GCap Signs Manchester Music Icons For Regional Xfm

GGap Media has announced the launch date for Xfm Manchester, with the rock station signing a slew of Manchester music legends in time for its debut on 15 March.

Amongst those lined up for the launch are legendary Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam, former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and former Inspiral Carpets member Clint Boon.

Infamous Manchunian music promoter Tony Wilson will also join the station, as will former Xfm London presenter Gareth Brooks.

Launching the new station at 8am will Xfm Manchester’s “jewel in the crown,” comedian Paul Tonkinson, hosting the coveted Breakfast Show. Commenting on the new launch the new host said: “Xfm is hitting Manchester and I can’t wait. I am made up to be bringing this radio station to one of the best cities in the world and am honoured to be hosting the breakfast show.

“To play decent music and chat nonsense for cash is something I am very much looking forward to. Join me for breakfast in your own home without having to actually look at me at that time in the morning.”

Xfm network managing director Nick Davidson welcomed the iconic line-up, stating: “Sometimes I can’t work out whether I’m putting together a radio station or forming Manchester’s best ever band. This city has been crying out for a station like Xfm, which was born out of music from the Madchester era. It’s a momentous occasion for a city like ours, which has been starved of a radio station with a passion for credible indie-rock music.

“Xfm playlisted bands such as Kasier Chiefs, Richard Ashcroft, The Ordinary Boys and Arctic Monkeys dominate the charts these days proving there’s a real thirst for our kind of music out there. Now at long last the good people of Manchester will be able to tune into a station that reflects that music taste 24 hours a day.”

The new station will reach a potential 2.3 million listeners in Manchester and Greater Manchester, extending as far north as Bolton and all the way to Sale in the south.

Xfm: 0871 222 1049 www.xfm.co.uk