Why Hacienda?

Hello there,

It's been a long time since I last posted something in this blog, so... let's start over with the basics:


Many people have complained for not knowing what "The Hacienda" is and what it has contributed to this world. Even more people complained for not understanding the general idea behind "Hacienda must be rebuilt". It will take some time for you to read, but if you are patient enough, I promise that the following will pay you back.


So let's firstly review some of the facts:

The Haçienda - Manchester

- Nightclub designed by Ben Kelly, opened on Friday May 21st 1982.
- Owned by Factory Records & New Order and given catalogue number FAC51.
- It consisted of a stage, dance area with bar, a cafe, dj balcony & a cocktail bar.
- Host DJ's included Mike Pickering, Graeme Park and Dave Haslam.
- Live acts to play there included Madonna (in 1984), New Order, The Smiths, Happy Mondays, Oasis, James, Blur, OMD and Echo & Bunnymen.
- In the 1990's drugs and gangs became a permanent fixture.
- The Hacienda became a cultural revolution as much as a club.
- Following a drug-related death & various shootings the club was closed in 1997
- The Hacienda was demolished in 2002 by Crosby Homes to make way for apartments, keeping the iconic name, which is provided under license from New Order's Peter Hook, who owns the Hacienda and FAC51 trademark.
- After the demolition of the place, bricks have been sold for 5 GBP per piece and given to charity.

...and some more:

- Hacienda is the first proper club in the history of music.
- Hacienda is the place that electronic music was firstly promoted in such a large scope.
- Hacienda is the place that artists that create/play "different" music (now it is called electronic) have firstly been trusted to perform.
- Hacienda is the place that "Happy Mondays" first performed that "different" music that inspired others to start developing it.
- Hacienda was kept open even when it was not making any profit (during the most time, the record label was paying back for the club's loss).
- Hacienda is the place that insisted playing this type of music, even when nobody liked it (reminds you of something???).

Now let's make the connection:

- If The Hacienda has not been there, the Happy Mondays, New Order, and the rest of the artists would have never produced this type of "different" music.
- If the owners of The Hacienda did not have the "vision" and patience to make their vision come true, the club would have closed after the first year and electronic music would never have been popular and inspiring to other artists.



And to conclude, I would prefer to let someone else speak:

"...there was never, ever a meeting about what music the DJs should play – we just got on with it and did what we felt was right."
HASLAM (Resident DJ - "The Hacienda"/ Played more than 500 times)



Looking forward to your comments...

Analogue
Hacienda must be rebuilt