To paraphrase the famous quote, if you can remember the Manchester scene from 1976-92, you weren't there. It doesn't matter if you were there or not, anyway - all you need is our guide to the main players in "24 Hour Party People"...
Who: Tony Wilson
What: As a Granada television reporter/presenter, Wilson championed bands such as the Sex Pistols. He went on to co-found the hipper-than-thou Factory Records, giving a home to Joy Division, New Order, and the Happy Mondays, among others. He also oversaw the Ha莽ienda, one of Manchester's most notorious nightclubs.
Played by: Steve Coogan
Who: Alan Erasmus (aka Razzer)
What: Co-founder of Factory Records. He was the company's "spiritual centre", according to Wilson. Fell out with Wilson after Factory went belly-up in the early 90s.
Played by: Lennie James
Who: Rob Gretton
What: Joy Division/New Order manager, and Factory partner. Writer Frank Cottrell Boyce described him as a cross between Bradley Hardacre (Timothy West's overbearing northerner in 80s sitcom Brass) and Andy Warhol in his screenplay for "24 Hour Party People". A spot-on description, says Wilson. Gretton died in 1999.
Played by: Paddy Considine
Who: Martin Hannett
What: A flawed genius whose career swung between brilliance and failure, Hannett produced tracks for Joy Division, The Buzzcocks, OMD, and others. An original partner in Factory, he left the company following disagreements over the Ha莽ienda. Notorious for his hedonism, Hannett died in 1991, aged just 42.
Played by: Andy Serkis
Who: Peter Hook
What: Joy Division/New Order bassist, Hooky was a shareholder in the Ha莽ienda, which was partially funded by New Order royalties. Though born in Salford, he spent his formative years in Jamaica. One-time partner of Caroline (Mrs Merton) Aherne, he played on the latest New Order album last year.
Played by: Ralf Little
Who: Bernard Sumner
What: Original member of Joy Division, Sumner took over lead vocal duties when Ian Curtis died and the band became New Order. Still plays in New Order, formed Electronic with Johnny Marr in the 90s.
Played by: John Simm
Who: Ian Curtis
What: The complex and troubled lead singer of Joy Division, Curtis was the dark heart and soul of the band. He took his own life in 1980, leaving behind two acclaimed albums, "Unknown Pleasures" and "Closer".
Played by: Sean Harris
Who: Shaun Ryder
What: Chemically-fuelled frontman for the Happy Mondays. Wilson thought his writing was as good as WB Yeats'. No one else did. Ryder enjoyed brief success with Black Grape in the 90s before reforming the Happy Mondays.
Played: Danny Cunningham
Who: Bez (Mark Berry)
What: Hedonistic, marracca-shaking Happy Mondays dancer who inspired a whole generation of Madchester kids.
Played by: Chris Coghill
