Local band win £500 cash prize at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester’s Battle of the Bands

MCRJourno

Bad Heritage

South Manchester rock band Bad Heritage has been named the winner of the 2025 Battle of the Bands competition at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester.

They beat out five other finalists for the the coveted title along with a £500 cash prize.

The four-piece band made up of Courtney, Nathan, Lauren and Jonny impressed judges with their high-energy set and standout stage presence.

Alongside this is a year-long paid residency at the venue’s Printworks restaurant in 2026.

This year’s competition saw a strong lineup of local talent, with Bad Heritage edging out fellow finalists Waiting Forever, F3INT, Wolf Smoke, The Feral Kings and Temperium.

"The standard was as high as ever, and the judges had a tough job" said Aneta Jarzmik, general manager at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester.

"But Bad Heritage were worthy winners and we can’t wait to see them check in for their residency next year."

Known for championing live music, Hard Rock Cafe Manchester’s Battle of the Bands competition offers a platform for emerging artists to perform in front of live audiences and industry professionals.

The annual contest is part of the brand’s wider commitment to supporting grassroots music.

Bad Heritage joins an impressive roster of past winners who have gone on to grow their fan bases and gig across the region.

Live music continues every Friday night at Hard Rock Cafe and one of this month’s featured performers is Idyllic, who took home the Battle of the Bands title in 2024.

They return to the stage on Friday 27th June.