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.
Jo takes us back to the early days, recalling nights at iconic clubs like Paradise Factory and The Silver Screen in Eccles. She talks about bringing her brother to see 808 State in 1988, dressing him up in a tie-dye shirt and bandana, and saving tapes of their broadcasts on Sunset Radio. Jo also shares stories of attending the first “Hot” night at the Hacienda and even being filmed dancing on TV by Granada Reports during the early Acid House days.
Our conversation covers everything from her first Ecstasy experience (she calls it a “Disco Biscuit”) to her adventures on the dance floors of Manchester’s gay clubs, which she remembers as pioneering spots for House music. Jo recounts memorable nights at Mantos, Dry201, and the Number 1 Club, where tables had phones to call each other, creating a unique party vibe.
Jo recalls the moment she walked onto the dance floor as her favorite track, “No UFOs” by Juan Atkins, started playing, setting the tone for a night she would never forget. She danced for hours, lost in the music, a perfect representation of the spirit of the era. She laughs about one night where she took two Ecstasy tablets called “Snowballs,” ended up on the floor, and told her friend she was “tying her shoelaces” despite wearing boots. She even remembers accidentally being sick on the promoter Paul Cons’ feet!
We dive into stories of incredible after-parties, a rave in an aircraft hangar in Orlando sponsored by the Hacienda, and the time she shared a house with friends who crafted custom capsules to sell at the Number 1 Club. Jo also recalls Seal and Adamski performing at a Hacienda night in Blackburn, with Seal dressed as a nun, and talks about how much she misses those unforgettable nights.
As we wrap up, Jo reflects on how special that era was and how, even though she hasn’t been out in a while, those memories will never fade. She shares her favorite track of all time, “Off To Battle” by Model 500, a perfect way to end our journey through Manchester’s Acid House history
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