The Warehouse Project @ Beneath Picadilly Train Stn, Manchester (Sun Dec 28, 2008)

The Hacienda Presents...

In the late eighties Manchester became famous once again. This time, people weren't talking about the cities football teams, referring to its industrial past or name checking bands. They were talking about a nightclub on the corner of Whitworth Street where something was exploding that was about to define an era and change the lives of an entire generation. House music had arrived in the UK and The Hacienda was about to become the most famous club in the world.

Today of course, the legacy left by The Hacienda is well documented and by now we all know it wasn't just about house music. The Smiths, The Stone Roses and even Madonna all appeared at the club during its 15 year conception as Tony Wilson and the rest of the Factory Records gang attempted to create their own musical utopia. On 28th December we remember the glory days of The Hacienda and celebrate its memory with some of its most famous DJ's and patrons...

Links:
www.thehaciendamustbebuilt.co.uk
www.myspace.com/fac51thehacienda

Happy Mondays [ Live ]

If legend is to be believed, Tony Wilson signed the Happy Mondays to Factory Records after seeing the band come last in a battle of the bands contest at The Hacienda. What followed were three albums that personified the spirit of a loved up Madchester as rave culture crashed head on with a group of Salford lads brought up on a musical diet of soul, funk and indie guitars. Shaun Ryder's wry poetic genius backed by the ramshackle brilliance of Paul Ryder and Gary Whelan give birth to the likes of "Step On" and "Lazyitis", whilst live shows saw the type of reactions usually reserved for hyped up dancefloors.

Throughout the twists and turns of the bands colourful history since these heady days, the Happy Mondays remain amongst Manchester's favourite sons as one of the cities most creative collectives. With their last appearance in the city taking place 12 months ago at the 10,000 capacity G - Mex, the Happy Mondays performance in the much smaller confines of Store Street looks set to be something very special indeed.

DJ support on the night comes from Hacienda residents Mike Pickering and Jon Da Silva, and New Order’s Peter Hook.

Links:
www.myspace.com/happymondaysonline
www.happymondaysonline.com