Explore every episode of the podcast 88 – The Untold Story of a Revolution

Kate Magic is joined by Haçienda DJ veteran and Manchester-based author Dave Haslam chaired by music pillar and academic Paul Martin, who co-ran the infamous Talkin' Loud alongside Gilles Peterson. In this conversation we revisited the past. Not in a nostalgic, reminiscent way - but as aptly put by Dave - in a way that provides ‘ammunition’ and ideas for the future. We explored local music heritage, the varying scenes and their respective venues (including necessary conversations on the Haçienda of course), the individualisation and commodification of DJ culture and the ways in which both consumerism and politics feeds into the changing landscape of music, venues, dance and beyond. Recorded by Garth Thomas in Manchester, October 2025. 

James Hamilton was a 60's hippie, who along with Fraser Clark, promoted those utopian values to the next generation of 80's ravers, influencing the KLF, Spiral Tribe and The Shamen as well as many others. James and Fraser co-founded Encyclopedia Psychedelica magazine, Evolution magazine, Megatripolis nightclub, the Zippy picnics on Hampstead Heath, and the Wisdom Weekenders. We spoke to James at his home in Primrose Hill in North London in 2018. Sadly, he has passed since then.

Nick is a visual artist, who provided the visual backdrop for many illegal raves. Coming from the hippy generation, he shares his perspective on rave culture and its importance as a revolutionary force.

Mia had a holographic clothing label called SpaceTime that was worn by many ravers, DJs and bands. She talks about the Harmonic Convergence, and the spiritual significance of rave culture.

Simone was one of the founder members of Spiral Tribe. She tells us about how it felt to be there from the early parties to Castlemorton and the (at the time) most expensive court case in history that the government brought against them.

Jean Claude is a DJ and founder of If Music record shop. He talks about the important tunes of the era, and how it was to be a DJ at that time.

Femi Fem is a DJ, producer and founder member of The Young Disciples. Femi was heavily influenced by The Paradise Garage, and was one of the key people who brought that NY House vibe over to London.

Jazzie B is a Dj, producer, and founder member of Soul II Soul. Although not directly acid house, their nights at the Africa Centre were about the same spirit of love, peace and unity, and their anthems Fairplay, Back to Life and Keep on Movin were staple tunes of every good party.

Phil sadly transitioned in 2021, a huge loss for our community. He was a DJ and producer who contributed massively through his music, his parties, and his love for the scene and the people in it.

Gilles is a DJ on BBC Radio 6. He went to Ibiza in 1987, and was foundational in creating the Acid Jazz movement, the back room sibling to Acid House.

Norman is a DJ and founder of Good Times sound system, with his brother Joey Jay. Theirs was the sound system brought in for the legendary Shoom parties which helped to kickstart the acid house phenomena.

Roy is a DJ. He ran Quaff Records, one of the legendary record shops and focal points for the scene, from 1987-1997.