Rafters (nightclub)
Encyclopedia
Rafters was a nightclub
Nightclub
A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...
located in the St James Building in the centre of Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
, UK. A number of bands played concerts at Rafters in the 1970s and 1980s
Rob Gretton
Rob Gretton
Rob Gretton was the manager of Joy Division and New Order. He was also a partner in Factory Records, proprietor of the Rob's Records label and a co-founder along with Tony Wilson of The Haçienda nightclub in Manchester, England. In 1977, Gretton became a leading figure in the Manchester punk...
who went on to become the manager of Joy Division
Joy Division
Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences...
worked at Rafters. It featured in the 2007 film Control.
The Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan , Martin Gore , Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke...
albums An Futurist Night and A Second Now In Manchester were recorded here in 1981.
A Second Now In Manchester was released on CD on Vertigo Records
Vertigo Records
Vertigo Records today is a UK-based record label operated by Universal Music UK.-History:Vertigo Records was the name Philips Records chose in the late 1960s for its record sub-label to counter the progressive labels of its rivals EMI with Harvest Records and Decca Records with Deram...
in 1990
History
Rafters opened in Manchester in the 1970s in the St James Building in the city centre.The schedule generally remained the same: live gigs on Monday and Wednesday nights and a Folk night
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
on Tuesday.
By the mid seventies the venue had become better known by the public and musicians, and leading musical band
Musical ensemble
A musical ensemble is a group of people who perform instrumental or vocal music. In classical music, trios or quartets either blend the sounds of musical instrument families or group together instruments from the same instrument family, such as string ensembles or wind ensembles...
s began to play there. Following the rise of punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
in 1976 and 1977, the venue became one of the main places in Manchester for live music. Joy Division
Joy Division
Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences...
performed there and in other Manchester venues such as Rock World.
Numerous new bands played in Rafters in 1977 among them Paul Young of Sad Café
Sad Café (band)
Sad Café were an English rock band, which formed in Manchester in 1976, as a result of the unification of the rock bands Mandala and Gyro. Sad Café are best known for their song "Every Day Hurts" which reached Number 3 in the UK Singles Chart in 1979....
and Dougie James. At this time Rob Gretton
Rob Gretton
Rob Gretton was the manager of Joy Division and New Order. He was also a partner in Factory Records, proprietor of the Rob's Records label and a co-founder along with Tony Wilson of The Haçienda nightclub in Manchester, England. In 1977, Gretton became a leading figure in the Manchester punk...
was one of the DJs at the club and also became a leading figure in the Manchester punk scene. The Stiff Records Test (Chiswick Challenge) organised by Stiff Records
Stiff Records
Stiff Records is a record label created in London in 1976, by entrepreneurs Dave Robinson and Andrew Jakeman , and active until 1985. It was reactivated in 2007....
took place here on 14 April 1978. The event proved significant in the history of the band Joy Division
Joy Division
Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences...
. Rob Gretton and Tony Wilson
Tony Wilson
Anthony Howard Wilson, commonly known as Tony Wilson , was an English record label owner, radio presenter, TV show host, nightclub manager, impresario and journalist for Granada Television and the BBC....
of Granada TV were present at the event and saw Joy Division play. Joy Division were the last of 17 bands to play, but made a strong impression on those at the concerts. As Rob Gretton commented:
Rafters closed in 1983. In its final years the DJ was Mike Shaft who appeared on Piccadilly Radio with Takin' Care of Business. After that the club was renamed as Jilly's which existed to 1993, after which the club was called MusicBox.
Concerts
| 1977 1977 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1977.-January–February:*January 1 – The Clash headline the gala opening of the London music club, The Roxy.... concerts |
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| Date | Musician(s) | Tour | Note |
| 31 May | Johnny Thunders & the Heartbreakers The Heartbreakers Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers, also known as The Heartbreakers, were an American rock & roll band formed in New York in May 1975. The band was part of the first wave of punk rock.-History:... & Joy Division Joy Division Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences... |
Warsaw Tour | -- |
| 30 June | Generation X Generation X (band) Generation X was a British punk rock band, formed on 21 November 1976 by Billy Idol, Tony James and John Towe.-History:... & Joy Division Joy Division Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences... |
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| 1 September | Buzzcocks Buzzcocks Buzzcocks are an English punk rock band formed in Bolton in 1976, led by singer–songwriter–guitarist Pete Shelley.They are regarded as an important influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent record label movement, punk rock, power pop, pop punk and indie rock. They achieved commercial... & Distractions The Distractions The Distractions are a British punk rock/new wave band from Manchester, England.-History:The band was originally formed in 1975 by college friends Mike Finney and Steve Perrin , alongside Lawrence Tickle and Tony Trap... |
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| 8 September | London London (band) London were a four piece punk band formed in London in 1976 and were best known for their wild stage act. The original line-up was Riff Regan , Steve Voice , Jon Moss and Dave Wight . They were managed by Simon Napier-Bell and recorded two singles, a 4 track EP and an album for MCA Records in 1977... & The Swords |
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| 13 October | The Yachts & Joy Division Joy Division Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences... |
Warsaw Tour | -- |
| 23 October | Alberto Y Los Trios Paranoias | -- | Teenage Paradise song included in So It Goes TV series (Series 2, show 3)Info from So It Goes TV series So It Goes (TV series) So It Goes was a British TV music show presented by Tony Wilson on Granada Television between 1976 and 1977. It is most famous for showcasing the then burgeoning Punk rock movement... page |
| 24 NovemberIt is not known, there was it one concert or two. | The Heat & Accelerator & Joy Division Joy Division Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences... |
Warsaw Tour | -- |
| 1978 1978 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1978.-January–April:*January 14 – The Sex Pistols play their final show at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom.... concerts |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Musician(s) | Tour | Note |
| 16 March | Generation X Generation X (band) Generation X was a British punk rock band, formed on 21 November 1976 by Billy Idol, Tony James and John Towe.-History:... & support |
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| 18 March | The Pleasers & Heart Heart (band) Heart is an American rock band who first found success in Canada. Throughout several lineup changes, the only two members remaining constant are sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson. The group rose to fame in the 1970s with their music being influenced by hard rock as well as folk music... |
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| 20 March | Little Bob Story & Doo Wop Saints | -- | -- |
| 21 March | Whitesnake Whitesnake Whitesnake are an English rock band, founded in 1978 by David Coverdale after his departure from his previous band, Deep Purple. The band's early material has been compared by critics to Deep Purple, but by the mid 1980s they had moved to a more commercial hard rock style... & Virginia Wolf Virginia Wolf Virginia Wolf was a British rock band of the 1970s and 1980s. Their albums included Virginia Wolf and Push . The band existed from 1977 until 1988, and featured Nick Bold on lead guitar throughout. Chris Ousey was the vocalist for most of this time and Jason Bonham was the drummer on both their... |
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| 23 March | Suburban Studs Suburban Studs The Suburban Studs were a punk rock band formed in Birmingham in 1976.-Line-up:*Vocals, guitar - Eddy Zipps*Guitar - Keith Owen*Bass - Paul Morton*Drums - Steve Poole*Saxophone - Steve Heart -Releases:... & The Elite |
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| 25 March | The Saints The Saints (band) The Saints are an Australian rock band, which formed in Brisbane in 1974 as punk rockers. Founders were Chris Bailey , Ivor Hay , and Ed Kuepper . Alongside mainstay Bailey, the group has had numerous line-ups... & The Snyde |
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| > The Zones & The Winners & Joy Division | 1978 Joy Division Tour | -- | |
| 14 April | Fly & Ed Banger The Nosebleeds The Nosebleeds was a short-lived punk band formed in Wythenshawe, Manchester, England in 1976. Though the band never recorded an album and released just one single, it is well known in modern rock history for the later successes of its individual members... & Prime Time Suckers & Jilted John & 2.3 & V2 & The Yo-Yo's & Time Out & Mike King & The Tunes & Joy Division Joy Division Joy Division were an English rock band formed in 1976 in Salford, Greater Manchester. Originally named Warsaw, the band primarily consisted of Ian Curtis , Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris .Joy Division rapidly evolved from their initial punk rock influences... |
Left in the form of album Keep On Keepin' OnInfo from Joy Division#Early releases | |
| 10 June | Buzzcocks Buzzcocks Buzzcocks are an English punk rock band formed in Bolton in 1976, led by singer–songwriter–guitarist Pete Shelley.They are regarded as an important influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent record label movement, punk rock, power pop, pop punk and indie rock. They achieved commercial... & Subway Sect Subway Sect Subway Sect were one of the original British punk bands. Their influence was limited by the very small amount of recorded material they released.-The early days:... |
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| 27 June | Dire Straits Dire Straits Dire Straits were a British rock band active from 1977 to 1995, composed of Mark Knopfler , his younger brother David Knopfler , John Illsley , and Pick Withers .Dire Straits' sound drew from a variety of musical influences, including jazz, folk, blues, and came closest... |
Dire Straits Tour Dire Straits tour Dire Straits tour was the first concert tour of Dire Straits held in 1978.On it, songs from the debut album of the group Dire Straits were played.- Overview :... |
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| 1980 1980 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1980.-January–March:*January 1**Cliff Richard is appointed an MBE by Elizabeth II.**The Zorros audition drummer Greg Pedley.... -1983 1983 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1983.-January-April:*January – ZTT Records is founded.*January 8 – The UK singles chart is tabulated from this week forward by The Gallup Organization... concerts |
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| Date | Year | Musician(s) | Tour | Note |
| 4 December | 1980 1980 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1980.-January–March:*January 1**Cliff Richard is appointed an MBE by Elizabeth II.**The Zorros audition drummer Greg Pedley.... |
Throbbing Gristle Throbbing Gristle Throbbing Gristle were an English industrial, avant-garde music and visual arts group that evolved from the performance art group COUM Transmissions... |
-- | Left in the form of album Rafters Club (IRCD 39)Info from Throbbing Gristle live performances and TGV DVD set TGV (Throbbing Gristle DVD set) TGV was a limited edition 7 DVD set of archival footage of Industrial band Throbbing Gristle. Included in this set were some of Throbbing Gristle's live performances as well as rehearsals and short films.... Info from TGV DVD set TGV (Throbbing Gristle DVD set) TGV was a limited edition 7 DVD set of archival footage of Industrial band Throbbing Gristle. Included in this set were some of Throbbing Gristle's live performances as well as rehearsals and short films.... page and TG+ DVD set TG+ TG+ is a box set by Throbbing Gristle. The 10 CD set contains Throbbing Gristle live performances, all digitally remastered by Chris Carter. The set is a follow up to TG24. These recordings represent the final 10 live TG recordings that were not included in the TG24 release... Info from TG+ DVD set TG+ TG+ is a box set by Throbbing Gristle. The 10 CD set contains Throbbing Gristle live performances, all digitally remastered by Chris Carter. The set is a follow up to TG24. These recordings represent the final 10 live TG recordings that were not included in the TG24 release... |
| 5 August | 1981 1981 in music See also:* Timeline of musical eventsThis is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1981.-January–April:*January 10 – A revival of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta The Pirates of Penzance opens at Broadway's Uris Theatre, starring Linda Ronstadt and Rex Smith.*January 24 –... |
Depeche Mode Depeche Mode Depeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan , Martin Gore , Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke... |
Speak & Spell Tour | First show recorded in the form of bootleg An Futurist Night |
| Second show recorded in the form of bootleg A Second Now In Manchester The album is released on CD Vertigo Records Vertigo Records Vertigo Records today is a UK-based record label operated by Universal Music UK.-History:Vertigo Records was the name Philips Records chose in the late 1960s for its record sub-label to counter the progressive labels of its rivals EMI with Harvest Records and Decca Records with Deram... in 1990 |
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| 13 December | 1982 1982 in music This is a list of notable events in music from 1982. 1982 was a big year in music with Madonna making her debut as well as the year that Michael Jackson released Thriller which became the world's best selling album and it still holds that title today.... |
The Southern Death Cult | -- | Two songs left in the form of album The Southern Death CultInfo from The Southern Death Cult album page. Songs named Crow and Faith |
| 1986 1986 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1986.-January-June:*January 23 – The first induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame takes place... concerts |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Musician(s) | Tour | Note |
| 17 July | Easterhouse Easterhouse (band) Easterhouse was a British rock group from the mid- to late-1980s known for jangly guitars and leftist political leaning.- Original line-up :* Andy Perry - vocals, harmonica* Ivor Perry - guitar* Peter Vanden - bass guitar* Gary Rostock - drums... , Happy Mondays Happy Mondays Happy Mondays are an English alternative rock band from Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1980, the band's original line-up was Shaun Ryder on lead vocals, his brother Paul Ryder on bass, lead guitarist Mark Day, keyboardist Paul Davis, and drummer Gary Whelan... and the Weeds The Weeds (UK band) The Weeds were a short-lived indie pop band formed in Manchester, England in 1986 who were "fronted by Andrew Berry...'China Doll' was their debut single and they had split up before it had even been released".... |
"Back in the Cellar" (Festival of the Tenth Summer Festival of the Tenth Summer The Festival of the Tenth Summer was a music and art festival that took place in Manchester in July 1986. The festival was organised by Factory Records to 'celebrate Manchester' specifically with reference to the first performance by the Sex Pistols at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester on 4... )Info from Festival of the Tenth Summer Festival of the Tenth Summer The Festival of the Tenth Summer was a music and art festival that took place in Manchester in July 1986. The festival was organised by Factory Records to 'celebrate Manchester' specifically with reference to the first performance by the Sex Pistols at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester on 4... page |
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