The Russell Club

[aidanorourke]

Today is 20 Feb 2008 and Tony Wilson would have been celebrating his 58th birthday. See my piece about him done in 1998.

In 1978 and 1979 I remember visiting the Russell Club in Hulme. This was the forerunner of the Hacienda. Tony and a few others rented the small venue next to the Crescents - the infamous flats that were demolished in the 1990s.

The purpose of the Russell Club was to showcase local bands. This was the era of punk rock and nearly everyone you knew was in a band, knew someone who was in a band or wanted to be in a band.

In passing Hulme was also the location of the Aaben Cinema, the only place that showed art house films prior to the opening of the Cornerhouse in 1985.

I made the perilous journey to the Russell Club a few times. This was Hulme, the old Hulme, which at night could feel threatening, and was a bit off the beaten track, being about 15 minutes walk out of the city centre.

I'm sure the year was 1978. I think it was July. I was 20 years old at the time, back on vacation from my 2nd year at Trinity College Dublin. I'd dabbled a bit in music journalism and had a couple of small pieces about Manchester band Buzzcocks published in Hot Press.

I went along to see Buzzcocks lead singer Pete Shelley's offshoot band The Tiller Boys. I assumed they would be the main act and on last.

But when I arrived at around 10.30, I found they had been and gone. I did see Pete Shelley walking around the place and I asked him for an interview. I said I was writing for Hot Press, the Irish music magazine. He nodded and said he'd speak to me after the main band.

I don't remember seeing Tony Wilson that evening. I'm sure I would have remembered seeing him. He may not have been there.

The main band came on. I'd never seen them before. They were quite loud and played a set of rather doom-laden songs. It was difficult to know what to say about them. They seemed to have something but I wasn't quite sure what. I didn't take too much notice of the name of the band at the time. Only later did I discover they were Joy Division.

After the gig, I went up to the balcony area where I conducted a long and rambling interview with Pete Shelley, carefully written out in note form on my students lined notepaper using a ball point pen. Manager Richard Boon was hovering around in his striped jacket.

I felt quite privileged to be on speaking terms with the leader of one of the most successful British bands of the punk era.

Finally at around 1.30am, we concluded and I headed for home - on foot. A very long trek across South Manchester. I eventually succumbed and used my remaining money for a taxi to Cheadle Heath.

On another visit to the Russell Club I saw Magazine, put together by ex-Buzzcocks member Howard Devoto.

27 years later on 12 August 2005 I saw the Buzzcocks again, talking, not playing, at an event at Urbis, An Evening with the Buzzcocks. Present were Pete Shelley, Howard Devoto and manager Richard Boon.

In 1978, Manchester was a very different place to what it is today. Rather bleak and run down by comparison with today, but with a very active music scene and lots of exciting things going on.

Both the Crescents and the building that housed the Russell Club are now demolished and have been replaced by new housing.

Does anyone else remember anything interesting about The Russell Club?

[Mamucium Son]

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).

[Pushooka]

Wow! My memories go back even further than that to when the 'Russell Club first opened it's doors! (I'm 73 today!) If my memory serves me right it was then owned by a Mr Derbyshire from near the Vine pub in Sale! I lived just round the corner and was invited to the opening night, but I can't remember the date! I do remember that one night I had been at the Golden Garter when there was a police raid and was thoroughly checked over before being pronounced clean! The following night I was in the Russell Club when the same bunch of police burst in again! I was greeted with a "Not you again!!"
Not long after I became a 'Roadie' to a couple of well known Manchester groups! 'Johnny Peters and the Crestas' and 'The Fabulous Fourtones'. We played the Russell Club on a few occasions but were glad that we had other bookings that same night! It did get that way you didn't want to hang around very long!! I could write a book on that, but my spein aint that good!

[Mamucium Son]

Hi Pushooka, and a happy birthday to you sir!

I'd love to read such a book if you should ever get round to it! Oh, and 'The Golden Garter' .... that really brings back the memories. Not that I ever went there (too young) but my mum and dad used to head there of a Saturday to meet their mates and watch cheesy cabaret acts. Pretty legendary nightspot in (south ) Manc folklore really.

[Pushooka]

A big thanks for the birthday greetings, but it's getting time I stopped counting them!
The Golden Garter was a great club and I can remember my last visit there well! My old mates from The Fourtones were playing there, but they were then known as 'The Hollies'! (Big name dropper!!)
As for the book! I did write it!! But it was only a self published thing called 'The Manchester Roadie' The lads have one but there only available by a reprint! (one at a time!)

[Mamucium Son]

Originally Posted by Pushooka

A big thanks for the birthday greetings, but it's getting time I stopped counting them!
The Golden Garter was a great club and I can remember my last visit there well! My old mates from The Fourtones were playing there, but they were then known as 'The Hollies'! (Big name dropper!!)
As for the book! I did write it!! But it was only a self published thing called 'The Manchester Roadie' The lads have one but there only available by a reprint! (one at a time!)

Tell you what then, get the kettle on and I'll come round, 'ave a natter, and then borrow your copy!

[Pushooka]

Your most welcome! Do you like milky coffee or with water? But I'm not giving my address on here! Phil or Aidan may turn up!! Only kidding lads! Send me a PM! Oh and bring your passport!!

[Phil Blinkhorn]

Now if coffee and biscuits and a good natter are on offer I'm coming too - just booking on Ryanair on the other computer!!

[Pushooka]

Welcome Phil! I was expecting that!!

[claytoner]

I saw the Skids there, Friday night, they just played totp the night before, playing into the valley. We met them, they were very cool, RIP Stuart
you were a great artist

XXX