Interview with Hooky, Paulette & Graeme Park
Ahead of the historical Hacienda 40th birthday, we caught up three of our favourite DJs; Paulette, Graeme Park and Peter Hook - who between them smashed a dozen live appearances on our now legendary, 2020 United We Stream shows - to talk about their memories of The Hacienda, and the importance of live-streaming such a culturally significant event for Manchester.
StreamGM speak to The Hac DJ’s ahead of the big 40th birthday - thanks to DJ E.M.A for the kicking track - Start Me Up ft: Sayantika
Peter Hook, best known as a member of iconic bands such as Joy Division and New Order, and more recently with his band: ‘Peter Hook and the Light’ said:
“Doing the 30th birthday for The Hacienda was a big event to pull off. Everyone was very sceptical at first, but all the partygoers who went, had a fantastic time. Over the last 40 years The Hacienda has become a bit of a focal point for culture and music for many many people in Manchester. It’s great we can still celebrate this.
“We are paying our respects to Tony Wilson and Rob Gretton with this event, because The Hacienda was their idea, it was their concept, to get all the weirdos together in one place and that’s what we are still doing now.
“The live shows we did with United We Stream AKA StreamGM were so amazing for all of us to be part of, for different reasons.
“It was a very isolating time during those lockdowns and it was important for us to give the message to people that they were not alone, this was a big way to do it and some of the videos and messages we got in from people, from all over the world, dancing and thanking us for the music, it was so moving and special.
“It was so nerve wracking though! Playing to an empty room, there’s no audience there to feed off!”
Paulette continues: “Considering the Hacienda club doesn’t actually exist anymore, to get to a major ‘birthday’ for any club that does exist, is a big deal. Ministry of Sound, Fabric and the likes, they all have their history. So many in Manchester have come, and gone, so 40 years for a club that doesn’t exist - is truly momentous!
“Thinking back to all the streams we did together in 2020, my first one in particular, i was in such a state!
“I actually did the first livestream with you guys over at the Unity Radio studios in Media City in my pyjamas, because I was so weirded out being outside as we weren’t really allowed to be traveling around, unless it was for work or an emergency worker. It was an amazing experience to be part of though.”
Catch the full, live eight our broadcast of The Hacienda’s 40th birthday with Graeme Park, Paulette, KKlass, Hewan Clarke and Jon Dasilva from 18.00 gmt on 21/05/22 here on www.streamgm.co.uk
All profits and donations from this very special ‘one night only’ event will go to: @TheChristiecharity & @LegacyOf WarFoundation – Ukraine – please donate here: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Hacienda40
For more information on The Hacienda upcoming events and releases, please go to https://www.fac51-thehacienda.com/