Bazzin’ was a club night held at the legendary Star & Garter in Manchester, which opened in January 1996. Inspired by the Blitz Club in London and Pips in Manchester, Bazzin’ celebrated the early days of new wave and post-punk.
Running on the last Friday of every month, its opening night on 26 January was bitterly cold, yet crowds flocked to the dancefloor, undeterred. Month after month, people made a pilgrimage, drawn to a riot of flamboyant, happy, sweaty people who became new friends — hugging and shouting, “God, I haven’t heard this tune for ages!” — all while looking effortlessly cool, shacking out to the best of late ’70s and ’80s post-punk and new wave. Most nights ended with a hedonistic mix of contemporary dance music. Entry was £2 on the door, the flyer read: 'Flamboyant over-18s only — no Johnnies-come-lately and no divs!'
The night was run by Benn and Tony Mott, Ged McDermott and Jackie Haynes. There was also a woman known as Cosmic Cat would read tarot cards in a side room off the main club space a much relished and quirky addition to a great night. Though short-lived, Bazzin’ went on to inspire other kitsch-and-cool nights such as Coming Out and Tiger Lounge.
Pictures to follow.
Here's a link to Plastic Fantastic a vinyl show on Wythenshawe FM and a programme which commemorates Bazzin' at The Star & Garter.
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