Laura Kennedy is an important figure in the Manchester music scene. As the co-owner of Piccadilly Records – a cult shop that has become an institution – Kennedy has crafted the store into a must-visit location for local residents and global tourists alike.
Hi Laura! Why don’t you introduce yourself for us?
My name is Laura. I own Piccadilly Records, which is a record shop in Manchester. We've been here for 30 odd years. We've been in the northern quarter since 1997.
We know you are familiar with the Baracuta G9 Harrington, what are your early memories of the G9 jacket and when was the first time you saw one?
I grew up in the early ‘80s, so it was the time of the two-tone revival and there was a Quadrophenia film, so there was a modern ska thing going on. The Specials, Madness on Top of the Pops, all those bands, everyone wore the G9. That was the thing to wear. That was the first time I remember seeing anyone wearing one.
In your opinion, how important is the G9 in the history of music?
The whole era of the two-tone scene has had a knock-on effect through the years and that style has always stood. That quite classic British mod style really has always carried through. It's not always like people were following strict rules, but it’s that general style. You still see it now.
So, it's not related to just one music genre?
No, no, I think it's kind of just a whole style, which music is tied into it, obviously, but I don't think it's just, it's kind of a bit of an identity thing, I think.
If Manchester could play an instrument as a city, what would it be?
It's probably got to be the drums, hasn't it? We like to make a noise. We like to be heard.
And what about if the G9 was an instrument, what would it be?
It’d have to be a classic instrument, a guitar probably.
What is Britishness to you?
Music and football.
