1990 08 04 NME New Order / Hacienda Feature
PILLARS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT • THE HACIENDA - New Order-owned, endlessly filmed and world renowned - is Britain's most famous club. Now the local police want it closed, claiming it to be the focus of Manchester drug culture. Here, JAMES BROWN talks to PETER HOOK, TONY WILSON, club manager PAUL MASON and James' TIM BOOTH about the crucible of Manc's musical might. Pics: KEVIN CUMMINS It would make a cracking pulp best-seller. A nightclub owned by pop stars and a television celebrity fights for its licence and reputation against a police force who've fingered it as a drugs den. Whilst the pop group record with World Cup heroes, an under-age girl takes Ecstasy at the club and later dies. Meantime the culture is leapt upon by Corporate America keen to exploit it. Against them they have the most God-fearing and hard-hitting Chief Constable in the land, On their side they have Ken Dodd's lawyer! It's hot. It's young. It's controversial. It's ...