Manchester's famous club inspires new masters

Not much surprises those with hazy memories of the glory days of Manchester’s Hacienda – but news that the legendary club, the Madchester music scene and Peter Hook, bass player with Joy Division and New Order, are all to feature in a university's new masters course may raise the odd eyebrow, writes Maev Kennedy for the Guardian.

The club, which has its story chronicled in Michael Winterbottom's 2002 film 24 Hour Party People, was launched as a rainy, northern version of cool New York venues, showcasing artists and bands including Madonna and The Smiths. Opening 30 years ago, it became famous for acid and rave music, and in its latter days a byword for drugs and gang violence, before closing in 1997.

Hook was a co-owner of the nightspot that was regarded by devotees as the best in the world, and as a thorn in the side of the local police who tried for years to have it shut down. The first masters course in music industry management and promotion is being launched by the University of Central Lancashire, in association with Hook's Factory251, the music venue within the former Factory Records office in Manchester.
Full report on the Guardian site