Iconic Manchester Buskers Announce Comeback After Six-Year Break
After a six-year absence, the renowned Piccadilly Rats busking band is set to reclaim their iconic spot in Manchester. Known as the city’s most famous street performers, the group has captivated audiences for years at the corner of Lever Street and Piccadilly Gardens with energetic renditions of rock and roll classics.
The band’s regular performances came to a halt following the tragic death of frontman Ray Boddington in 2019. The 77-year-old Manchester legend passed away in hospital after being struck by a Metrolink tram on High Street near the Arndale Centre. He had been heading home from a gig at The Millstone pub in the Northern Quarter.
Another devastating loss struck in 2024 when Tommy Piggott, affectionately known as ‘Tommy Trouble’ in the band, died at 88 following a seizure. The dancer, famous for his 1960s policeman’s outfit, had battled cancer, dementia, and epilepsy for years.
A Legacy of Resilience and Community
Behind the Piccadilly Rats’ quirky costumes and unconventional dance routines lies a compelling tale of overcoming addiction, abuse, and hardship through unbreakable bonds of friendship, perseverance, and the healing power of music. Fans wondered if the band’s spirit would ever revive after these losses.
Recent updates from guitarist and founder Garry ‘Gaz’ Stanley bring hope. He revealed that the surviving members, Heath Dean and Alan Jones, are eager to resume performing. The group plans to rehearse songs throughout January and February before returning to Lever Street in March.
One key motivation for the reunion was spotting their old setup spot untouched and waiting. ‘It’s exactly the same,’ Gaz noted. ‘Nothing’s changed about it, and it’s been stood there all that time and nothing’s happened. It’s still there so we can still do it.’
Gaz Stanley’s Journey and Open Invitation
Originally from Harpurhey, Gaz formed the Piccadilly Rats in 2013 while working as a struggling actor. A self-taught musician, he has guest-starred in shows like Emmerdale and Shameless and even earned £1,000 for a bizarre Heinz salad cream commercial involving a ferret. To make ends meet, he once collected discarded free newspapers in the city centre and held advertising boards for Pizza Hut on Market Street.
Now retired, Gaz feels the pull to perform again. To fill the voids left by Ray and Tommy, he extends an open invitation for aspiring members to join. ‘Just come and join us,’ he encouraged. ‘Come and join us, you know, you can have a go, because you don’t have to be brilliant. You don’t have to be a great singer. If you want to have a go at playing the guitar, you can use my guitar. You can use all our equipment. You know, if there’s anybody out there wants to have a go, they can join in. It’s that type of group anyway where anybody joins in.’
Reflecting on the return, Gaz admitted mixed emotions: ‘Yeah, it’s exciting, but a bit nerve-wracking as well. Ray and Tommy were a big part of the group, you know. You never know, we might get somebody else who might be, you know, like a character and join us.’ He emphasized their inclusive ethos, adding, ‘We were known as ‘The People’s Band’ anyway.’
Manchester music enthusiasts can look forward to the Piccadilly Rats bringing their vibrant energy back to the streets soon, inviting all to participate in the fun.
