The Russell Club

[aidanorourke]

I also have - on loan - a brick from the Hacienda. Though actually I only ever went there once in 1986 and didn't like it much. I was already past my 'formative' period.

My memories of the Russell Club are mainly of that interview with Pete Shelley. It went on for a couple of hours, he was a very easy person to interview, with lots of ideas and interesting thoughts.

In Manchester, quite a few pop stars mingle with the masses - people often find themselves standing next to, or drinking in a bar with members of New Order or 808 State or Doves or whatever. They are not really on a higher plane, like the mega-stars of the past, such as David Bowie.

I would like to photograph him or interview him, but there's not much chance of that. And that reminds me of another Manchester venue. Bowie on his groundbreaking 1972 tour played at the Hardrock, Old Trafford. The building is still in existence as a B&Q store. Most regrettably, I didn't go, another on my list of regrets. The former Hardrock is only just around the corner from Morrissey's old house on Kings Road.

Today one of Manchester's premier venues is the Apollo, but previously it was a cinema. I remember being invited to a rather saucy film there by a girlfriend in the mid-70s.

I can't think of any more lost Manchester venues at the moment, but no doubt there are plenty more!

[Etch]

My parents used to go to the Hardrock in it's earlier life as a 10 pin bowling alley. I remember going when I was about 8 years old in 1960 something.

Don't know if peeps are aware that this is now available, but the Morley, Wilson and Punk evening at Urbis, a couple or so years ago, has found it's way on to Youtube. It lasts about an hour across 7 short videos. Well worth a butchers.

Morley, Wilson & Punk.

The police road blocks coz the Pistols where in a hotel in Didsbury made me laugh.

Also well worth a look is a site dedicated to the history of 'New Hormones'. This was the Label the Buzzcocks founded to release Spiral Scratch on. It was arguably the first true 'Indie' label.

The New Hormones Story

Enjoy.

[aidanorourke]

I've had an enquiry from a very distinguished author / journalist / researcher. He has already written several books about the Manchester music scene as well as famous bands. I've also seen his name on the credits of music-related documentaries.

He's putting together a book which includes a section about the Russell Club, particularly the Factory nights.

I think it would be a great opportunity for someone who remembers these nights to share their knowledge and see it used in a book. It was an amazing time and it needs to be documented and remembered in the future.

Please get in touch with me via the contact page and I will put you in contact with this author.

[blueskies]

I remember it as the PSV club. Was this a club for busmen? Public service vehicle/??

Then it changed to The Russell club Then The factory..as everyone knows.

I am from C-On- M and only a mile away from where it was.

I have a list of clubs from the 70's/80's a mile long if you want.

I rememebr a few punk squats all over north and south mancs too

[Etch]

Originally Posted by aidanorourke

I've had an enquiry from a very distinguished author / journalist / researcher. He has already written several books about the Manchester music scene as well as famous bands. I've also seen his name on the credits of music-related documentaries.

He's putting together a book which includes a section about the Russell Club, particularly the Factory nights.

I think it would be a great opportunity for someone who remembers these nights to share their knowledge and see it used in a book. It was an amazing time and it needs to be documented and remembered in the future.

Please get in touch with me via the contact page and I will put you in contact with this author.

The Russel (It had one 'L') was so much more than just the "Factory Nights." 90% of what went on there wasn't Factory. It's just a myth that it was anything else. Outside of Joy Division who did Factory (at that time) have that people wanted to see?

Ohh look, Factory night. A Certain Ratio, The Durutti Column etc or the Damned the night after? I know which one I chose.

From what I remember Wise booked most of the bands at the Russel. It had little to do with Wilson and co.