On the back of his RSD LP release of Lahore to Longsight, we’re delighted to host an in-store with the one and only Aziz Ibrahim.

Expect a signing session, talk, Q&A and live performance, and we’ll of course have the record available to buy!

THIS IS A FREE EVENT BUT GET IN TOUCH TO RESERVE ENTRY

‘Lahore to Longsight’ never reached the world as intended, its release derailed by the events of 9/11. What started as a deeply personal solo project nurtured by friends who helped bring the songs to life, unexpectedly grew into a band with Andy Rourke (The Smiths) on bass and Mike Joyce (The Smiths) on drums—an experience that still feels surreal. Now, 25 years on in 2026 following the passing of Denise Johnson, Andy Rourke, and Mani, it feels important to finally share this long-hidden chapter of British Asian musical history. — Aziz Ibrahim

Aziz Ibrahim (Stone Roses, Simply Red, Asia) – Vocals-guitars-bass

Paul Weller (The Jam, Style Council, solo) – Vocals-electric guitar-keyboards

Mike Joyce (The Smiths, Aziz Ibrahim) – Drums

Andy Rourke (The Smiths, Aziz Ibrahim) – Bass

Mani (The Stone Roses, Primal Scream) – Bass

Reni (The Stone Roses) – Drums

Denise Johnson (Primal Scream, ACR) – Vocals-Percussion

Inder Goldfinger (Ian Brown, Fundamental) – Percussion-vocal percussion

Steve White (Style Council, Paul Weller) – Drums

Talvin Singh – Percussion

After contributing significantly to Ian Brown’s Unfinished Monkey Business, Aziz found himself quietly ready for something of his own. Collaborations with Paul Weller on Heliocentric and a remix for the Manic Street Preachers followed, each experience widening his circle and deepening his confidence. With the encouragement of new friendships and shared creative energy, he began work on an album as a singer-songwriter, supported by a remarkable cast of collaborators.
The songs drew gently from his beginnings — from Longsight and the landscape of a Manchester council estate, from the textures of his Pakistani Punjabi heritage, and from the steady presence of home. At the heart of it all was the guidance of his devout Muslim parents, a quiet influence that shaped both his perspective and his voice. From these foundations, the album gradually took form.

An influential guitarist, singer, songwriter from Manchester whose eclectic body of work
spans from The Stone Roses, Ian Bown, Simply Red, Asia to writing/staging south Asian
symphonies for the Manchester Camerata and working in prisons, homeless shelters,
charities or other community work. He has had chart success with Ian Brown (co-writing
songs such as My Star, Corpses & many more plus delivered guitars, vocals & songs for
Paul Weller.