Paul Massey was a Salford-born businessman and notorious gangland figure who rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s as a mediator and influential leader in the North West. He was famously labeled “Salford’s Mr. Big” by a local councillor during a 1992 meeting, a title that stuck with him throughout his life and subsequent political ambitions.
In this article, you will learn about Massey’s early life in Salford, his role in the Manchester rave scene security, his high-profile imprisonment, his later bid for the Salford mayoralty, and the details surrounding the “A-Team” gang war that led to his death. This is the definitive account of one of the UK’s most talked-about figures.
Early Life in Salford
Paul Massey was born in 1960 and raised in the heart of Salford, a city with a fierce sense of identity and a history of industrial hardship. Growing up in the Ordsall area, he developed a reputation for toughness and a loyalty to his local community that would define his public image for decades.
By his early twenties, Massey had established himself as a dominant force in the local streets, often intervening in disputes and acting as an unofficial authority figure. His influence grew during a period of significant social change in Greater Manchester, particularly as traditional industries declined.
The “Mr. Big” Moniker
The nickname “Mr. Big” was officially coined in 1992 by Councillor Joe Murphy during a council meeting discussing civil unrest in Salford. While Massey initially loathed the title, it provided him with a level of notoriety that made him a household name across the United Kingdom.
Despite the criminal connotations of the name, Massey often portrayed himself as a peacekeeper who kept heroin out of Salford and protected his community from outside threats. This duality—part vigilante, part underworld boss—created a complex public persona that divided local opinion.
Manchester’s 1990s Rave Scene
During the height of the “Madchester” era, Massey played a pivotal role in the security and door-management sectors of the city’s booming nightlife. He was a frequent presence at legendary venues like the Haçienda, where his associates provided the muscle required to manage the chaotic clubbing environment.
His involvement in the security industry allowed him to build a vast network of contacts across the North West, linking him to other major figures in Liverpool and Leeds. This period cemented his status as a man who could navigate both the legitimate business world and the shadows of the underground.
The 1999 Imprisonment
In 1999, Massey’s trajectory was interrupted when he was sentenced to 14 years in prison for his involvement in a violent incident outside a nightclub. He was found guilty of a stabbing in Manchester, a conviction he and his supporters frequently contested as being politically motivated.
He served nine years of that sentence, during which he remained an influential figure behind bars. His release in 2008 was a major event in Salford, signaling his return to a city that had changed significantly during his decade of absence.
Run for Salford Mayor
In a move that surprised the political establishment, Paul Massey stood as an independent candidate for the Mayor of Salford in 2012. He campaigned on a platform of “youth engagement” and “community policing,” promising to represent the marginalized voices of the city.
Though he did not win, he secured nearly 7% of the vote, finishing seventh out of ten candidates. His campaign was documented by film crews and served as an attempt to transition from a figure of the underworld to a legitimate voice for the people of Salford.
The A-Team Gang Feud
The final years of Massey’s life were overshadowed by an escalating and violent conflict between rival factions in Salford, primarily involving a group known as the “A-Team.” Massey acted as an elder statesman and mentor to members of this group, which put him in the crosshairs of their rivals.
This internal Salford feud led to a series of shootings, grenade attacks, and stabbings that terrified the local community. Massey’s attempt to mediate or protect his associates eventually led to him becoming a primary target for opposing hitmen.
The Assassination of Paul Massey
On the evening of July 26, 2015, Paul Massey was shot dead outside his home on Manchester Road, Clifton. He had just returned from a trip to North Wales when a gunman in camouflage clothing opened fire with a submachine gun.
Massey died at the scene, sparking a massive police investigation and a period of mourning in Salford that saw hundreds of people line the streets for his funeral. The brazen nature of the attack, occurring in broad daylight on a Sunday, shocked the nation and marked the end of an era.
The Mark Fellows Trial
The investigation into Massey’s death eventually led to the arrest of Mark Fellows, known by the nickname “The Iceman.” Fellows was a professional contract killer who was also linked to the murder of Massey’s close friend and Liverpool associate, John Kinsella, three years later.
In 2019, Fellows was convicted of both murders and sentenced to a whole-life order, meaning he will never be released from prison. The trial revealed the clinical precision of the “Iceman,” who used a GPS watch to track his routes and plan his escapes.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Paul Massey remains a polarizing figure in British culture, viewed by some as a community hero who stood up to authority and by others as a career criminal. His life has been the subject of numerous documentaries, books, and true crime podcasts that analyze the intersection of poverty, crime, and power.
His death left a vacuum in the Salford underworld that led to years of further instability. Today, his name is synonymous with a specific era of Manchester’s history, representing the grit and complexity of the city’s post-industrial identity.
Practical Information and Planning
For those interested in the history of Salford or researching the life of Paul Massey, there are several locations and resources available for context.
- Location: Salford, Greater Manchester (specifically Ordsall and Clifton).
- Access: Salford is easily accessible via the Manchester Metrolink or by car via the M60.
- What to expect: While the areas mentioned are residential, Salford Quays nearby offers museums (like the IWM North) that provide broader historical context of the region.
- Researching the case: The Manchester Central Library holds archives of local newspapers covering Massey’s life from the 1990s to his death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was known as “Mr. Big” in Salford? Paul Massey was the individual famously dubbed “Mr. Big.” The nickname was first used by a local councillor in 1992 and remained with him until his death in 2015.
When was Paul Massey killed? Paul Massey was assassinated on July 26, 2015. He was shot outside his home in Clifton, Salford, shortly after returning from a weekend away.
Who killed Paul Massey? Mark Fellows, an assassin nicknamed “The Iceman,” was convicted of the murder. He was sentenced to a whole-life term in 2019 for the murders of both Massey and John Kinsella.
Did Paul Massey have a political career? Yes, Massey ran for the position of Mayor of Salford in 2012 as an independent candidate. He campaigned on social issues and received over 3,000 votes.
How long did Paul Massey spend in prison? Massey was sentenced to 14 years in 1999 for a stabbing outside a nightclub. He served approximately nine years before being released on license in 2008.
What was the “A-Team” in Salford? The “A-Team” was a Salford-based organized crime group that Massey was associated with as a mentor. A violent split within this group and its rivals led to the gang war that claimed his life.
Is there a documentary about Paul Massey? Several documentaries have covered his life, including segments in various “Britain’s Hardest Men” style series and investigative reports by the BBC and Granada Reports.
Where is Paul Massey buried? Paul Massey is buried in Agecroft Cemetery in Salford. His funeral was attended by hundreds of people and featured a horse-drawn carriage.
What was Paul Massey’s net worth? While Massey was involved in various business ventures, including security and property, his exact net worth was never publicly disclosed or verified by official sources.
Did Paul Massey prevent drugs from entering Salford? Massey famously claimed to have a “no heroin” policy in Salford, asserting that he used his influence to keep hard drugs out of his community, though police reports often contested his level of control over the drug trade.
What happened to Mark Fellows? Mark Fellows is currently serving a whole-life prison sentence. He was also targeted in a prison attack shortly after his conviction but survived.
Why was the 2015 Salford gang war so significant? The feud was significant due to its extreme violence, including the use of hand grenades and the assassination of high-profile figures like Massey, which had not been seen in the region for decades.
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