Aside from the fact that he’s a good-looking bloke with perfectly-coiffed platinum hair, we admittedly didn’t know much about British footballer Alan Smith when we first met him for a fashion shoot last month in Manchester. After some research, we discovered the 25-year-old was traded for 7 million pounds from Leeds (where he was born and raised) to Manchester United in May 2004, causing controversy amongst football fans. Yet, because of hard work and determination -- and 10 goals in his debut season at United -- Smith has become a fan favorite.

Sounds pretty rock ‘n’ roll to us, which makes us wonder: in a city such as Manchester – which made its mark on music history in the ‘70s and ‘80s by spawning bands such as The Smiths, The Stone Roses, The Happy Mondays, New Order, and Joy Division; and in later years, Oasis – where, exactly, does Smith let loose on a Friday night? Which legendary music venue does he hang out in? And where does he get his hair dyed such a brilliant new wave/post-punk white? These were the kind of things we really wanted to know. As it turns out, though, Smith is better at playing ball than extensively answering questions via email. See below:

What’s your favorite place to hear bands play?
“It’s better to go to Leeds, to the University, to hear bands play there.”

What music/bands are you listening to?
“Indie, punk, old-school Pearl Jam, Nirvana, the Arctic Monkey.”

What’s your favorite place to toss back a pint of beer?
“I don’t drink.”

What are some of your favorite restaurants?
“Bibi’s in Leeds.”

What are your favorite stores?
“Accent Menswear in Leeds.” [Note: it’s where he bought his favorite pair of Replay jeans]

What’s the best place to get your hair dyed?
“Fiorucci in Manchester.”

Not wholly satisfied with this little tour of Manchester, we called our friend Trish South, the photo agent of Tierney Gearon, Amanda De Cadenet, and Michael Muller (who shot Smith for us). Being a Manchester native, we thought she could offer some insight into the city’s legendary nightlife. In her own words:

"Night & Day on Oldham Street in the gritty Northern Quarter is one of those rare music venues (that are slowly disappearing) that still give up-and-coming bands a chance to show what they’re made of. Many bands that are now famous have gigged here."

“If you like your jazz, Matt & Phreds on Tib Street is the place for you, and they serve the best pizza in town!"

“For larger venues, there’s The Academy on Oxford Road, and The Apollo on Ardwick Green. Here is where you’ll find the more popular bands."

“And, as for places to drink…again, head to the Northern Quarter, as it’s the area for independent bars, so you get an unusual mix. Like Odd Bar, which is odd; The Bay Horse, which we’ve nicknamed The Gay Horse; Rodeo, a cocktail bar, where you can get a margarita in as many flavors as you like (the chocolate one isn't bad). Socio Rehab Common is mostly frequented by students. And Blu Bar had a boudoir area downstairs that I like.”

Go There:

Accent Menswear, 11-13 Queens Arcade, Leeds

Fiorucci Hairdressing, 2 Chorley Hall Lane, Alderley Edge

Matt & Phreds, 64 Tibb street, Northern Quarter, mattandphreds.com

Afflecks Palace, afflecks-palace.co.uk

The Academy, manchesteracademy.net

The Apollo, carling.com