This is the first article I’ve ever seen about The Ranch Bar, I used to go regularly throughout 77. It’s brought back many memories of its unique atmosphere, the frenetic pogo-ing when ever they played The Damned’s New Rose and the Holsten Diåt Pils (popular drink of the day) that went flying everywhere. As there weren’t too many punk records around then, there were some unexpected favourites played regularly like Jonathan Richmond’s Roadrunner and Mink Deville’s Spanish Stroll.
Sadly, one night, I recall having a chat with a girl who related the heartbreaking story of her boyfriend who’d died as a result of an altercation outside the club, which must be the one mentioned in the article.
I personally do not remember any trouble there.
On a happier note, a then college friend, Barry Adamson, approached Howard Devoto one night and asked to audition for a new band he was rumoured to be getting together! If your a Magazine fan then you know how that turned out!
It’s also true that at some point in the evening, some double doors would open up and in would swan Foo Foo Lamar, resplendent in white satin diamanté encrusted evening gown and tiara, and survey the room of steaming sweating punk revellers. He’d check with the bar staff that all was cool then disappear back to his club next door. Quite bizarre and unforgettable.
That’s probably enough from my memory banks but, as an important part of the early culture that was to grow into Madchester, I sometimes wonder why there’s no blue plaque.
I think I do remember that Frank. I also recall what the beer swilled black rubbery dancefloor used to do to a pristine pair of white canvas Adidas basketball boots (and their like, we didn’t call them trainers back then), a much shortened but glorious life.
Really interesting piece, I didn't start visiting Manchester till 1980 and at at Poly in 1981, but the spirit of The Ranch existed in various little clubs across the city. I like your Homage to 'Glad to be gay', " The British police are the best in the world I don't believe any of those stories I've heard, about they raiding our clubs for no reason at all, lining the customers up by the wall" fascinating story.
Hi Harry, could I get your borough so I can include this in the letters section on Monday? Thanks for taking the time to read the piece, and glad you liked it. Best, Dani
So enjoyable. And material for a piece on Nostalgia I’m working on. Coincidence? Tony Wilson’s name cropped up this morning over coffee (not frothy, anymore).
More of this please! If we are going to look back at Manchester music and clubs, then let’s look at the people, places and music that isn’t usually covered. Excellent piece.
That would be great Frank. I was too young to go to The Ranch but I used to go to Pips from about 1979. A lot of the 70s Pips people are still around.
The other figure not celebrated enough is Colin Curtis- a DJ who’s always been at the front of any dance music genre at the start and who did a lot in Manchester in the late 70s and early to mid 80s. Finally starting to get recognised for the pioneer he has always been.
This is the first article I’ve ever seen about The Ranch Bar, I used to go regularly throughout 77. It’s brought back many memories of its unique atmosphere, the frenetic pogo-ing when ever they played The Damned’s New Rose and the Holsten Diåt Pils (popular drink of the day) that went flying everywhere. As there weren’t too many punk records around then, there were some unexpected favourites played regularly like Jonathan Richmond’s Roadrunner and Mink Deville’s Spanish Stroll.
Sadly, one night, I recall having a chat with a girl who related the heartbreaking story of her boyfriend who’d died as a result of an altercation outside the club, which must be the one mentioned in the article.
I personally do not remember any trouble there.
On a happier note, a then college friend, Barry Adamson, approached Howard Devoto one night and asked to audition for a new band he was rumoured to be getting together! If your a Magazine fan then you know how that turned out!
It’s also true that at some point in the evening, some double doors would open up and in would swan Foo Foo Lamar, resplendent in white satin diamanté encrusted evening gown and tiara, and survey the room of steaming sweating punk revellers. He’d check with the bar staff that all was cool then disappear back to his club next door. Quite bizarre and unforgettable.
That’s probably enough from my memory banks but, as an important part of the early culture that was to grow into Madchester, I sometimes wonder why there’s no blue plaque.
Hi Paul, thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed. Could I get your borough so I can include this in our letters section on Monday? Best, Dani
Hi Dani, I live in Stockport north, if that's what you meant?
Thanks for this. Remember when the deejay would play "Rum and Coca-Cola" by the Andrews Sisters. And it would pack the tiny dancefloor.
I think I do remember that Frank. I also recall what the beer swilled black rubbery dancefloor used to do to a pristine pair of white canvas Adidas basketball boots (and their like, we didn’t call them trainers back then), a much shortened but glorious life.
Really interesting piece, I didn't start visiting Manchester till 1980 and at at Poly in 1981, but the spirit of The Ranch existed in various little clubs across the city. I like your Homage to 'Glad to be gay', " The British police are the best in the world I don't believe any of those stories I've heard, about they raiding our clubs for no reason at all, lining the customers up by the wall" fascinating story.
Hi Harry, could I get your borough so I can include this in the letters section on Monday? Thanks for taking the time to read the piece, and glad you liked it. Best, Dani
Brilliant. Great to peel back yet another layer of Manchester's music history.
Thank you, Tom. Glad you liked it.
So enjoyable. And material for a piece on Nostalgia I’m working on. Coincidence? Tony Wilson’s name cropped up this morning over coffee (not frothy, anymore).
Great article! Takes me back to those days. I lived in Preston at the time and put on the first punk disco in the town with some mates. Great days.
Glad you liked it. Great days, indeed.
More of this please! If we are going to look back at Manchester music and clubs, then let’s look at the people, places and music that isn’t usually covered. Excellent piece.
How about a story about the Roxy Room at Pips? Manchester's first alternative music venue.
That would be great Frank. I was too young to go to The Ranch but I used to go to Pips from about 1979. A lot of the 70s Pips people are still around.
The other figure not celebrated enough is Colin Curtis- a DJ who’s always been at the front of any dance music genre at the start and who did a lot in Manchester in the late 70s and early to mid 80s. Finally starting to get recognised for the pioneer he has always been.
I'll pitch it Monday.
I’m sure Joshi will go for it :)
Yes sure message me on Facebook