If you were a misfit, chances are you would be just fine at the Rockhouse
It was recently announced that the site of Derby’s former Rockhouse nightclub will become home to over 100 student flats. George White looks back at the famed hot nightspot
THE Rockhouse was a staple of the city’s nightlife for over a decade, hosting dozens of high-profile bands for music fans and partygoers. After reopening a couple of times, the venue permanently closed in 2009. Attempts to relaunch in 2012 failed to materialise.
With the news that the old venue will soon be rebuilt, former Rockhouse enthusiasts have been reminiscing on Facebook about their time at the nightclub.
One commenter said “it made everywhere else seem tame,” while another claimed it was the “best club in Derby.”
Gill Fisher was a university student when she first found out about the Rockhouse in the 1990s, and she agreed that it was a club like no other.
She said: “If you were a misfit in wider society chances are you would fit in just fine at the club. It was a lot of fun with a healthy undercurrent of anarchy.
“Brooding and haunted during the day it really came alive when it was full of people.
“I remember Radio Freedom, Smokescreen Sound System, hours and hours of dancing.
“Punks, rock chicks, goths and indie kids all getting along.
“It was 10 pence a pint. I’d drink snakebite and black and there were formidable bouncers who were keeping an eye on us all - even when asleep in a chair.”
As well as enjoying the atmosphere of the Rockhouse as a music fan, Gill also worked at the club between 1994 and 1998.
More than two decades later, she admitted it still influences her life. She said: “I I made lifelong friends there, ere, discovered music I otherwise would not have heard and really, the place is still a big part of who I am.”
Dave Hancox was also at university during the days of the Rockhouse, and admitted the club – and Derby’s wider club culture – majorly influence influenced his decision to move to the city.
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He said: “I started going to the Rockhou Rockhouse as a punter in the early ‘90s when I travelled up to the city from Dudley due to the big music scene Derby had at the time.
“I ended up picking Derby as my choice for university purely down to the culture in the city and the Rockhouse was central to that.
“It had a real diverse community and that’s probably why it was so well-loved.
“The music was also as diverse as the community. It was famous for its classic rock nights but equally hosted an amazing mix of music.
“There were indie and alternative nights with bands such as the
Levellers playing, punk nights with The Damned featuring, and Ska nights which spawned the hugely successful band Lightyear, who were all regulars in the club.”
Marc Eaton managed the venue between 1999 and 2001 when it was renamed the Future Club.
He believed the club played a key role in the city’s culture during the 1980s and 1990s, and admitted he will be sad to see the site redeveloped.He said: “It meant a lot. It was a destination venue and people travelled from across the Midlands and beyond to see bands or come to our nights.
“Looking back, the scene at the time was fantastic. The club showcased local talent as well as popular bands and DJs.
“It will be sad to see the place finally go, however it has been derelict for some time now.
“The developer has said they would consider commemorating the space in some way. That would be a nice touch.”
Have you got any photos or memories of the club? Please contact newsdesk@derbytelegraph. co.uk
It was 10 pence a pint. I’d drink snakebite and black and there were formidable bouncers Gill Fisher