GMG's Rock Radio has launched in Manchester with a city centre concert.

The classic rock station went live at 6pm yesterday following musical performances in Manchester’s Cathedral Gardens. 70s rockers Bad Company (pictured) and 90s band GUN headlined, and they were joined on stage by the Salford Jets, fronted by the station’s drive-time DJ Mike Sweeney.

The afternoon of live music built up to the countdown to the big station switch-on at 6pm, followed by the very first track to be played on Rock Radio – AC/DC’s For Those About To Rock (We Salute You). The event was sponsored by 4x4 and MPV specialists Sgang Yong, and it introduced fans to Rock Radio presenters including breakfast host Steve Berry and weekend breakfast presenter James H Reeve. Joe Radcliffe, station director at Rock Radio, said: “It was an amazing day, Cathedral Gardens was absolutely rocking and it’s fantastic to now be on-air playing great rock music to rock fans all across Greater Manchester.” The GMG Radio-owned station is aimed at 30-plus rock fans who, say Rock Radio, aren’t currently having their taste catered for.