For some a sell-out show at a 20,000 seater arena is the best way to watch live music.
But what about those more intimate venues which squeeze a few hundred people into a basement and show some of the best musical talent around?
And Manchester, it seems, boasts plenty of those.
MM takes a look at the top 5 alternative music venues the city has to offer.
5. Band on the Wall
Situated on Swan Street in the Northern Quarter, Band on the Wall caters to all musical tastes, showcasing the best music from all over the world.
The club name dates back to the 1930s when landlord Ernie Tyson created a stage for musicians high up on the far wall.
It was built as a flagship pub in 1862, and was a popular sport for World War Two soldiers, before being converted into a jazz club in 1975.
Nowadays, it is a not-for-profit venue which was voted the Best Night Spot at the 2010 Manchester Tourism Awards.
This week’s line-up includes folk band Kan, reggae legends The Abyssinians, and Nigerian soul singer Funmi Olawumi.
4. Gorilla
A spot arguably as renowned for its bar and kitchen as its music, Whitworth Street venue Gorilla certainly stands out from the rest.
With its eye-catching glass arch, Gorilla is just as quirky inside as out, featuring a stunning retro dining area with a mezzanine design.
Notable acts such as Mercury-nominated rapper Ghostpoet and the American indie rock band We Are Scientists will perform in the 600 capacity venue this month.
And if you love quality food and drink as well as music Gorilla also boasts a gin parlour and a pretty mean burger.
3. Deaf Institute
Just around the corner from Manchester Metropolitan University, Deaf Institute comes from the people behind Gorilla, and shares much of its distinct features.
Its three tiers include a Ground Floor Cafe Bar, a Basement Bar and Upstairs Music Hall.
Gigs are predominantly held in the Music Hall, a venue with a capacity of 260 people. However, on club nights it can hold as many as 500.
Legendary American rock group Camper Van Beethoven, Scottish band Glasvegas and alternative pop duo Paper Aeroplanes are among some of the names playing Deaf Institute over the coming weeks.
But if you prefer going along to watch local acts, or even perform yourself, Deaf Institute hosts an open mic night every Sunday.
2. The Roadhouse
Northern Quarter establishment The Roadhouse is regarded as the gateway to the Northern Quarter.
Regarded as the rock n roll alternative to the Manchester Arena, The Roadhouse has all the ingredients of a celebrated underground venue; a low ceiling, confined floor space and, most importantly, great music.
World-famous bands including Coldplay, Blink 182 and The White Stripes have performed here and Match of the Day 2 presenter Colin Murray even performed a DJ set there – surely it doesn’t get much more diverse than this!
1. Sound Control
This legendary venue on New Wakefield Street is steeped in musical folklore, and has earned its reputation as one of Manchester’s most popular music homes.
In 1984 the drummer Mani of a little-known band read an advert placed in A1 Music, as the venue was known then, and suggested they play there.
He persuaded the rest of The Stone Roses to gig there and the rest, as they say, is history.
A1 sold guitars and other musical instruments, with its clientele including the likes of Johnny Marr and Noel Gallagher.
Since then it has transformed into a three-floor venue, featuring a 500 capacity live music room, with a bar and dressing room.
Not just a venue for well-established artists, Sound Control is a fantastic place for unsigned acts to get their name out there as The Stone Roses discovered.
This place is a must-go for people who know and love their music.
Picture courtesy of jenny-juniper via Flickr, with thanks
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