‘It was all part of The Masterplan’
One of Manchester’s most instantly-recognisable art walls has just become even more familiar thanks to a new addition.
The Afllecks mural wall has been a mainstay in the city for locals and visitors alike since the artwork first emerged in the quirky shopping emporium around 25 years ago.
The murals, now on the building’s exterior along Tib Street in the Northern Quarter, were last updated 13 years ago by artist Mark Kennedy to feature a host of updated icons including Eric Cantona, Julie Goodyear, and Ian Brown.
Mark has now replaced one of the mosaic panels with a new installation paying homage to Oasis – in partnership with the neighbouring Definitely Maybe bar, which serves as a haven for fans of the supergroup.
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The city centre venue, situated in the former Black Dog Ballroom spot, features memorabilia, signed items and posters dedicated to the group – and it’s set to be the ultimate place for Oasis fans to visit as hype surrounds their Live ‘25 reunion gigs this month.
The new artwork features a mosaic-tiled blue background alongside a picture of the Gallagher brothers and the caption ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’, referencing one of the biggest Oasis songs.
For Paul and Mark Gallagher, who run the Definitely Maybe bar, it was something that had always been in the pipeline since they opened the bar in December last year having first opened the venture in Bolton back in 2020.
“We needed something proper,” Paul, who is sadly not related to the Oasis brothers despite his coincidental surname, told the Manchester Evening News. “We always wanted to do something proper so we thought now was the perfect opportunity with the gigs now so close.”
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The mural was officially unveiled on Tuesday (July 1) in front of a crowd of super fans, with Manchester music legend and DJ Clint Boon helping reveal Mark’s finished design, which took two months to complete.
“Oasis have always been a part of mural’s narrative since the very beginning,” artist Mark said. “So, really, it’s just an update on their story. It was decided to replace the mural, which had been tied in with Black Dog Ballroom, and the owners asked me if I wanted to make something.
“It just fell into place, really. I’m very proud of it – it’s something that people from all over the world are going to come and see whilst visiting Manchester, and I think it’s going to be part of a lot of tours of the city too, which is really exciting. It’s just a nice chapter of Manchester’s music scene that needs to be said.”
Asked how it feels to be the artist behind one of the city’s instantly-recognisable pieces of street art, Mark joked: “Well, it was all part of The Masterplan. But, honestly, I’m really proud of it and my parents are really proud of it too, and to make your parents proud is the best thing anyone can do in their lives, right?”
Definitely Maybe, which features a menu of Oasis-themed food and cocktails, will be hosting a series of day parties to coincide with each of the band’s Heaton Park shows between July 11 and 20.
The ticketed parties will feature live music, merchandise discounts, and even a free bucket hat upon entry. For co-owner Paul, the parties and the updated mural just add to what is set to be a big celebratory moment for the band and their legacy.
“We have had a lot of interest since we opened in December and things have just built up for us since then,” Paul, who will be attending the first reunion gig in Cardiff on Friday, explained. “It’s been wonderful to see faces from all over the world from those who share the same passion or Oasis as we do.
“We have a map of the world on our wall and there are notes from the towns and cities where people who have visited us have come from. We’re expecting that to get a lot busier when the gigs are on.”
AJ Martyn, general manager at Afflecks, added of Oasismania sweeping over the city: “It’s the biggest family reunion of the year! All year round, for many years, Afflecks has been a popular place for Oasis fans to get their records, posters and t-shirts.
“We also have a range of traders, like R Kid and Mad For Art, who are doing some really special things that are inspired not just by Oasis but lots of other Manchester bands and artists. But we’ve definitely noticed a few fans coming in to buy their tour outfits and treat themselves to some Oasis merch.”
Definitely Maybe is on 52 Church Street, Manchester, M4 1PW.
