“Great Moments in Music History” is the first exhibition in Manchester by Sheffield artist Pete McKee. The show of musically themed images (“Ian Curtis Café” shown above) will travel around Manchester bars Odd, Odder and Oddest this Autumn and Winter.

Musical references have always played a big part in Mckee’s work. Fans and clients include Oasis, Richard Hawley and The Artic Monkeys, with recent commissions including posters for Oasis’ shows at Wembley and Heaton Park.

Speaking about the exhibition McKee says:

“I kind of see Manchester as Sheffield’s naughty big brother who gets into trouble every now and then. We share a very similar DNA: Northern, industrial and musical. We’ve both made our mark on the psyche of the youth of today and yesterday, influencing them to dress and dance in a way that separates them from others and makes them feel special while sat alone in a bedroom reading LP sleeves listening to music inspired by rain and industry.

This exhibition is my way of celebrating the role Manchester’s music scene has played in helping sullen teenagers grow up to be Sheffield’s Guardian-reading social workers and teachers - or Tesco night line managers - or artists.”

Dates and venues are:
Oddest - Wilbraham Road: 8 October - 5 November
Odd - The Northern Quarter: 5 November - 7 December
Odder - Oxford Road: 7 December - 14 January

You can sneak a peak at some of the pieces at McKee's site here: www.therealmckee.co.uk/galleries

To find the venues visit www.oddbar.co.uk

UPDATE: A blind bidding auction for the painting of Ian Curtis (shown above) will run from Thursday 8th October - Tuesday 1st December. Funds raised will go to the Manchester and Sheffield branches of the emotional support charity, Samaritans. Anyone can take part in the auction. If you are interested in owning the painting you can make a bid by emailing the amount you would like to pay for the original to pete@therealmckee.co.uk.

“I am delighted to be able to hold this auction and hopefully raise lots of money for charity. Samaritans is a fantastic organisation who have helped people close to me in the past. The painting of Ian Curtis is one of my personal favourites, and i have already had plenty of interest from potential bidders”.