Tributes have poured in following the death of John Hall, a 'Manchester gig legend' and passionate champion of the local music scene.<\/p>\n
John, a 'perfect Mancunian mix of madness, love and music', died on August 18 of oesophageal cancer.<\/p>\n
Key figures in the local music industry have been sharing their memories of the legendary character ever since, with a tribute concert taking place this evening.<\/p>\n
Read more: Watch Andy Burnham belt out an acoustic version of Wonderwall while launching the Greater Manchester Music Commission <\/p>\n
The For John concert will take place at Salford's Sacred Trinity Church, with all funds donated to the charity John was setting up before his death.<\/p>\n
The John Hall Stage will support grassroots venues and musicians and hopes to provide free rehearsal space to new bands.<\/p>\n
Following the news of his death, Manchester band The Slow Readers Club posted: \"RIP John Hall, what a wonderful man, a legendary figure on the Manchester music scene and a passionate champion of our band and so many others.<\/p>\n
\"You will be greatly missed. Love to Mark and all his loved ones at this difficult time.\"<\/p>\n
Tameside rockers Cabbage wrote: \"We have lost the most infectious, charismatic and down-rght outrageous man in our lives.<\/p>\n
\"He acted as our Tony Wilson with extra hedonism, supporting every independent group that was worth something.<\/p>\n
\"There's a hole in the sky today and I speak for endless groups when I say John Hall was well and truly, one of a kind. Hope to see you on the other side John. We all love you dearly.\"<\/p>\n
Dave Haslam said of John: \"A massive music fan and a hugely loved man who went to all the best gigs, and was properly inspiring to so many of us in Manchester. Well miss you so much.\"<\/p>\n
Photographer Nathan Whittaker, also known as Manc Wanderer, wrote: \"One of the things I love most about going to gigs is seeing familiar faces, and that mutual love of music!<\/p>\n
\"John Hall - an absolute legend of the Manchester music scene and to say youll be missed is an understatement. The gigs wont be the same without that smile. RIP\"<\/p>\n
A post from Even The Stars blog said: \"John Hall was the single biggest inspiration to this blog in the early days when I thought I couldnt write for s***, always encouraging.<\/p>\n
\"Hes done that for countless artists too. His loss is all our losses and Manchester will be a poorer place without him. Love you x\"<\/p>\n
Writer Peter Guy added: \"Sorry to hear Manchester gig legend John Hall has left us. I met John at a festival & became friends, bonding at various gigs, he was as passionate a man about music you could meet.<\/p>\n
\"His humour & zest for life was infectious. A force of nature. Big love to his family & friends.\"<\/p>\n
Photographer, director and author Paul Husband said: \"John Hall was that perfect Mancunian mix of madness, love and music. Everytime a new band plays in Manchester his presence will be felt.\"<\/p>\n
The O2 Ritz, which hosted a huge concert for John earlier this month, wrote: \"Sending our heartfelt thoughts to John Hall, and his nearest and dearest. A true inspiration. All our love\"<\/p>\n
Ahead of that show, Louder Than War writer Wayne Carey posted a touching tribute to John. <\/p>\n
It reads: \"For those who dont know John Hall, you probably do. Hes probably been at a gig near you somewhere if you support the unsigned grass roots bands of our creative city.<\/p>\n
\"He also played an instrumental part in evacuating people from the flats above The Arndale Centre when the bomb devastated the bottom of Market Street back in the mid 90s.<\/p>\n
\"Hes a shine of light on the music scene with a massive heart and a genuine love for all things music. A proper character who instantly charms his way into your life after your first meet.\"<\/p>\n
John posted on Facebook in early July that his cancer had 'spread in the blood to my liver, inoperable, terminal. <\/p>\n
He wrote: \"I have been given 4 months to live. Details of wake (which I will be at hopefully) on 28\/8 to follow. Stay cool and love one another.\"<\/p>\n
But an update just a month later on August 4 read: \"The cancer has spread so quickly Im too weak and ill to undergo ANY more treatment. So now its a few short weeks not months. Bleak.\"<\/p>\n
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RIP John Hall, the 'perfect Mancunian mix of madness, love and music' - Manchester Evening News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tributes have poured in following the death of John Hall, a 'Manchester gig legend' and passionate champion of the local music scene. John, a 'perfect Mancunian mix of madness, love and music', died on August 18 of oesophageal cancer Continue reading