Yes. Iconic place indeed. I think that when I was going it was rebranded 'The Factory'? Either way, pretty intimidating place. I saw The Undertones there (pure genius) and Stiff Little Fingers amongst others. I recall literally dancing on broken glass the whole evening, and basically just being glad to get out of there alive. I remember that as you went in the doorman tried to sell us speed, and I remember everyone but me trying the Goat curry - and then throwing it back up in the awful toilets.
I also recall one particular heavy night in there - I think it was The Ruts - and there was this little kid of about 10, going round punching adults in the face. When/IF the adult took uppance to this and slapped the kid back then a large gang of local thugs would pile in from the back of the hall and kick hell out of the guy who dared to stand his ground. I watched this young lad doing this all evening, hoping that I myself would not be forced to accept a slap from the brat! Luckily I wasn't! Anyway, I never saw Tony in there, but I DID see him at the concert he enthused about most in his (far too short) life. That was Patti Smith at The Apollo in 1978. I spoke to Tony outside and he was buzzing off the vibe. You could just tell then that a real moment of inspiration had hit him.
Incidentally, 24 Hour Party People offers a great insight into this club. (Whilst being the best music film ever made about Manc).
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