Gavin Stirrup, a 63-year-old retired professional boxer, enjoys an unparalleled view of Castlefield Bowl's Sounds of the City concerts from his living room. His apartment on Rice Street sits immediately above the open-air venue, offering floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the stage.
Prime Location with a Side of Noise
Stirrup moved into the property in 2003 and has since become a fixture of the concert season. While the two-week event brings noise until 10:30 or 11 p.m., followed by crowds spilling into nearby pubs, he embraces it. 'I don't mind it! It's part of life, people enjoy the event, coming out and getting dressed up. It's fantastic! It's a great feeling,' he told the Manchester Evening News.
Memorable Performances and Unexpected Pleasures
The standout moment for Stirrup was seeing local legends New Order perform in 2016. He also looks forward to his second chance to see the Sex Pistols, having missed them in 1979 when their Rochdale show was banned. 'I'm from the age when they'd first come out and shocked the world. I had tickets to see them in Rochdale in 1979, but it got banned on the night by the local authority and it never took place, I was always disappointed,' he said.
Stirrup's exposure to diverse acts has broadened his musical horizons. He recalled, 'I actually saw Kylie Minogue there as well, which I really enjoyed. I didn't think I would, but she was good.'
Sharing the Experience with Family and Fans
Stirrup's friends and relatives often join him for select shows. 'This Saturday my niece and her friends are coming around. They're like 15 and 13, and really like The Streets,' he said. 'They want me to go out, and I don't mind cause it lets them enjoy it, and I can see the same show tomorrow since they're playing twice.'
He also notices neighbours on adjacent balconies charging for the view. 'There's some apartments just to the right of mine which have a balcony, and people climb out the windows, and I'm sure they must be charging cause there's different people there every year and you can see by the body language that some of them don't know each other,' he laughed, adding that tickets cost £75 and are always sold out.
A Tradition of Waving Goodbye
When concertgoers exit through the Rice Street gates, Stirrup waves from his window. 'Everyone waves back which is great, it makes me feel like I've got loads of friends!' he said. 'They've just seen a concert, so are in a happy mood anyway, so I like to share that happiness with them.'
From Boxing Ring to Battlefield
Before retiring, Stirrup was a professional boxer in his 20s, once facing world champion 'Sugar Boy' Malinga in Johannesburg. He later served in the army, fought in the Falklands, and was held prisoner for four months in Afghanistan. 'It was a great experience, looking back at it, though it was terrible, but I'll never forget it. I chose to do that and was happy to serve my country. Maybe one day I'll write a book,' he said.
No Regrets About City Living
Stirrup has no complaints about his uniquely placed flat. 'It's just a symptom of living in the city centre, there's good things and bad things about everything in the end, you've got to be ready to put up with things like that. Far more people enjoy it that don't.' He added, 'They get such great bands, everyone wants to play there, and I look forward to the events. Not just because of listening to the music, but the social side in nearby bars. I like to join in and pretend to be a concert attendee.'
