RIP John Hall, the ‘perfect Mancunian mix of madness, love and music’ – Manchester Evening News

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.

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.

Read more: Watch Andy Burnham belt out an acoustic version of Wonderwall while launching the Greater Manchester Music Commission

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.

The John Hall Stage will support grassroots venues and musicians and hopes to provide free rehearsal space to new bands.

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.

"You will be greatly missed. Love to Mark and all his loved ones at this difficult time."

Tameside rockers Cabbage wrote: "We have lost the most infectious, charismatic and down-rght outrageous man in our lives.

"He acted as our Tony Wilson with extra hedonism, supporting every independent group that was worth something.

"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."

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."

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!

"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"

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.

"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"

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.

"His humour & zest for life was infectious. A force of nature. Big love to his family & friends."

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."

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"

Ahead of that show, Louder Than War writer Wayne Carey posted a touching tribute to John.

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.

"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.

"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."

John posted on Facebook in early July that his cancer had 'spread in the blood to my liver, inoperable, terminal.

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."

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."

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RIP John Hall, the 'perfect Mancunian mix of madness, love and music' - Manchester Evening News