The Hacienda: How Not to Run a Club
The chaotic, drug-fueled, and financially disastrous history of Manchester's most legendary nightclub.
The Historical Context
Peter Hook, bassist for Joy Division and New Order, delivers a spectacular account of Factory Records' flagship nightclub, The Haçienda. What started as an idealistic vision for a European-style venue in bleak 1980s Manchester quickly devolved into a logistical nightmare. Hook details the birth of Acid House, the hostile takeover by local drug gangs, and the staggering financial incompetence that saw New Order funding the club's massive losses through their record sales.
Deconstructing the Masterpiece
Here is exactly what you will find inside the pages of this pivotal work:
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The explosion of ecstasy culture and the birth of 'Madchester'.
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The sheer, unbelievable financial mismanagement of Factory Records.
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The intersection of the music industry and organized crime.
The Myths & Controversies
Hook’s chronicling of the gang violence that eventually closed the club is stark and terrifying, completely stripping the romance from the 'Madchester' era.
The Verdict
A hilarious, terrifying manual on exactly how not to run a business in the music industry.
Archivist Notes: The Hacienda: How Not to Run a Club
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