Growing up on one of Manchester's worst estates, Chopper knows from an early age that the world is against him and his brethren. He also knows that the only lucky breaks will be ones he creates for himself, carving out a career in crime with a crew headed by the unpredictable Prey, his mentor in matters of violence and street survival.

As the eighties roll on and Chopper unwittingly leads a life that is closer to Thatcher's 'every man for himself' creed than he realises, life seems like it couldn't be sweeter: never-ending loved-up nights at The Haçienda, the best gear, the best girls, the steady and ready cash. But in a sub-world built on lies and darkness, violence and corruption are always waiting in the wings. And on one afternoon in the twilight of the decade, while enjoying the Stone Roses at Spike Island, a chance meeting with rival forces from neighbouring Salford brings Chopper back to the nasty reality of his world, and the never-ending cycle of vengeance so characteristic of it.