The Hacienda club and the bands that played there in the 80s

Virgin Radio

19 May 2023, 12:56

It has been 41 years since the infamous Hacienda club opened its doors for the first time in Manchester.

The Haçienda was a nightclub and music venue in Manchester, England, which became famous during the 80s and early 90s and saw many now famous bands pass through its doors before closing permanently in 1997.

To celebrate its 41st anniversary, Virgin Radio 80 Plus will be playing music from some of the biggest band that played there throughout the decade.

Here is a sneak peek of some of our favourites.

New Order

Without The Haçienda, there probably wouldn’t be New Order and vice versa. The club was a huge part of the band’s success in their early days and they often performed at the venue over the decade.

When they shot to the top of the charts with their 1983 hit Blue Monday, money made from the single helped to subsidise the club.

Simple Minds

The Scottish band were just getting into their stride when they first performed at the Hacienda in 1982. In the video below, they can be seen performing their song Promised you a Miracle during their Sons and Fascination tour.

Tears for Fears

The band were just on the cusp of success when they performed with Thompson Twins at the Manchester Club on 29th October 1982. Just a year later they would release their debut album, The Hurting, which would see them top the UK Albums Chart and produce them their first three hit singles- Mad World, Change and Pale Shelter.

Echo & the Bunnymen

It seems 1982 was the year to be at the Hacienda, because it’s also the year Echo & the Bunnymen first performed with a setlist that included Do It Clean, Heads Will Roll and With a Hip.

This came just two years after their debut album Crocodiles made the top 20 in the UK Albums Chart.

To hear who else graced the stage of the legendary club, make sure to listen to Virgin Radio 80s Plus on Sunday 21st May.

You can listen to Virgin Radio 80 Plus HERE. You can also listen on DAB+ in London and Central Scotland and on smart speakers across the UK, as well as via the Virgin Radio UK app.