Not many nightclubs could spawn what became one of the most popular gay nights in Europe, but then not many nightclubs were The Haçienda. Launching in October 1991, Flesh was the flamboyant mid-week night that was the brainchild of Haçienda Entertainment and Promotions Manager Paul Cons and Promoter Lucy Scher.
Flesh arrived during a turbulent time in the history of the city and its clubs. The comedown from the ‘Halcyon years’ of 1988-1990 was in full flow, and regular Hacienda nights were losing their appeal due to heavy gang-related incidents and laddish clientele that put off customers.
Photo © Jon Shard.
The night was a breath of fresh air and a pioneered in many ways. It welcomed everyone: black, white, gay, straight. Most of the moody heads and city gangs stayed away, not wanting to be associated with the scene. This was a blessing because once people passed through the doors, they felt safe and could enjoy a night out without the threat of any aggro.
Queer as Folk
Not afraid to be political, its direct use and reclamation of ‘gay slurs’ in its in-your-face promotional campaigns was designed to shock. The slogan used around the launch, ‘Queer as Fuck’, became etched in the city’s fabric, inspiring the name of the acclaimed TV series, Queer as Folk.
Photo © Jon Shard.
Gaychester
Flesh’s success was contrasting with the mood of the city. At that time, it didn’t help that the Chief Constable, along with the members of the City Council, was anti-LGBT. Flesh played a significant role in the positive shift of attitudes that set the path for the rise of ‘Gaychester’ and the thriving LGBT+ scene that the city has become today.
Jon Shard
Straight out of college a fresh-faced photographer Jon Shard cut his teeth at Flesh and on The Haçienda’s hallowed dance floor, taking photos that would capture the club night in all it’s carnival-esque glory. For Jon Flesh was an incredible night to photograph due to the atmosphere and flamboyant outfits of the crowd.
“My friends and the people around me would talk about it all month. People came from all over; there were even people from Europe coming for it. It was always packed and full of energy. It was one of the most important nights – probably the biggest gay night in Europe. It was always a special night.” – Jon Shard.
Photo © Jon Shard, art direction Craig Johnson.
Carnival Atmosphere
“I was present for every single one. It was the best night to shoot due to the carnival atmosphere. It was very colorful, and everyone spent two or three days deciding what to wear. I always brought a lot of film, knowing that I would get some amazing images.”
Photo © Jon Shard.
DJs Paulette and Kath McDermott
Flesh was also pioneering in the sense that it was the home of the club’s first female resident DJs, Paulette Constable and Kath McDermott – a time when female DJs rarely got a chance to perform behind the decks. Kath, who was still a student while DJing at the club, recalls a young Jon running around with his camera. “Jon was keen as mustard and came to talk to us about why we should let him take some pics at Flesh. He was even younger than me and absolutely slayed it. An absolute darling!”
The Haçienda and nights such as Flesh fit into a tradition of creativity and cultural innovation in Manchester, which can be seen throughout the city today.
Gallery
Photo © Jon Shard.
Photo © Jon Shard.
Photo © Jon Shard.
Photo © Jon Shard.
Photo © Jon Shard.
Photo © Jon Shard.
Jon still works as a photographer from his studio in Manchester. You can keep up with his latest work on his Instagram Page and Website.
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- Article first published
- September 23, 2021
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