How the Hacienda Changed the World

How the Hacienda Changed the World

From 1982 to 1997, the Hacienda dominated Manchester nightlife, for both the right and wrong reasons.

The club was the brainchild of a number of people. Ben Kelly designed it, it was Rob Grettons idea, Tony Wilson and New Order built it and Factory Records funded it.

The club became a Mecca for dance music, especially from the years 1986 to 1991, dance music exploded. Acid House was the new craze and the Hacienda helped birth some of the biggest songs of that genre. ‘Voodoo Ray’ by a Guy Called Gerald, and ‘Pacific State’ by 808 state as a couple of examples. If you wanted to listen to this music. The Hacienda was the place to be. DJ’s like Dave Haslam, Mike Pickering and Graeme Park became legends and hosted different nights at the club including the famous ‘Temperance Club’

As well as being the birth place of Acid House the club played host to many concerts. The Smiths, Oasis, James, The Stone Roses, OMD, Echo & The Bunnymen and even Madonna played at the venue.

However towards the mid 90s the club faced issues. After bankruptcy in 1992 a dark undertone of gangland figures became involved with the club. With several attacks happening both inside and outside the club. Including a number of shootings.

Finally on the 28th June 1997 The Hacienda closed it doors for the last time.

Although it’s no longer there many still call it the best club in Manchester x