In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Eastern Bloc Records co-founder John Berry to celebrate the shop’s 40th anniversary and reflect on its pivotal role in shaping Manchester’s underground music scene.
Eastern Bloc began in 1985 on the second floor of Affleck’s Palace, founded by John, Martin Price (of 808 State), Michael Powers, and Paul Eiland. Initially focused on indie music through distributors like Red Rhino and Rough Trade, the shop became an unlikely but vital hub for emerging house and techno sounds by the late ’80s.
John recalls how a van visit from DJ Andy “Mad Hatter” Helms changed everything—dropping off a box of raw Chicago house and acid tracks that sparked a shift in direction. With competitors like Spin Inn focused on exclusivity, Eastern Bloc instead mass-marketed imports, giving every DJ access to rare sounds without elitism.
As the house scene exploded, the shop became essential to local DJs like Dave Booth, Leo Stanley, Justin Robertson, and John DaSilva—many of whom worked there or relied on its supply. The interview traces Eastern Bloc’s influence on the rise of The Haçienda, the city’s club boom, and even international DJs like Kevin Saunderson, Jeff Mills, and Frankie Bones, who made in-store appearances.
John also discusses their early licensing of now-classic European dance records (like Black Box), the formation of 808 State (originally John’s business partner Martin Price with Graham Massey and Gerald Simpson), and stories behind landmark tracks like Pacific State and Newbuild. He describes Martin as a “genius” with unmatched vision—bold, controversial, and crucial to Eastern Bloc’s edgy reputation.
We explore the early UK rave scene, how Eastern Bloc got caught up in court cases (including one over punk record sleeves and another for selling illegal warehouse party tickets), and how they survived intense police scrutiny under Chief Constable James Anderton during the late ’80s and early ’90s.
John shares the buzz of the Orbit club in Leeds, his love for Detroit techno, and how DJs like Sven Väth transformed venues into euphoric experiences. He reflects on how the once-unified scene gradually fragmented into niche genres—but back then, one night could span acid, garage, techno, and house.
We also talk about the shop’s new chapter: Eastern Bloc’s 40th anniversary celebrations on July 26th, with music from Graham Massey, Mr. Scruff (TBC), Mark McKinley (XTC), and a tribute to the Intellects. After a licensing battle, John and the team will host a three-day event with outdoor and indoor sets, returning to the community roots that made the shop legendary.
This video captures the energy, rebellion, and innovation behind Eastern Bloc—one of the most important record shops in UK dance history.
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