So, what’s this reunion tour all about?
We’ve been doing Haçienda events for the past five or so years and, with it being the 30th anniversary since the club opened in 1982, we wanted to do something special. We returned to the original venue in Manchester, which is now The Haçienda Apartments, to do a special event in the car park, which attracted a lot of interest. We’re now being asked to do events all over the world.
The Haçienda concept is a world away from Dubai…
We try to bring a little of the vibe, the madness, the music and the passion that made the club so special and ensured its reputation lasted such a long time.
What do you make of Dubai?
It’s a strange place in many ways. I’ve played here twice before and have found a strange mix of people, but I’ve always enjoyed it. It’s an impressive city.
How has the scene changed in the ten years since The Haçienda’s demolition?
It’s become more corporate now – a lot more about money. But there are still some great nights and great music to be enjoyed.
What’s the biggest lesson you took away from managing The Haçienda?
Never work with your friends – they are friends for different reasons. Don’t mix work with pleasure.
Who played the most memorable nights at the club?
Sasha, Carl Cox, Marshall Jefferson, Madonna and Graeme Park.
So, given the title of your Haçienda memoir, How Not to Run a Club, why did you open another? How’s Factory 251 doing, anyway?
It’s doing well. My partner is a businessman, so it’s a battle between idealism and realism – in this day and age he usually wins.
What do you think Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis would have made of The Haçienda?
Well, he paid for it, so hopefully he would have enjoyed it.
I think he would have loved the idea, but maybe not the difficulties the club faced.
One of the most influential aspects of the projects in which you’ve been involved is the mix of rock and dance production. Where’s music going? It’s a measure of how much effect acid house and dance has had on popular culture and music that now rules everything. I’m glad to have been part of that revolution. David Guetta does seem to have sewn it up, though…
The biggest regret of your career is…?
Not going to Macclesfield that night with Ian Curtis.
Taboo’s closing party with Inner City takes place at Trilogy at 10pm on Thursday July 12; entry is Dhs150. Souk Madinat Jumeirah (050 624 5751).
