In this captivating conversation, I sit down with John Tracy, one of the original DJs at Manchester’s iconic Hacienda nightclub, as he shares his incredible journey through the club’s formative years and his experiences in the evolving music scene of the 1980s. John reflects on being part of the Hacienda family and how those days remain vivid in his memory. From his early days as a record-collecting architecture student in Sheffield to DJing at influential clubs like Penny’s, John’s passion for music shines throughout. He reminisces about the vibrant Sheffield scene where he mingled with bands like ABC, Human League, and Cabaret Voltaire, and how this shaped his journey into club culture. When Mike Pickering invited him to join the Hacienda, John began his Saturday residency alongside Hewan Clarke, playing a mix of dance music, alternative tracks, and the emerging electro sound. He shares vivid details about the Hacienda’s early days, from its unique design to the challenges of DJing in a booth buried in the basement. He also recalls helping transform the club into the globally recognized venue it became, including moving the DJ booth to a more functional location. John discusses the music that defined the Hacienda’s early years, from rare groove and jazz funk to electro and disco classics. He recalls the importance of imports from Spin Inn and how tracks like Shannon’s Let the Music Play brought the sound of New York to Manchester. Despite the challenges—like DJing for just £50 a night and missing late-night trains—John’s love for the music and the scene kept him going. The conversation takes a bittersweet turn as John recalls his abrupt dismissal from the Hacienda after two years, a moment that still lingers with him to this day. However, he reflects on the legacy of those early years, the impact of the Hacienda on Manchester’s music scene, and the connections he made with artists and audiences alike. At the end of the interview, John picks a track that encapsulates the Hacienda for him: Crotona Park by Dave Valentin, a timeless tune that echoes the innovative and eclectic spirit of the club. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of Manchester’s club scene, the rise of dance music, and the personal stories behind one of the most influential nightclubs in the world
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