Beloved Manchester institution to honour former Landlord with ‘arms-in-the-air’ blowout

The Star and Garter are throwing a huge all-weekend party in memory of former Landlord, Andy Martin

The beloved landlord of the Star & Garter Pub, Andy Martin tragically passed away two months ago after a suspected stroke.

To celebrate his wonderful life, organisers have got together to pay tribute for a weekend-long event, raising funds for Andy’s family and widow.

For this weekend-long event, the venue’s close-knit family of DJs and promoters from over the years, have teamed up for two nights of sticky-floored indie clubbing, to raise money for the family of the venue’s licensee, Andy Martin, who passed away recently after a short illness.

Every penny made on the night will go towards his widow and two young children.

It’ll be a dressed-up, arms-in-the-air blowout, celebrating the life of one of the titans of Manchester’s alternative clubland.

What Was Andy Martin like?

Andy was an old-school, working-class, principled man, who spent years fighting back against big business and the corporate takeover of Manchester – and won.

Jamie Harrison, resident DJ at Smile from 2001 to 2013, spoke to us about Andy and his life.

“A proud Mancunian”

He said: “Since Andy died, many of us who knew his family felt it was right to put on a celebratory event of his life.

“Andy took over the Star and Garter around the turn of the century and was a positive influence on almost everyone who ran club nights and DJed there. We all got together, talked about our loss, and decided to show our appreciation for his impact on us.

“Andy was ultra dry in his humour.

“You could easily misunderstand him sometimes, but you always knew where you stood with him. He didn’t make you feel bad if you said something stupid; instead, he’d respond in a way that let you know you were being silly without being offensive. He was a proud Mancunian and had a unique, tongue-in-cheek dismissiveness about the new ‘cool’ areas of Manchester, like the Northern Quarter.

“Andy was genuine – what you saw was what you got. He was really anti-pretentious. He created bespoke wristbands for the club, often with his own quotes on them, expressing his thoughts publicly in a unique way. After he died, we realised just how many people respected him for who he was. His funeral was overflowing with people, showing the reach and impact he had.

“Running a place like the Star and Garter, he was always looking out for everyone, especially vulnerable young women. He ensured they had a good night and got home safely, creating a safe environment. This ethos was shared by his door staff as well.

“Andy kept the Star and Garter as a welcoming, accommodating place for social wallflowers and those who needed a safe space. He wasn’t a promoter; he let the place promote itself through word of mouth. The pub stayed true to its roots, becoming a unique film set because of its unchanged character over the years. Despite ongoing battles with Network Rail to prevent demolition, Andy’s drive and dedication ensured the pub remained a historic and beloved spot.”

What’s on at the Star & Garter Andy Martin fundraiser?

Friday night: Friends of S&G £6
DJs: The Smiths Disco | Keys Money Lipstick | Kissing Just For Practice | Tied To The 90’s | Let’s Make This Precious

Weekend tickets: £15

Venue address: Star & Garter, 18-20 Fairfield St, Manchester M1 2QF

All proceeds go to the family of Andy Martin. People can also donate here

Star and Garter landlord

Ian Curtis Andy Martin Star and Garter — The iconic Akse mural at the Star and Garter

Andy, a much-loved figure at the Star and Garter, fought tooth and nail to keep the beloved boozer open in the face of strong opposition from Network Rail.

He helped launch many bands at the pub, artists and DJs, with influential club nights providing a great venue for grassroots talent to flourish.

Andy took over the iconic pub on Fairfield Street in 2003, turning it around into a flourishing space for live music.

It remains a vital cog in Manchester’s music make-up and long may it continue.

One of the few remaining ‘old school’ pubs downstairs, the upstairs has a rocking 200-capacity venue hosting a variety of bands from all across all genres.

Such was Andy’s popularity, a Just Giving Page hoping to raise £7,000 smashed its target in just three days. The fund currently sits at £12,000.

You can donate to Andy’s funeral costs by clicking here

Tributes

Since the Just Giving page was set up tributes poured in with hundreds of people taking to social media to pay their respects.

Andy’s wife Helen shared the news on the Star and Garter’s Facebook page, writing: “I’m devastated to be sharing the news that our licensee Andy Martin died today after a very short illness. He leaves behind Jasmine (5) and Georgina (3).

“We are all obviously in bits and I know that so many of you will feel this loss, too. He was a wonderful dad, husband, brother, son and friend and this has left an unfillable hole in all our lives”.

Sacha Lord, posting to X, wrote: “I’m extremely saddened to hear the news that Andy Martin from the Star and Garter has passed away.

“We were only messaging a couple of weeks ago. A huge loss to Manchester, that will never be replaced. My thoughts are with his family”.

Just Giving page

Helen Kitchen, who set up the Just Giving Page hoping to raise £7,000 for funeral costs, posted the following message to the page:

“We are deeply saddened to announce the unexpected death of Andy Martin, the landlord of The Star and Garter in Manchester.

“The shock of Andy’s death is yet to be processed, but Andy’s sudden passing has left his family unprepared for any funeral costs and in need of financial support to help give Andy the send-off he deserves.

“Andy had been suffering from an ear infection before he was admitted to hospital on Monday 25th March with a suspected stroke, where he later had a cardiac arrest, with his heart stopping for four minutes.

“His ear infection had developed into sepsis, which then caused encephalitis and meningitis.

“This resulted in unrecoverable swelling on the brain and Andy died tragically on Friday 29th March 2024, aged only fifty-two.

“Andy was extremely well-loved and his influence was wide-reaching.

“There are many bands he helped to catapult, many artists, DJs and club nights where he was pivotal to their success. He fought tooth and nail to keep the Star and Garter open, endlessly debating and ultimately winning the battle with the Goliath that is Network Rail.

“Having kept the pub open, he kept the prices low so everyone could enjoy their night there, no matter their budget.

“Andy always felt a person feeling they’d had a good night at the pub was worth much more than money: his passion, his business, was the business of making people happy.

“Andy was also a great storyteller with a fireside warmth and brutally funny cheek that could catch you unawares.

“His sharp one-liners and outlook on situations meant a conversation with him would undoubtedly end in tears of laughter.

“He was a fundamentally good person with depth, quietly keeping an eye on many and reaching out to check they were okay. He had a Half Man Half Biscuit lyric for every situation, and no doubt he’d claim this one as ‘National Shite Day’.

“This is not an easy task; the brutal shock of this tragedy has left Andy’s wife and family bereft, heavy with grief and in the unfortunate position of having to ask for not just emotional understanding but financial support at this difficult time.

“If Andy’s life enriched yours in any way, please contribute to his funeral. Anything you can give, big or small would be gratefully received”.

You can help pay for the funeral costs by clicking here

History of the Star and Garter

Established in 1803, The Star and Garter Tavern, under its original name, was situated approximately 50 yards away from its current location.

However, in 1849, due to the expansion of London Road railway station, which was later renamed Manchester Piccadilly, the establishment was closed.

The pub was dismantled and meticulously reconstructed at its present site, a process completed in 1877, when it reopened as the Star and Garter Hotel.

Serving patrons for over a century, the pub faced uncertainty for the first time (but certainly not the last) with the closure of Mayfield railway station.

Its owners at the time, Chester’s Brewery, decided to put it on the market.

From 1991 onwards, for nearly 28 years, the establishment came under the ownership of Charlie Darlington.

During this period, it functioned as a music venue, driven by the expectation of forthcoming urban regeneration initiatives by the city council.

Over the years, a multitude of iconic bands have graced its stage, featuring acts such as Status Quo, The Courteeners, Dougie Poynter, Half Man Half Biscuit, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, UK Subs, Subhumans, Bring Me The Horizon, Al Perkins, Corrosion of Conformity, Chuck Mosley, and Arnocorps.

This article was last updated 6 months ago.
It was first published on 2 April 2024 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.

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