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Stars Share Spotlight In A Record For Buskers















Musical legends including ex-Smiths' bassist Andy Rourke joined forces with 150 buskers from across Manchester this weekend in a bid to raise money for charity.

The world record busking attempt, organised by Versus Cancer, attracted hundreds of onlookers outside the Urbis in Cathedral Gardens.

Andy was joined by Damon Gough - better known as Badly Drawn Boy - and ex-Oasis guitarist Bonehead. The event saw performers banging drums, strumming guitars and singing along to the Oasis hit Wonderwall. The gig was also designed to highlighting the Versus Cancer concert at the M.E.N. Arena in March.

Last year's event, which attracted artists including New Order, Johnny Marr, Shaun Ryder, The Doves and Elbow, was organised after Andy's manager's sister and dad were diagnosed with cancer.

Andy said: "Versus Cancer came about because my manager found out his sister and dad had cancer.

"I wanted to do something to help and as a musician the only thing I could think of doing was putting on a concert. But I never thought it would grow to this size.

"The great thing about Manchester is all the musicians get on really well so everyone gave up their time to get involved.

"We are all about setting a new world record. There is no record at the moment so we are starting something new."

Travelled

Busker Paul McNulty travelled from Chorlton with wife Claire and children Clementine, five and Charlie, two, to take part.

He said: "I read about this event and thought it was a great way to show my children the positive effects music can have.

"I'm a computer programmer but I used to busk a lot -though I hadn't for a while."

Promoters say the busk is only a taster of the main event, which comes to the M.E.N. Arena on March 30.

The concert has already attracted bands including Ian Brown and Echo And The Bunnymen. Gig organiser and Andy's manager Nova said: "A lot of people have put a lot of hard work into the show. It has grown from an idea we had in the pub into a massive thing which is raising money to fund research into cancer and attracting some of the biggest names in music."

Watch a Video from the event Here

Source: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

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