Barry Adamson was born and bred in Manchester's Moss Side on 11 June 1958. A bona fide outsider from day one, he sought refuge in comic books and costume. “I would often be seen age six or so, pedalling my bike; lolly stick in the spokes of the wheels to make the sound of an engine, dressed as Batman. Other times I would walk around as a 'Beatle', complete with black plastic wig”, Adamson bemuses.