The Manchester Music Scene
Manchester and music are synonymous with each other. Manchester has been producing innovative new music for many years. The ‘Madchester’ scene was one such movement that came about during the late 80s and early 90s the birth place of which is often honoured to The Haçienda.
The Haçienda was open from 1982 to 1997 and was located on Whitworth Street West and played acid house and rave music. The name was taken from a slogan used by the radical group, Situationist International; “The Haçienda must be built.” The club was financially supported by Factory Records, New Order and Tony Wilson, the record label owner. The Haçienda not only hosted legendary club nights but also boasts performances by many big names in music including, but not exclusive of, Madonna, The Smiths, Oasis, The Stone Roses, New Order, Happy Mondays, Blur, James, Echo and the Bunnymen and OMD.
Ecstasy was the drug of choice during the Madchester era but it eventually led to the demise of the Haçienda. A combination of a surge in drug gang shootings as well as the untimely death of a 16 year old girl due to the narcotic, the club was forced to close.
Music is still a vibrant part of the city of Manchester with numerous clubs and live music venues dotted around including Manchester Academy, the MEN, the Apollo, the Ritz and the Deaf Institute and popular bands such as Elbow, I Am Kloot and The Courteeners.
