The Blue Plaque

Thanks to Rochdale Council on the 23^rd Sept 2009 a blue plaque was unveiled at the building that used to house Cargo Studios on Kenion Street in Rochdale.

The Blue Plaque was in recognition of the effect that Cargo and the musicians who recorded there had had on the music scene between 1977 -1985 not only in the North West but eventually on the music scene throughout the UK and even into Europe.

“When I first built Cargo in 1977 there was no way I could have envisaged that all these years later the studio would even be remembered let alone be honoured with a Blue Plaque. I was surprised how many turned up for the event. Hooky gave a speech as did John Robb and Andy McCluskey. I invited a friend of mine Dominic Brunt who plays Paddy the vet in Emmerdale to say a few words just as a punter who had bought records recorded at the studio rather than a musician. The Not Sensibles, Nigel Stonier, and Section 25 were amongst many musicians who were there. I was really pleased to see Colin Richardson again after all these years not least because he contributed so much to the Cargo sound and was a favourite engineer for so many bands. I remember the times when between us we would literally work day after day and night after night non stop turning out some amazing tracks. It was hard graft, but most of it was enjoyable.”

John Brierley

Just like to say a BIG thankyou to Chris Hartford, Jamie Neild and Keith Parkinson for the photos