"Nish, Clish and Bang!" - Ask The Mancunian.

[ivan astikov]

Period of expertise, 1962 to present date.

Specialist subjects: crime, the "Madchester era", supporting Man Utd home and away when they were crap(1970 - 85), and the world renowned Manchester music scene.

Come on, fire away!

[Guizmeaux]

Was the Hacienca really that unmissable? If so, why?

Why is Quay Street always covered in crap? Is it because of Christopher Ecclestone visiting the studios at Astley-Byrom House?

How does that weird-looking building stay upright? The base is thinner than the top!

How on earth does that model shop on Deansgate survive?

[jali]

How YOU doin'?

[CRSP]

How on earth does that model shop on Deansgate survive?

Because people like me bought remote control car kits from it when I was young

Did you ever see the Stone Roses live? Who was your favourite band on the Madchester scene?

[Dangerously Unqualified]

United? Really? Not City?
And if really not City, do you ever feel like slipping over to the Dope and tossing a flaming bag of poo on chowder's lawn?

You don't really eat those green things on your fries (sorry, chips) do you? Dude, those are not food. Stick to a good splash of vinegar and a good dash of salt.

So, we have your ilk to blame for Boddington's eh?
Thank you kind sir, thank you very much for that.

[ivan astikov]

Was the Hacienca really that unmissable? If so, why?

I saw the Hac go from it's humble beginnings as a studenty-type hang-out with less than 100 a night in, unless there was a decent band on - and I'll admit, there was one of them at least once a week - to a party-animal's Mecca rammed with 2000 people, and I'll be honest and confess the latter wouldn't have happened without "E", but having some of the most efficient DJ's around didn't go amiss. During the Golden Years, it was a place you could go any thurs, fri or sat(tues and weds weren't bad, either.) and leave the world outside for 6 hrs.

Why is Quay Street always covered in crap? Is it because of Christopher Ecclestone visiting the studios at Astley-Byrom House?

That sounds too contentious for me, so I'm staying out of it.

How does that weird-looking building stay upright? The base is thinner than the top!

Beats me! It used to 'howl' during high winds as well. Scary building.

How on earth does that model shop on Deansgate survive?

See CRSP's answer above.

[ivan astikov]

How YOU doin'?

Quite well, thank you for enquiring. Where ya been hiding, stranger?

[ivan astikov]

Did you ever see the Stone Roses live? Who was your favourite band on the Madchester scene?

Several times. Mani was a drinking and clubbing buddy, before he ditched his scooter and joined the Roses. Before it started going mainstream I got a few "guest list's" for gigs. My fave was a night they supported James at The International.

Although James have given me some great live and vinyl moments, my fave band would be The Chameleons. Mark Burgess is a minor god around my abode.

[ivan astikov]

United? Really? Not City?

I've been a "glory hunter" since the age of 6 when I saw them win their 1st European Cup. I had to endure a lot of shite after that and until recently tho, and I never wavered and joined the dark side. My youngest bro' is a Dirty Blue!

And if really not City, do you ever feel like slipping over to the Dope and tossing a flaming bag of poo on chowder's lawn?

Actually, I want to see City do well, if only to see their fans wearing sheik's outfits and carrying bananas! And besides, it'd be nice if chowder could have a bit of a preen before the old git croaks!

You don't really eat those green things on your fries (sorry, chips) do you? Dude, those are not food. Stick to a good splash of vinegar and a good dash of salt.

Mushy peas? Are you criticising mushy peas? Take that back!

So, we have your ilk to blame for Boddington's eh?
Thank you kind sir, thank you very much for that.

Was that being sarky? Only Boddy's used to be the best bitter I'd ever tasted( i was no afficionado...just trying to get pissed), but i don't know what it's like now?

[Myglaren]

[quote=ivan astikov]

So, we have your ilk to blame for Boddington's eh?
Thank you kind sir, thank you very much for that.

Was that being sarky? Only Boddy's used to be the best bitter I'd ever tasted( i was no afficionado...just trying to get pissed), but i don't know what it's like now?[/quote:jypk90jf]

I don't have an opinion on the brew as I have never sampled it but their adverts, especially the ones with Melanie Sykes were classics.


.

[ivan astikov]

I was too busy enjoying the smooth, creamy taste at the time,to be thinking about Melanie Sykes. Although I'm happy to think about her now.

[Guizmeaux]

I saw the Hac go from it's humble beginnings as a studenty-type hang-out with less than 100 a night in, unless there was a decent band on - and I'll admit, there was one of them at least once a week - to a party-animal's Mecca rammed with 2000 people, and I'll be honest and confess the latter wouldn't have happened without "E", but having some of the most efficient DJ's around didn't go amiss. During the Golden Years, it was a place you could go any thurs, fri or sat(tues and weds weren't bad, either.) and leave the world outside for 6 hrs.

I never knew it - I've only seen it since the site was turned into flats and always wondered what I missed. So thanks for that.

That sounds too contentious for me, so I'm staying out of it.

The CE reference was from when he was doing voice recording for Dr. Who - I used to see him daily walking into that building. I don't have anything against him of course. But Quay Street really does seem to be permanently covered in mud for some reason.

How on earth does that model shop on Deansgate survive?

See CRSP's answer above.

I'm so glad it's still there - I loved the way it was an Aladdin's cave of kits you couldn't get anywhere else. When I used to go there it was run by an old chap and a very earnest, lanky young guy who was unbelievably helpful. I hope they're doing well.

[Dangerously Unqualified]

Mushy peas? Are you criticising mushy peas? Take that back!

Peas he calls them. They're bits of bright green modeling clay served in an even brighter green gravy and he calls them peas. Certainly not a vegetable, hardly even digestible. I can see why the can said Bachlors, no one's wife would ever go near them.

Was that being sarky? Only Boddy's used to be the best bitter I'd ever tasted( i was no afficionado...just trying to get pissed), but i don't know what it's like now?

No sir, thank you sir. There was no snark at all. I had my first pint a short while ago (I've been trying all sorts of new brews since the lifting of a county imposed personal prohibition but that's another story) and found it to be most awesome.

Of course when I popped the first can and the stuff started spewing out I immediately sucked it out like a normal beer, not knowing that I needed that stuff. By the third can I knew enough to pour a nice glass and enjoy the animated head. By the second 4-pack I was hooked. I've looked for it on tap while out (although I know it will be different from keg then if I were over there where I could get it poured from cask) just to try a draught.

[ivan astikov]

Boddingtons bitter on draught was what gave me my hairy chest! My dad won't drink anything else and he says it has gone downhill a bit over the years, although he won't quantify "How?". It just has, he says.