history
The Beginning: 1976 - 1981
Who would have thought that in a little club on Dean Street, in the mid 1970s' a new music revolution was on the horizon and set to change the London clubbing scene forever.
When up-and-coming DJ, George Power was given the Sunday night graveyard shift no one could have foreseen the unrivalled success and cultural impact this weekly night would have. Not only on the urban music-loving crowds of the day, but also the legacy Crackers would leave behind and continue to enjoy until this day!
In that hot summer of 1976, George Power made his first Sunday night appearance at Crackers 'carrying the swing' from the first record played - creating the ultimate underground club where music always came first. Greek-Cypriot Londoner George Power made his name playing cutting-edge American imports; the freshest and latest Jazz, Funk, Soul, Disco and Boogie reverberating off the walls, often weeks and sometimes even months ahead of their official U.K release. If you wanted to be the first to hear the latest soundbites Stateside, this is where you'd be every week religiously.
Crackers was legendary for its dancing crowd; each week 'Boogie-Boys & Girls' were eager to show off their new moves. Trevor Shakes, Black Horace, Jabba, Kelvin, Mohammed, Franklin and Clive Clarke (who went on to become a professional choreographer) all showcased their funky and modern street style on the Crackers dance floor. Dance-off competitions often taking centre stage at the club and dictating who gained supremacy on the floor.
As well as the music and dancing, fashion also played a major part in the identity of Crackers for its devotees; with no dress code, street style made its debut and the dancefloor became their catwalk. Ties tucked in shirt pockets, boxing boots and ACME Attractions - all fashion staples at Crackers long before the mainstream caught on.
Crackers provided the springboard for many success stories in the music industry. Dancer Paul 'Trouble' Anderson experienced the good fortune of filling in for the Don of Crackers, George Power, when as a teenager he had his DJ debut at Crackers and has since become an influential DJ himself. Many of today's top London DJs, choreographers, singers and producers also experienced their first taste of club culture at Crackers; the likes of Norman Jay, Trevor Nelson, Carl Cox, Gilles Peterson, Paul Oakenfold, Terry Farley and Tim Westwood all present at the club.
With a loyal and devoted following and the huge success of the 7pm - 12am Sunday sessions it wasn't long before Friday lunchtimes converted to this new vibe. With queues stretching as far as Oxford Street, school kids, office workers and all who embraced this lifestyle ditched school, college or work to catch the 12 noon till 3pm instalment. Stars of the era also frequented the cult club; New Romantics band Spandau Ballet and Soul II Soul's Jazzie B, often making an appearance.
For it's audience, Crackers was not just a 'club night', it was a cultural awakening, a celebration of individualism and self-expression, a place that encouraged freedom of spirit and the love of great music!
2002 Reunions
In 2002 the unique and emphatic Crackers Club Night returned, for a brief season at the original venue in Soho's Wardour Street (by now renamed Propaganda).
The originator George Power with specially selected guest DJs, setting up their decks once again to entertain and educate their soul-loving audiences and reuniting the original Crackers appreciators every Sunday from 6pm - 12am.
The successful weekly night run for the second half of 2002 until change of ownership spelt the demise of the club and saw it close its doors for the final time. However this was not the end for Crackers...
Crackers Returns! 2008 Re-launch
Huge public demand and the loyal following that has supported Crackers for more than 30 years ensured it was only a matter of time before Crackers re-emerged in full force and revitalised! Now in its new home at Club Surya, the world's first ecological night-club, Crackers is back every 2nd Friday of the month playing the tunes that moulded a music revolution etched in history!
To relive the experience, come down and see what all the fuss is about...