808 State Sound System DJs
The story of 808 State defines an era of electronic dance music and sets a blueprint of possibilities for future generations. As the NME observed “808 State revolutionised a whole genre of music in the late-80s, inspiring Underworld, Orbital and the Chemical Brothers in the process."
Formed in Manchester in 1988 by Graham Massey, Martin Price and Gerald Simpson, 808 State's first album – Newbuild - is now regarded as a milestone in UK electronica.
Quadrastate followed, including Pacific State, becoming an end-of-night anthem at the Haçienda and breaking out of the dance underground when it was picked up by daytime BBC Radio 1. The band pushed against dance-celebrity culture with intentionally minimalist record sleeves and a reluctance to self-promote. During this time Gerald recorded his own hit Voodoo Ray and decided to pursue his own career as A Guy Called Gerald. He was replaced by the 808 State DJs, Andrew Barker and Darren Partington.
In 1989 Paul Morley signed the band to the ZTT label, and the first fruit of this partnership, the album Ninety, was awarded 10 out of 10 by the NME. The Guardian declared that with this record, "808 State mapped out the future of club music, utilising techno, ambient and rock..."
Between Ninety and it's follow-up, ex:el, 808 State delivered two of the most brutal and absorbing instrumentals ever to enter the UK top ten: Cübik, with its squalling abstract guitar and über-riffs, followed quickly by In Yer Face.
In 1991 they released their biggest selling album ex:el, drafting in guests such as Björk and Bernard Sumner from New Order, as well as producing MC Tunes' album The North At Its Heights. At the peak of chart success and the 'Madchester' era, 808 celebrated with a massive hometown gig filling the G-Mex stadium.
808 State Sound System DJs include Andy Barker, Darren Partington, Graham Massey & Anthony Finnegan. A minimum of two DJs will be playing at this event.
Supported by:
Louk
Dom Jay
Simon Scullion & Joe Darch
Paul Fisher
Paul O'Donnell
Craig Tucker
Over 18's Only
Ticket Info:
Limited Early Bird £9
Standard Tickets £12
Door £15