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.
Vince recalls the secret Blackburn Raves in 1989, detailing how he and his friends would follow convoys of cars to hidden warehouse parties. With the police chasing them down one-way streets, they felt like they were on an adventure. These illegal raves were a turning point in his life, introducing him to the highs and chaos of a scene that was just beginning to explode across the UK.
As the rave scene grew, Vince spent nights at The Hacienda, Thunderdome, and eventually, new venues like Shelly’s in Stoke, where Hacienda DJ Sasha had relocated. He describes how Shelly’s became a refuge from the growing hostility of Manchester clubs, attracting a fresh crowd eager to embrace the new sounds of acid house and rave.
We discuss how Vince went on to meet Bez from The Happy Mondays and how he became their tour DJ by default, entertaining crowds between sets during their reunion tour. Touring the world with the band, Vince was amazed to see how far Manchester’s rave and music scene had spread, with people from Chile to Russia embracing the sounds that defined a generation.
Vince reflects on the charm of the early rave scene, where it wasn’t about famous DJs but about the music, the people, and the collective experience on the dance floors. We also dive into the darker side of the scene, including how tabloids demonized acid house and how government crackdowns on illegal raves pushed people back into nightclubs.
We chat about the evolution of Manchester’s music scene, from house to indie, and how clubs like South Nightclub and Lazy Lil’s offered fresh energy with diverse music. Vince also shares his experiences with his radio show, Sting FM, and how the rave community continues to evolve, even in today’s more commercialized festival scene.
From the highs of The Thunderdome to the global reach of The Happy Mondays, this conversation is packed with memories and insights into Manchester’s rich music history
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