In this episode of Manchester Scene Stories, I sit down with Karl Brockbank, one of the early names from Manchester’s breakdance and electro scene. Karl came up in the early 1980s — long before the rave explosion — when crews were discovering body-popping, lino floors, and a new sound taking over from funk.

Electro pioneer Man Parrish sits down with me for a wildly candid, funny, and revealing conversation about the birth of New York’s early-’80s electronic sound—and how his tracks helped give breakdancing and hip-hop their first synthesized soundtrack.

This is my second live, in front of an audience interview, this time with Jay Wearden, a DJ whose journey runs from early hip hop obsession to Manchester’s underground: Precinct 13, Konspiracy, Thunderdome and the legendary Hippos.

Step inside the journey of Guy Williams — one of Manchester’s most respected DJs whose story stretches from the record-stuffed garage of his childhood home in Cheadle Hulme to the dancefloors of Ibiza.

Step inside Manchester’s nightlife history with Leroy and Vera — two people who lived through the city’s most influential venues, from the Reno to Dry Bar.

In this interview, I sit down with Mark Jones, a highly respected Manchester DJ recommended by Tiger, to dive deep into the history of High Energy, Northern Soul, and the early days of House music in the city.

Step back into Manchester’s vibrant nightlife of the 1980s and 90s with my good friend Steve Redshaw. In this candid and funny conversation, Steve shares his journey from being a teenage punk to playing in local bands, rubbing shoulders with future stars, and working in some of the city’s most iconic venues.

In this episode, I sit down with Nico Harmony, a rising Manchester artist with music in her blood. Nico grew up surrounded by creativity — her mum, Stella Grundy, fronted Intastella and later wrote plays such as Rising Fall of a Northern Star, while her dad, Spencer Birtwistle, remains a respected drummer. With such a legacy behind her, Nico could have felt the pressure. Instead, she has carved her own path, balancing raw honesty with a powerful presence on stage.

In this episode, I sit down with percussionist and storyteller Danny Ward—a key figure in Manchester's live music and club scenes whose musical journey took him from Urban Cookie Collective and The Key, The Secret, to jazz workshops in Hume and acid house jams at The Kitchen.

Photographer Jim Fry sits down to trace a life lived through lenses, bands and the North’s music tribes. Raised in Stockport/Cheshire, Jim came up alongside Gordon King and Tony Ogden, first messing about in shambolic early-’80s groups that evolved into World of Twist. He talks about the junk-shop glam and synth-tinted soul they loved, art-school screen-printing, and the belief that a band should put on a show—risers, UV, pyro, even a notorious stage volcano.

Step back into the swinging 1960s with Joan, who moved to Manchester in 1963 to study botany at university. In this conversation, she paints a vivid picture of student life, nightlife, and music during one of the most transformative decades in popular culture.

Vera Green came highly recommended by Cath Berry as someone with a deep and colourful history in Manchester’s nightlife. From working behind the bar at the legendary Russell Club in Hulme during the late 70s to spending nights at the Reno Club in Moss Side, Vera’s memories shine a light on the places and people that shaped the city’s scene.

For once, the mic’s on me. In this special episode of Manchester Scene Stories, my oldest mate Steve flips the script and interviews me about how grief, PTSD, and a left-field healing tool (EFT tapping) pushed me toward making these videos about Manchester’s nightlife and culture.

In this final part of my three-part interview with Bill, we follow his return to Manchester in the mid-1980s — a period filled with clubs, fashion, creativity, and personal resilience.

In this second instalment of my three-part conversation with Bill Smart, we pick up his journey at the turn of the 1980s — a time when fashion, music, and club culture were colliding in exciting, and sometimes challenging, ways. Bill’s story moves from Manchester’s dancefloors to the unexpected world of high-fashion modelling.

This is Part 1 of my in-depth conversation with Bill Smart, taking us right back to his earliest years — from a childhood in Dr Barnardo’s to life in Old Trafford and Moss Side — and the experiences that shaped him.

In this episode, I sit down with Red Venom—Manchester rapper, producer, and hip-hop historian—for a wide-ranging conversation that spans decades of music, stories, and unforgettable moments.

In this heartfelt interview, Debs Wild shares her extraordinary journey from working in childcare to becoming a key player in the British music industry — and discovering Coldplay. Debs opens up about her Northern roots, her passion for music, and how sheer determination got her a foot in the door at labels like PWL and Kiss 102. With humour and humility, she recalls creating a mock newspaper called Wild Times to stand out from the crowd — long before LinkedIn or online CVs.

In this heartfelt interview, Debs Wild shares her extraordinary journey from working in childcare to becoming a key player in the British music industry — and discovering Coldplay. Debs opens up about her Northern roots, her passion for music, and how sheer determination got her a foot in the door at labels like PWL and Kiss 102. With humour and humility, she recalls creating a mock newspaper called Wild Times to stand out from the crowd — long before LinkedIn or online CVs.

In this video, I sit down with Jane, whose TikTok comments caught my attention for her deep knowledge of Manchester’s music scene. This is the first time we’ve spoken, and what follows is a rich, personal journey through the cultural heartbeat of Manchester in the late 1980s and early ’90s — told through the eyes of someone who lived and breathed it.

In this in-depth conversation, I sit down with Graham Massey—founder of 808 State and key figure in Manchester’s experimental and rave music scene. We cover the wild, brilliant chaos that led to the birth of 808 State, from his early days working in a cafe on Oldham Street to producing groundbreaking tracks in Spirit Studios.

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.

In this video, I sit down with Darren Harvey to talk about one of the most legendary nightclubs in UK rave history—Shelley’s Laserdome in Stoke-on-Trent.

In this video, I sit down with Drew Ellison — better known to many as Andy E — to talk about his role in Manchester’s legendary music scene during the rise of house music, the acid era, and the Madchester movement.

In this video, I sit down with Nicky Lockett—better known as MC Tunes—a pioneering rapper from Manchester whose story bridges the early Electro scene, UK Hip Hop, and the rise of rave culture.

In this interview, Leo B. Stanley — the man behind the iconic “And On the Sixth Day God Created Manchester” T-shirt — tells the story of how a late-night spark of inspiration led to one of the most recognisable slogans in Manchester’s cultural history.

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.

In this fascinating interview, DJ Martin Prendergast shares his remarkable journey through Manchester’s evolving club culture — from his early days at the Berlin club to becoming a key figure behind the decks at The Hacienda in the mid-1980s.

In this interview, Manchester DJ Doctor D (Dennis) takes us on a vivid journey through the city’s evolving club scene — from the legendary Reno Club in the early ’80s in Moss Side to rave fields, pirate radio, and touring with The Orb.

In this video, I sit down with Coddy to hear his vivid memories of growing up in Manchester and his unforgettable clubbing days spanning the 1980s and 1990s. Recommended to me by Jacqui—who appeared in a previous video—Coddy has known her since they were both teenagers. After he commented on my Facebook post about Jacqui’s video, she chimed in to say, “Coddy was there from day one.” That was all the encouragement I needed to get him on camera.

Melanie shares her vivid memories of discovering Manchester’s legendary Corbieres wine bar in the 1980s – a place that would shape her social life, music tastes, and even her career. Recommended to me by Cath Berry, Melanie opens up about how her journey into the city’s nightlife began with Cath’s brother Andrew, an apprentice hairdresser, who invited her for a drink at Corbiers after college one day. What started as an exciting trip into town quickly became a huge part of her life.

In this brilliant interview, Kate Mountain shares her incredible journey with Manchester’s legendary live venue, The Roadhouse — a basement club that played a major role in the city’s music scene throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

In this episode, I sit down with Tim Williams — a defining figure in Manchester’s underground club scene — to explore his remarkable journey through the city’s music and nightlife evolution. From Hulme’s legendary Kitchen Parties to the groundbreaking Konspiracy Club beneath the Corn Exchange, and eventually managing VIP nights in Miami, Tim’s story is one of hustle, creativity, and cultural impact.

In this episode, I sit down with Pete Orme—best known from the iconic band Awesome 3—to dive deep into his journey through the rise of house music and the rave scene in the UK.

In this episode, Tony Ross shares his incredible journey through the birth and explosion of House and Acid House music in Manchester. Recommended by Jacqui, who appeared in a previous video on this channel, Tony opens up about discovering electronic music as a kid and how that sound changed everything for him.

In this vibrant interview, I sit down with Danny Henry, better known as Danny Dancer, a Manchester icon known for his street performances and deep roots in the city’s club culture. I first remember seeing Danny dance at The Hacienda on Wednesday nights, but today, he’s famous for his street performances across Manchester city centre.

In this interview, DJ Greg Wilson takes us deep into the influential history of Legend nightclub in Manchester and its role in the emergence of Electro music in the UK. Best known for his groundbreaking sets at Legend and Wigan Pier in the early 1980s, Greg reflects on a unique moment in British club culture that helped shape what came next—from Hip Hop to House and the Hacienda rave era.

In this raw and compelling episode, Jeff the Chef opens up about his wild experiences—from taking LSD at Glastonbury to surviving the harsh realities of life inside Strangeways Prison.

In this lively conversation, Bill Smart and Pablo Blanquito explore the deep connection between fashion, music, and identity in the UK club scene. They reflect on how clothing wasn’t just about style—it was a way of expressing individuality, finding belonging, and making a statement on the dance floor.

In this interview, legendary DJ Buckley shares his incredible journey from Leeds to becoming a key figure in the UK club scene. He reveals how he got his first gig at The Hacienda in 1991 when Graeme Park asked him to fill in for Tom Wainwright, who was away on holiday. At the time, Buckley wasn’t playing anywhere regularly, but he had built friendships with Graeme Park and Mike Pickering after moving to Manchester.

In this captivating interview, I sit down with Aniff Akinola, a true “music survivor” who has been a key figure in the Manchester club scene since 1979. From his early days exploring the underground club culture to co-writing Voodoo Ray, forming Chapter and The Verse, and working on Urban Cookie Collective and Backyard Dog, Aniff’s journey is deeply intertwined with the evolution of UK music. In this episode, we focus on The Gallery, one of Manchester’s most influential clubs, run by Omar Guedar.

In this captivating interview, Gino Brandolani takes us on a journey through his incredible life in Manchester’s punk and club scenes. From hearing Sheena Is a Punk Rocker at 15 and finding his place in punk, to fighting against the National Front with the Anti-Nazi League, Gino’s stories are raw, hilarious, and filled with history.

In this fascinating interview, I sit down with Gouldy to explore how his first experience with Ecstasy in 1988 changed his life and led him deep into the Acid House movement. From his early days with Leeds football hooligans to becoming a Hacienda regular, Gouldy shares a raw and gripping account of how the rave scene transformed UK clubbing culture forever.

In this video, I sit down with Jacqui, who I first met at the gym when she told me she had been watching my YouTube videos. It turns out she was a real face back in the day at the Hacienda and has been helping me connect with people for my videos. Jacqui shares her incredible journey through the Manchester music scene, starting with taping Stu Allan’s soul music shows in school, discovering hip-hop and breakdancing, and then stepping into the world of clubs like the Gallery and the Hacienda.

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Eddie Rhead, a well-known figure on Manchester’s legendary club scene and the go-to driver for some of the city’s biggest DJs during the rise of House music and the Hacienda era.

In this in-depth conversation, I sit down with Martin Moscrop of the legendary Manchester band A Certain Ratio (ACR) to explore their groundbreaking early years and the profound impact their time in New York City had on their music and the Manchester music scene.

In this fascinating interview, I sit down with cultural historian, political commentator, and author Philip Kiszely to reminisce about Isadoras, a short-lived but legendary Manchester nightclub, and the vibrant music and club scene of the late 1980s and beyond. Phil takes us back to 1989 when Isadoras opened its doors, offering a psychedelic escape from the harsh realities of the decade

In this captivating conversation, I sit down with John Tracy, one of the original DJs at Manchester’s iconic Hacienda nightclub, as he shares his incredible journey through the club’s formative years and his experiences in the evolving music scene of the 1980s. John reflects on being part of the Hacienda family and how those days remain vivid in his memory. From his early days as a record-collecting architecture student in Sheffield to DJing at influential clubs like Penny’s, John’s passion for music shines throughout.

In this interview, I chat with David Dunne about his journey from the punk scene to becoming a pioneer of House music and his long-standing career as a DJ and music enthusiast. David reflects on how the late 70s and early 80s music scenes evolved, with punk giving way to electronic sounds. Clubs like Pips in Manchester were instrumental in this shift, where tracks like Gary Numan’s “Are Friends Electric” were played before they hit the charts.

In this interview, I sit down with Marc Hough, best known as Tin Tin, New Order’s tour DJ, to explore his incredible journey through Manchester’s club and music scenes. I first met Tin Tin in 1989 at Lazy Lils, but his DJ career began in 1987 at Archies and The Venue, where he helped shape the sound of a generation.

In this exclusive Part 2 interview, Simon Wolstencroft shares captivating stories from his time with The Fall, his friendship with Ian Brown, and his experiences touring the world. Simon recounts the highs and lows of his 11 years with The Fall, starting with recording Bend Sinister at Abbey Road Studios in 1986, one of his favorite albums. He reveals anecdotes about Mark E. Smith, including his play Hey Luciani and the ballet I Am Kurious Oranj, performed at Saddler’s Wells and in front of the Queen of Holland.

In this interview, I chat with Tom Wainwright, one of the key DJs at the Hacienda, about his journey into House music and his experiences during the golden age of club culture. Tom reflects on how Hot Night at the Hacienda in 1988 transformed him, recalling how the energy, Ecstasy, and Acid House heads created a scene like no other. The first night had just 50 people, but by the next week, the entire club was alive with excitement, changing everything for him.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, I sit down with Simon Wolstencroft, legendary drummer for The Fall and a key figure in Manchester’s vibrant music scene. From his early days playing in bands with Ian Brown and John Squire (later of The Stone Roses) to his time in The Fall, Simon shares fascinating stories from his remarkable career.

In this video, I sit down with Nick to dive into the incredible history of Corbières Wine Cavern, one of Manchester’s most iconic 1980s bars. Known for its legendary jukebox and eclectic clientele, Corbières played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s alternative and music scenes.

In this follow-up video, I sit down with Leah as she shares her incredible scrapbook filled with memories and artifacts from her days on the Manchester clubbing scene. From designing outfits for MC Tunes and his backing singers to backstage passes and flyers from legendary nights, Leah’s scrapbook is a treasure trove of music history.

In this captivating interview, Dermo and Rob from the iconic Manchester band Northside share fascinating stories from their journey in music, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Manchester’s music scene. From their early days at Butterfly Records to performing on Top of the Pops, this conversation is packed with incredible moments and insights.

In this captivating interview, Leah shares her incredible journey through Manchester’s iconic clubbing scene, starting at age 16 when she first tried to get into The Hacienda. After 18 months of being turned away, her partner Eric finally got her in, and from there, her life in the world of music and rave culture began.

Join us in this insightful interview with Aniff Akinola as he shares his experiences in the heart of Manchester’s evolving music scene. Aniff talks about his early days in clubs like New Century Hall, where he first experienced the thrill of dancing to DJ Mike Shaft, and his time at Rafters, where he connected with DJ Colin Curtis and Hewan Clarke, shaping his passion for jazz, funk, and soul.

In this candid interview, I sit down with my lifelong friend Joanne Jones to reminisce about our wild experiences growing up together in Eccles and discovering the Acid House and rave scenes in Manchester. Jo shares memories of her years working behind the bar at the legendary Hacienda nightclub, witnessing unforgettable moments and seeing a side of Manchester nightlife few people know.

In this interview, DJ and record shop legend Russ Marland talks about his pivotal role in bringing House music to Manchester and DJing at the iconic Hacienda. Starting at Spin Inn Records in 1986, Russ shares how he was influenced by Mike Shaft’s radio show, where he discovered the sound of Electro and House music. He reminisces about queuing up for records and eventually landing a job at Spin Inn, just as House music was beginning to take over the city.

In this exclusive interview, Leroy Richardson, former manager of the iconic Hacienda and Dry Bar in Manchester, shares his journey from machine tool engineer to a key figure in Manchester’s music scene. Leroy reflects on his early days enjoying music at clubs like Pips, his time playing football for Manchester City youth team, and his first encounter with the Hacienda through Tony Wilson. He talks about the early struggles of the club, how Dry Bar became one of the UK’s first designer bars, and the vibrant energy that made the Hacienda famous.

In this exclusive interview, Steve Murray from the iconic punk band Fast Cars shares fascinating stories from the punk scene in Manchester. We dive into how Fast Cars influenced The Happy Mondays, with Shaun Ryder calling Steve his hero and Paul Ryder crediting the band as a major inspiration.

In this in-depth conversation, I sit down with Vince Vega to explore his incredible journey through Manchester’s rave scene, from his early experiences of the iconic Hacienda nightclub in 1988 to becoming the tour DJ for The Happy Mondays. Vince shares his first unforgettable rave night at The Thunderdome, where he dropped acid and danced the night away, leading him to a life dedicated to Manchester’s underground party culture.

In this fascinating interview, Manchester artist and filmmaker Mark Jordan shares his unique experiences from the 1970s punk era through the rise of acid house and the influence of the LGBTQ+ community on Manchester’s cultural landscape. Known for his work on the Queerchester documentary, Mark opens up about his early days working at Eric’s nightclub in Liverpool, where he encountered iconic bands like the B-52s and Jilted John. He fondly recalls meeting these music legends both in the early days and later in life at festivals like Granada.

In this fascinating interview, Kim shares his memories of working at the iconic Hacienda nightclub during the height of Manchester’s Acid House and punk scenes. Kim takes us on a journey through the early days of Factory Records, recalling his visits to the Russell Club at 14, where punk and reggae started mixing under the influence of Tony Wilson. He shares stories about the Hacienda before it was built, working in the kitchen on its opening night, and his lifetime membership at the club.

In this video, I sit down with my friend Tiger, a legendary figure in Manchester’s Gay Village, to discuss his incredible experiences and the evolution of the gay club scene. We start by hearing how Tiger got his nickname at school and his early days coming out in 1979 at just 16 years old. He shares stories about his introduction to the gay scene through Bernards Bar, and how the gay community was largely underground at the time. Tiger’s passion for post-punk and alternative music shaped his early days, but things changed when the house music revolution hit Manchester.

In this video, I sit down with my friend Bill to dive deep into the history of Manchester’s Gay Village and its transformation through hedonism, rave culture, and the rise of house music. Bill recounts his first experiences in the Village, starting in 1974, when the area was less developed and more underground. He describes how the area was a red-light district and how gay culture was mostly hidden at the time. He recalls his first visit to Sims Bar, a secretive place where you had to knock to gain entry. The drug of choice then was poppers (amyl nitrate), but heavier drugs like LSD and cocaine also started to enter the scene.

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Jeff The Chef, a well-known figure from Manchester’s Acid House scene and a key player in the legendary Hacienda nightclub. Jeff takes us through his extraordinary journey, from his anti-drug stance in his early 20s to becoming one of the main dealers in the Hacienda during its peak in the late 1980s. His story is one of wild parties, high-profile friendships, and life-altering experiences.