In this fascinating interview, I sit down with cultural historian, political commentator, and author Philip Kiszely to reminisce about Isadoras, a short-lived but legendary Manchester nightclub, and the vibrant music and club scene of the late 1980s and beyond. Phil takes us back to 1989 when Isadoras opened its doors, offering a psychedelic escape from the harsh realities of the decade. He describes stepping into the club as like walking into a magical portal straight out of 1967, with 60s-inspired décor, mesmerizing light shows, and a soundtrack blending garage rock, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and rising Manchester bands like The Stone Roses. The club became a haven for a diverse crowd of students, Manchester scallies, and music enthusiasts. We explore the hedonistic nightlife of the time, where LSD and speed were common among clubgoers, and reflect on how Manchester became the epicenter of music, fashion, and culture during this era. Phil shares his personal experiences, from early clubbing at The Banshee to his days in a band. He recounts how Isadoras encapsulated the spirit of 1989—a year of cultural and political transformation, from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of iconic Manchester bands like The Happy Mondays and The Stone Roses. Phil also connects Isadoras to Manchester’s broader music history, comparing it to older venues like Pips, which nurtured the city’s music scene long before The Hacienda’s fame. He even holds up a book on Joy Division that includes his co-written chapter with DJ Dave Booth, reflecting his deep ties to the scene. I share my own love for 1960s garage music and record collecting, mentioning the influential Pebbles compilations. We laugh about my surprise appearance on a photo wall at an Isadoras reunion, a club I didn’t even remember going to! We also touch on Manchester’s forgotten 1960s scene, uncovering stories of Beat Cafes and house clubs that thrived despite police crackdowns. Phil mentions the “Mod Squad,” a specialist police unit targeting drug use at the time, highlighting the underground vibrancy of this era. At the end, Phil reveals his favorite track from the Isadoras days: “She Said Yeah” by The Rolling Stones, a song that epitomized the raw energy of 60s garage rock and brought the dance floor to life.
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