for us. James - your Timmy is lovely. That is great. Cheers

[@stevemarshall3481]

Amazing to think there's probably a couple of grands worth of snooker tables up there 😯

[@ocsrc]

The old original amplifiers and electric equipment for them is amazing

[@mitchlaw1210]

Another excellent video there Martin & James. Always a shame to see a place like that turn to ruin. Can’t believe the snooker & pool tables were all just left in there.. like you say, it’s as if someone thought it would be reopening. And the painting by James’s dad I reckon is Hebden bridge, nicely painted by the way 👍👍👍

[@Aramis419]

JUST ten years?! What a fascinating story!

[@robertdodd2087]

You expressed interest in the old boiler featured here. Couple of this I can tell you, it’s probably a Robin Hood boiler, made in Nottingham. I supervised one going into the miners club in St Helens in about 84. (During the strike). It was probably originally coal or coke fired, being converted to oil. Wouldn’t be very efficient, but very, very robust.

[@virginiaorganbuilder]

There may have been a theater pipe organ somewhere, but the pipe chambers would have been on an upper floor at the front of the building. Love this channel!

[@peterstecks7660]

By 'eck lads. That took me back a bit. I went to the Manor Lounge, just once when I was 15, so 1965. We had to queue down the stairs to get in. No one was on. Just the DJ playing Tamla Motown and Soul. I only went the once. It was dark and full of cigarette smoke. Hated it. We'd just started caving. Much more sensible. At the other end of that fabulous building was a branch of the Nat West Bank where my Mam used to bank. Another great video guys. Much appreciated. I don't know if Jimmy Hendrix played at the Manor. He definitely played at the Tabernacle because I saw him there. A friend of mine went into the Mersey Café in Mersey Square and Jimmy was in there on his own. My friend sat with him and chatted. He said he was a great guy. I wasn't there but I have no reason to think he wasn't telling the truth.

[@chrisgraver2112]

Looks like Hebden Bridge. Lovely painting

[@peterduffield221]

Great video many thanks , hope the cinema doesn't go up in flames like all the other graded building do so they can build flats

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

I've passed the place years ago and someone mentioned it being the Manor Lounge, but I never realised that there was more history to the building than that. I believe they did have stuff like soul music nights, but never realise that Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix , Tom Jones, etc., performed there. That old boiler looked a spectacle, what a piece of machinery in its day. Shame about the neglect, the damp and the water in the place. I just hope that the building doesn't have to come down. Great stuff, Martin, and many thanks including James, Roy as well.

[@Stormy_69]

Is that painting Hebden Bridge? Not been there for almost 30 years, but it looks familiar.

[@davidneesam2626]

Another interesting video Martin. Shame to see the place in such a state. Would be good to see it restored.

[@sarahcrowther6267]

Awwww timmy is a little baby, he will love going on adventures. Dont forget Timmy was the name of the dog in Famous Five adventures. 🥰🐾🐾🐾

[@SuperRobo2010]

i know the place well, when it was a club in the 60s they didnt have a drinks licence so you had to get "stamped out" and nip to the nearby pub for a beer before returning! oh and Jimi never played here ! the owner had another club facing the Strawberry studios called the Tabanacle, jimi did play there as well as another club off underbank called the sinking ship. great to see this though!

[@projektor4]

Pink Floyd didn´t play there either but did play the Tabernacle in Waterloo Road Hillgate.

[@mrbillmacneill]

Fascinating and eerie old joint! Couldn't make out James's dad painting - a bit too dark for my eyes...not to mention I was viewing it on my phone.

[@maggiefleuriot4427]

Hi guys! Thanks for the look into the past. James I have a mug exactly like yours😮. Please do a Timmycam, that dog is legend, I love him❤. Nice to see how James lives, too. Blessings to you all.

[@MrSteffen2020]

Thanks you Martin for nice video see you next time

[@davidberlanny3308]

I loved that old boiler. It's a lovely building, hope it can be reused for something and not allowed to decay so far that it has to be demolished. All those snooker tables, if the wood isn't too far gone maybe still worth something I would think. I guess all towns went through the same cycle, music hall to cinema, to bingo then some went to be clubs others snooker halls. I used to play snooker in the Majestic in Portsmouth which was a cinema, the upper part still had the seats of the circle, it was said to be haunted as well. Maybe Jame's dog can be a muffler on your microphone (maybe not😂😂😂) ... nice Kitchen James. Great video, enjoyed this one. Good luck from Spain!!

[@unholyaudiochannel]

No way, I remember that spooky old place, used to go past it all the time on the 192. Its been like that for years!

[@unholyaudiochannel]

!!THESE MESSAGES ARE SCAMMERS!!

[@qbuk7053]

really good painting of hebden bridge, also i hope the front of this building can be saved

[@nigelblair2182]

Great vid. Painting looks like Hebden Bridge.

[@colinnicholson975]

The painting is the canal at Hebden Bridge. Love your site BTW Colin an exciled scouser now in Saddleworth

[@brianaveriss7972]

Great video, it’s incredible how the building has being left like that. Thank you guys.

[@MrMush78]

Hell on earth did this not so long ago good to see it from another point of view 👍

[@derelictmanchester8745]

Good vid Martin, don't blame you and the lads not having a brew insitu, that dead bird on the pool table, and furry walls ..deffo no go..❤😊😊

[@WaveForceful]

Hey Martin, have you ever considered doing fiddlers ferry in Warrington?

[@antonyspence5075]

Great Video Guys, and great to see the old snooker hall, I actually used to play in there in the 80’s. Love the new member of the team, he’s like Gonzo from the muppets. Lol Also the picture is Hebden Bridge. 😄

[@stephenbrammall2565]

This was a great treat for me to see Martin, I would have passed that on my way to St Georges Secondary School, from our home in Union Street, probably not more than a mile or two away, now I'm talking of back in the very early 1960's after moving there from the IOM..

[@stevewilcox6375]

Amazed that they left all those tables! Thanks for another interesting post.

[@TalesOfWar]

I was pretty surprised too. Those things are NOT cheap!

[@garethparr9482]

Great explore fellas. Funny that floor hasn’t gone through with the weight of those snooker tables weighing down on it!

[@EddieSalford]

Wow, what a great history to list those bands... The painting by the way. Hebden Bridge. I've taken photos of that very same view 🙂

[@shirleylynch7914]

Excellent explore. Most enjoyable. The stairs and floors looked very scary. Oh James love Timmy. He is gorgeous. You will had great fun together. The jaffa cakes looked rather tasty. Thank fir a great fun video

[@rob1134]

I have driven past that building so many times over the years and wondered what it was like inside and now I know. Good effort filming inside it. Sadly looks a bit grim.

[@richardjohn7991]

Used to go there with my friend on the way to Rusholme for curry from Congleton. Must be 20 plus yrs ago. It was damp then and raining in .In parts. Great Vlog Martin , James etc. Hadn't a clue the greats had performed there. 👍

[@jetsons101]

Looks like James has a nice decorative magnet collection on his fridge "ice box." I hope all the stain glass windows get saved, and how did so many roots make their way in there? That old boiler has "Steam Punk" written all over it. Looks like James's dad was quite a talented artist. Thanks to Martin and James for their time and work.....

[@creationinmotion4124]

Nice one guys 👍👍

[@B.McAllister]

That white fungus that looks like frost is very dangerous. You should wear some respiratory gear doing these. Just looking out for your health, love from Niagara Falls Canada. Also, did you find any guitar picks ? Haha.

[@robertdodd2087]

Especially as place probably full of exposed asbestos

[@davidclark3603]

That, again, brilliant!

[@ontheflyby270]

The boiler.... Looks like a Beeston Boiler Company... Possibly from the Robin Hood series. Most likely oil fired. They used to be really popular around the NW being manufactured localish in Nottingham. Shifted a few out of these out of MCC buildings around 15 years back. Amazing bits of engineering. Look like part of a steam engine.

[@Bender24k]

Hooray! New puppy! Thanks guys!

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Really enjoyed that. I also found that boiler a great part. Love the painting but have no idea where it is. Please take care

[@gareth.s9146]

I work over the road from it an used to play pool in there. The doors been prised open for awhile now. Hope no wronguns go in and it ends up gone. Needs saving

[@simonwatson9219]

Great painting. I think it’s Hebdon Bridge, West Yorkshire. Thanks for the videos!