Eastern Bloc Records is 25 years young – come enjoy the party!
Eastern Bloc was established in 1985 by John Berry & Martin Price (808
State). The shop was originally located in Afflecks Palace and moved
to its present location on Oldham Street in 1992. It soon became a
cultural icon and integral part within the Manchester music scene.
Back in the late 80’s E Bloc helped to launch bands such as the
Inspiral Carpets, while also hosting in-store signings with The Stone
Roses and Happy Mondays. The shop was also responsible for breaking
much of the new dance music at the time, being one of the only shops
in the UK to import dance music from around the globe. One of the
owners went on to become part of 808 State. E Bloc also had heavy
involvement in the early career paths of A Guy Called Gerald & K
Klass.
Many famous faces have worked behind the counter or been regular
customers in the shop. Local DJ’s and globe trotting club DJ’s would
use E Bloc as their first port of call to get their hands on the
latest vinyl promos. Customers include Laurent Garnier, Jon Da Silva,
Mike Pickering, Graeme Park, Sasha, Chemical Brothers, DJ Marky,
Anthony Shake Shakir, Pepe Bradock, Eric Morillo, Josh WInk, Ben Sims,
James Holroyd, Derrick Carter, Carl Cox, Synkro, Indigo, AnD, XXXY,
Illum Sphere, Jon K, Rich Reason and many more. Previous members of
staff include Justin Robertson, Marcus Intalex, Mark XTC, Moonboots,
Dean Wilson, Paul Walker, Paul Taylor, Karl Roscoe, Chris Fatboy.
E Bloc has always been at the cutting edge of the music scene as is
arguably one of the most respected, renowned, influential and
notorious in the world. In 2010 the store is still shifting vinyl and
cd’s, specialising mainly in drum & bass, jungle, dubstep, house,
techno and electronica. The staff today consist of John Bingo Berry,
Mark Turbo Turner, Jim Bane, Andro, Will Arnaldo as well as super subs
Jim Fortune & Owen Pale.
This event will begin at 11pm but Picturehouse Cafe Bar open for drink and good vibes much earlier.