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.
We dive deep into the rise of Manchester’s club culture, from his time in the famous Number 1 Club to the impact of Ecstasy (MDMA) on the party scene in the late 80s. Tiger describes how the gay clubs were ahead of the curve, introducing house music and rave culture before the mainstream caught on. He shares nostalgic tales of how everyone would head to the dance floor the moment the beat dropped, and how the atmosphere was more about love, community, and music than alcohol.
Tiger reflects on the devastation of the AIDS epidemic, and how it influenced the way people partied during that era. He explains how tracks like Adeva’s “Don’t Let It Show On Your Face” became anthems of resilience for the LGBTQ+ community, many of whom were losing friends to the disease but still found solace on the dance floor.
We also talk about the evolution of Manchester’s Gay Village as clubs like Mantos and Paradise Factory opened, and how house music changed everything. Tiger explains how the village became a place where the lines between gay and straight culture blurred, and everyone came together for the love of music.
Later, Tiger tells the story of how he started the MINT group on Facebook to bring back the spirit of the old Manchester gay scene and support charities. MINT, which stands for Manchester in 1993, became a movement that reunited the older generation of the village’s club-goers, bringing people back together and keeping the inclusive, fun spirit alive. The MINT group has raised over £25,000 for charities.
This conversation is a rich look at Manchester’s gay scene, its unique culture, and how the music and clubs like Number 1, Paradise Factory, and The Hacienda played a crucial role in uniting people during both celebratory and challenging times.
Donate
Upload