Rare throwback photos of rock café that's welcomed One Direction, Oasis and the Beckhams
manchestereveningnews.co.ukIt's hard to believe as to what's now become an institution, but Manchester's Hard Rock Cafe first opened in the city more than 20 years ago.
Manchester's long and impressive music history made the city an obvious choice as a home for the Hard Rock Cafe after the very first branch opened in London in 1971.
It was launched by two US expats who wanted to create a place that sold the ultimate American burger. What started as a small venture soon became a popular haunt for musicians including Eric Clapton.
One day, Clapton asked one of the owners to hang his guitar over his favourite bar stool to "mark his spot". READ MORE:Adorable baby-faced photos of Gemma Owen before Love Island transformation Word travelled fast in what was a golden age of blues and rock music in the UK, and just a week later, rival guitar player Pete Townshend of The Who sent over a guitar of his own with a note saying "Mine's as good as his!
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