Writer Damian Lanigan used to be in a band called The Twentieth Legion. In November 1984 they performed at the Hacienda and, suitably encouraged by this one-night stand at the legendary Manchester club, Lanigan briefly considered setting up his own record label, but thought better of it when he eyed the strength of the local competition: Rough Trade and Factory.

Source: The Independent

The Lamps, the band that appeared in episode one, are actually a real band called a.P.A.t.T. You can hear their weird music via their website