News
PRS for Music honour James and The Haçienda with Heritage Award plaque
20th October 2011
James are set to receive a PRS for Music Heritage Award on Tuesday 1st November in their home town of Manchester.
A special black plaque will be erected on the site of The Haçienda (FAC 51) on Whitworth Street, where the original group – Jim Glennie, Paul Gilbertson, Gavan Whelan and Tim Booth – played their first official gig as James, supporting Big Country, on 17 November 1982.
Labelled ‘the most famous club in the world’, The Haçienda provided a musical platform for some of the 20th Century’s most important and influential artists. The brainchild of Rob Gretton and Tony Wilson, the club was owned by Factory Records and New Order. James went on to release their debut single Jimone (FAC 78) on the Factory label in 1983, followed by James II (FAC 119) and the Village Fire EP (FAC 136) in 1985, giving them a springboard for their wide reaching success.
PRS for Music set up the Heritage Award in 2009 to recognise the unusual ‘performance birthplaces’ of famous bands and artists. James is the ninth band to be honoured with the permanent plaque.
Tim, Jim, Larry, Saul, Mark, Dave and Andy, along with Peter Hook of New Order, will be present at the ceremony to see the plaque unveiled.
Jim Glennie had this to say: “It’s fantastic to be recognised by PRS for Music in this way, and to have a plaque on the site of The Haçienda is a true honour. Gigs have always been the mainstay of this band’s existence, and without the support and encouragement of the people of Manchester we would have never got started in the first place. Yet here we are, 29 years later.”
Peter Hook responded, “When things like this happen it makes me realise how much impact Factory Records and The Haçienda have had on the world of music! I loved James’ first record on Factory and was truly sorry when they left. The fact they want to celebrate their first gig with The Haçienda and their relationship with Factory is wonderful and I’m very proud of the role both have played in giving the world a truly great band.”
The dedication ceremony begins at 2pm on Tuesday 1st November and you are all welcome to attend.
