To Claire Mooney life was a song worth singing. And even when terminally ill she joined nurses on a picket line to lend her voice to their call for better pay.
In January 2023, the Manchester singer/songwriter wrapped in winter hat, scarf, gloves, and coat, bravely stood outside The Christie Hospital with a sign saying "this cancer patient supports nurses". That moment captured the essence of what she was about.
Tributes have been paid to Claire who was well known across the city and has died aged 68. Dubbed "the people's songstress" she was commemorated in a wooden guitar sculpture in 2022 in Beech Road Park, Chorlton, near Reeves Road where she grew up in an area of commons where a young Claire would cut through the park on her way to school.
She fought hard for causes that she cared about with deeply held left-wing political beliefs and also committed to feminism. Born on June 22nd 1956 she was a Levenshulme-based Mancunian singer/songwriter, guitarist, music teacher, radio show host and political activist. She worked with left-wing groups, in prisons, with feminist groups such as Justice for Women and Rape Crisis, appearing at marches and demonstrations in Manchester, Leeds and elsewhere.
Claire also hosted many shows on ALL FM Radio and appeared often on Radio Manchester singing topical numbers written specially to comment on what was going on at the time.
She died on August 12th. Claire was in a long-term relationship with Carol Gardener. Her parents were Joan and Dennis, she leaves behind a twin brother Danny and also her loved sisters Doreen and Helen.
Friend, Kate Cook, said: “Losing Claire is truly sad for many of us, in Manchester and beyond. She has inspired and led women with her beautiful music and great humour.”
Claire had been a musician for more than 30 years. The Musicians' Union said: "We are deeply saddened to learn that Claire Mooney has passed away following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Her music and spirit touched the lives of many MU members, leaving behind a legacy of solidarity that will not be forgotten."
The MU added: "Her indelible activist song writing drew inspiration from Manchester’s radical working-class history including the City’s role in the Suffragettes, Peterloo and protesting Section 28."
Claire received a special recognition award from the Lord Mayor of Manchester for her significant contributions to Women’s rights, worker’s rights and tackling hom*ophobia and social injustice across the City.
A feminist and LGBT activist, Claire was involved with numerous charities, campaigns and demos in Manchester, including Reclaim The Night, which aims to ensure women in Manchester are able to walk the streets and feel safe in their environment.
MU North of England Officer, Philip Morris, paid tribute to a stalwart member who will never be forgotten, saying: “Claire was very much the people’s songstress and was one of the first MU members I met.
“I will never forget her moving performance on International Workers’ Day in 2022 which resonated with me in a profound way and perfectly encapsulated the heart and soul of activism through music.”
The LGBT Foundation said: "It is with deep sadness and heartfelt respect that we share the news of the passing of Claire Mooney, a cherished activist and beloved member of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community.
"We were incredibly honoured to have had Claire as a part of the LGBT Foundation family. As a volunteer with our Macmillan and Pride in Ageing programmes, Claire played a pivotal role in launching the Pride in Ageing programme in 2019.
"Her talent and passion also shone brightly at numerous LGBT Foundation events, where she graced us with her performances. Claire's unwavering support extended to her ALL OUT radio show on All.FM, where she consistently uplifted our work.
"Beyond her contributions to the LGBT Foundation, Claire was a trailblazer in the wider community. She was the first patron of Manchester Pride and, in 2021, received the Lord Mayor of Manchester’s Special Recognition Award for her remarkable work with women and girls, workers’ rights, and her relentless fight against hom*ophobia in the city.
"From all of us at LGBT Foundation, we extend our deepest gratitude to Claire. Your legacy will continue to inspire us all. Rest in power."
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