AZIZ IBRAHIM // Cluny 2 Newcastle

Full band show in support of the release of the album ‘Lahore to Longsight'.
‘Lahore to Longsight' never reached the world as intended, its release derailed by the events of 9/11.bWhat started as a deeply personal solo project nurtured by friends who helped bring the songs to life, unexpectedly grew into a band with Andy Rourke (The Smiths) on bass & Mike Joyce (The Smiths) on drums — an experience that still feels surreal. Now, 25 years on in 2026 following the passing of Denise Johnson, Andy Rourke, and Mani, it feels important to finally share this long-hidden chapter of British Asian musical history. — Aziz lbrahim
Aziz Ibrahim (Stone Roses, Simply Red, Asia) - Vocals-guitars-bass
Paul Weller (The Jam, Style Council, solo) - Vocals-electric guitar-keyboards
Mike Joyce (The Smiths) - Drums
Andy Rourke (The Smiths) - Bass
Mani (The Stone Roses, Primal Scream) - Bass
Reni (The Stone Roses) - Drums
Denise Johnson (Primal Scream, ACR) - Vocals-Percussion
Inder Goldfinger (Ian Brown, Fundamental) - Percussion-vocal percussion
Steve White (Style Council, Paul Weller) - Drums
Talvin Singh - Percussion
After contributing significantly to Ian Brown’s Unfinished Monkey Business, Aziz found himself quietly ready for something of his own. Collaborations with Paul Weller on Heliocentric and a remix for the Manic Street Preachers followed, each experience widening his circle and deepening his confidence. With the encouragement of new friendships and shared creative energy, he began work on an album as a singer-songwriter, supported by a remarkable cast of collaborators. The songs drew gently from his beginnings — from Longsight and the landscape of a Manchester council estate, from the textures of his Pakistani Punjabi heritage, and from the steady presence of home.
At the heart of it all was the guidance of his devout Muslim parents, a quiet influence that shaped both his perspective and his voice. From these foundations, the album gradually took form.