Manchester Central Convention Complex, Windmill Street, M2 3GX This impressive looking building, situated a short distance from the Free Trade Hall, was once Manchester Central Railway Station. It opened in 1880 and operated until 1969. It remained derelict before it became the Greater Manchester Exhibition and Event Centre, or G-MEX for short, in 1986. It’s now the Manchester Central Convention Complex though it will always be the G-MEX for me. The Smiths have links to both its incarnations. In May 1983 photographer Paul Slattery and journalist Dave McCullough travelled to Manchester to interview The Smiths for Sounds . Some photos were taken at 70 Portland Street where their manager Joe Moss had his office. Afterwards they walked to the disused Central Railway Station for some more photographs. Morrissey holds a bunch of daffodils, Johnny looks as cool as ever in a leather jacket, dark glasses and a substantial quiff, Mike looks quite stern and Andy is wearing a sheepskin coat ...
