The Russell Club

Club and live venue in Hulme. Home to the legendary Factory events. Anthony H. Wilson and his partner Alan Erasmus decided to use the Russell Club on Fridays to support young bands from the Manchester area. The name chosen was "The Factory" and the opening night was on May 19, 1978. Among the bands billed for the 4 opening nights were The Durutti Column, Cabaret Voltaire and Joy Division. The Factory proved to be a success (not remuneratively though) and in September the partnership decided to release a double-7 inch, A Factory Sample, featuring bands that had played at The Factory. By thus the foundation for the new label Factory was laid and soon the two partners retreated from the club to pursue their label ambitions. The last "Factory" gigs took place in April 1980. The venue is also known as PSV Club, Manchester. The building was torn down in 2001.