Forbes Robinson (1926–1987) bass, known for his performances in works by Mozart, Verdi, and Britten.

John Mayall OBE (born 1933) blues musician and bandleader, influential in the British blues movement
Noddy Holder (born 1946) lead singer of Slade, lives in the town.

Ian Curtis (1956–1980) lead singer of Joy Division, lived and died there.
 He is buried in the Macclesfield cemetery.

Stephen Morris (born 1957) drummer in the bands Joy Division, New Order, The Other Two & Bad Lieutenant
Gillian Gilbert (born 1961) musician, keyboardist, guitarist, singer, member of New Order,  founding member of The Other Two
Andy Carthy (born 1972) known by his stage name Mr. Scruff, record producer and DJ
Phil Cunningham (born 1974 in Macclesfield) guitarist, member of the bands Marion, New Order and Bad Lieutenant
Jim Moray (born 1981) folk musician, born in Macclesfield
The Other Two (active 1990–2011) an English dance act consisting of Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert of New Order
Marion (formed in 1993) Brit-Pop band
Hatty Keane (born 1994) r&b and pop singer
The Macc Lads (active 1981 – present) rock band
The Virginmarys (formed in 2009) rock band.
Forbes Robinson (1926–1987) bass, known for his performances in works by Mozart, Verdi, and Britten.
John Mayall OBE (born 1933) blues musician and bandleader, influential in the British blues movement
Noddy Holder (born 1946) lead singer of Slade, lives in the town.
Ian Curtis (1956–1980) lead singer of Joy Division, lived and died there.  He is buried in the Macclesfield cemetery.
Stephen Morris (born 1957) drummer in the bands Joy Division, New Order, The Other Two & Bad Lieutenant
Gillian Gilbert (born 1961) musician, keyboardist, guitarist, singer, member of New Order,  founding member of The Other Two
Andy Carthy (born 1972) known by his stage name Mr. Scruff, record producer and DJ
Phil Cunningham (born 1974 in Macclesfield) guitarist, member of the bands Marion, New Order and Bad Lieutenant
Jim Moray (born 1981) folk musician, born in Macclesfield
The Other Two (active 1990–2011) an English dance act consisting of Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert of New Order
Marion (formed in 1993) Brit-Pop band
Hatty Keane (born 1994) r&b and pop singer
The Macc Lads (active 1981 – present) rock band
The Virginmarys (formed in 2009) rock band.
Macclesfield