In this interview, I sit down with DJ Persian, one of the key figures behind the music at Manchester’s legendary Reno Club — a basement venue in Moss Side that became a cultural and social hub through the 1970s and early ’80s.
Persian shares stories of the Reno’s golden years, including the night that Muhammad Ali walked in. He recalls shaking the boxing legend’s hand, though the moment was brief as the whole room wanted a piece of him. He also mentions the many famous faces who passed through the club, including snooker legend Alex Higgins and cast members from Coronation Street, who would often drop by.
In addition to his time at the Reno, Persian also played at a high-end venue called Smokies, near Oldham — a club that attracted millionaires and celebrities. He DJed there for two years before returning to the Reno, feeling it was his true musical home.
One of Persian’s longtime friends, Norman Sykes, a former footballer for Bristol Rovers, opened a unique venue in Salford called Sobers — Manchester’s first non-alcoholic nightclub. Persian supported him by doing regular DJ nights there, showing his adaptability and commitment to bringing people together through music.
After the Reno closed, Persian made the difficult decision to step away from DJing and took a job at Manchester Airport, where he worked for 22 years. Laughing, he says he had to get a “proper job,” as DJing didn’t pay enough to plan for the future back then. But retirement brought him full circle — he picked the decks back up and started promoting his own soul nights.
He never truly connected with the House music explosion that followed. Persian feels a lot of what gets called House today is really just R&B with a new label. His heart always remained in soul — particularly the rich, groove-laden sounds of 1970s and early ’80s Black music.
We also discuss Northern Soul, which he sees as a distinct scene — what he calls “Commercial Soul.” He notes that most artists popular in that scene didn’t chart in the traditional R&B or soul charts, and that the dancing — with talcum powder on the floor — marked it as something very different from the Reno’s vibe.
Persian also remembers playing alongside DJs like Colin Curtis and John Grant at Rafters. He was invited to join them for one unforgettable night, and says people still talk about that set. It was a rare opportunity for the wider crowd to hear his unique style, and it left a lasting impression.
At the end of the interview, I ask him to name a track that reminds him of the Reno. Without hesitation, he chooses Michael Jackson’s “We’ve Got a Good Thing Going.”
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