Hacienda

The Hacienda is a Manchester legend. This famous nightclub opened in 1982 and in its early years was mainly a live music venue. The venture was financed by Factory Records and New Order and events were initially low key affairs, although there were notable exceptions including Madonna’s first UK appearance.

1986 saw a shift in focus from bands to DJs and shortly after the venue became the first in the UK to play house music. By 1988, riding the wave of rave culture and ecstasy, the club had become famous not only in Manchester but throughout the world.

In 1989 Claire Leighton collapsed at the club and later died. It was the UK’s first well-publicised ecstasy death and the first sign of the Hacienda’s impending doom. Gang warfare and widespread drug dealing followed. The club closed in 1997 and is now the site of overpriced apartments bearing the same name.

Video: Strings of Life: A Hacienda Classic

Techno guru Derrick May (aka Rhythim is Rhythim) discusses Strings of Life; a Hacienda classic.

By Figfilm

Reviews / Comments / Additional Information

Dave Haq
So proud to have been a member of the Hacienda in its early days.
Dave Haq
So proud to have been a member of the Hacienda in its early days.
mrtwiggus
The real problem was the continual war with the gangs that messed it all up. Why couldn't it of been a gathering of fun e taking with no guns and stuff. Man those days where the best until folk got greedy and the police become oppressive against happy pills.
More folk have died from alcohol than E, even more so! More people have died from eating nuts which they are allergic to.
So cheers to the government and chief of police for destroying a happy club. I go out now and clubs which are of that culture have no problems and if they do it's solely drink fuelled fighting not over drugs.
paul.m
They should open a new Hacienda. Some things should never die.
Ant B
pop a pill get a bottle of Purdeys from the bar and climb up on the stage and 'RAVE ON' !! The best times have passed, FAC51 has gone, come on Manchester we want more fun.
Editor
Anthony Wilson, the founder of Factory Records and the Hacienda nightclub, died last night at Christie Hospital in Manchester. The 57-year old was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
Born in Salford in 1950, ‘Mr Manchester’ was famous for setting up Factory Records, the label of New Order and the Happy Mondays, founding the Hacienda nightclub, and the In the City music festival.
However we will remember him most for a little known late night TV show from the late 1980s. At a time when North West England was distinctly unfashionable and economically ruined, Tony worked tirelessly on the Other Side of Midnight to promote the region, particularly Manchester. Without his inspiration, this site probably wouldn’t exist.
carole
I loved the Hacienda in Manchester. It was the best club in the world. It was a shame that it closed down. We all piled to the Thunderdome one week but soon returned to the Hacienda and its great atmosphere.
Editor
Peter Hook, Ian Brown and Shaun Ryder were at Urbis last week to celebrate the launch of an exhibition to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of Manchester’s Hacienda nightclub. Hacienda 25 The Exhibition : Fac 491 runs until February 17 2008 and includes the complete collection of the Hacienda’s iconic birthday posters, previously unseen video footage taken in the club, and items from the personal collections of Tony Wilson, Peter Saville and Ben Kelly.
Editor
The Hacienda would have celebrated its 25th birthday this week. One of the acts on the opening night was none other than Bernard Manning!
Danny Pilling
Strings of Life has got to be one of the best tunes ever. Bring back the Hacienda!

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