Back to Basics' new venue Church opens in Leeds
In their 25th year, Leeds' longest-running club night Back to Basics unveil their very own venue, Church.
Opening this weekend with a live gig from Circa Waves on Friday 7 October and a Back to Basics night – aptly named 'The Resurrection' – on Saturday 8 October, Church kicks off a winter season that also takes in Jamie Jones and Richy Ahmed, a special Halloween party and, of course, Back to Basics' 25th anniversary party itself.
Crosstown Rebels boss Damian Lazarus headlines The Resurrection this Saturday, while Back to Basics have named 26 November as the official date for their 25th anniversary celebration, with a very special line-up TBC.
Situated on Woodhouse Lane, Church is home to a 500-capacity chapel, which will double as a music venue and a street food emporium/bar throughout the week, hosting cooking classes and other events; a main space for bigger parties; and a bespoke creative space – the Back to Basics Music Academy – in the adjacent old vicarage, connected by an outdoor terrace and smoking area.
The Academy will offer part- and full-time courses teaching digital music and many other creative subjects, giving life to head honcho Dave Beer's vision of offering everyone from all walks of life the opportunity to express themselves and work together.
Having been at the forefront of Leeds' clubs scene for a quarter-century, Beer and the Basics crew believe that now is the time to pour the knowledge and experience they've amassed into a true community space. They state that Church will be a club by the people, for the people, with a core group of members termed 'The Brotherhood' built through members inviting others to join; these members will sit in the club's meetings, among other perks.
Beer will serve as the club's creative director, as part of a team that also includes Aaron Mellor (Tokyo Industries) and Peter Hook (New Order), who together own Manchester’s The Factory and The Haçienda, as well as Digital in Newcastle and South in Manchester.
"This is going to be a safe space for all with no attention to detail spared,” said Beer. “Once you’re through the hallowed doors, you’ll be somewhere otherworldly. Somewhere to express yourself and lose your inhibitions... Expect the unexpected. We are looking forward to giving something back. Come and do your thing, you know the dance. We love you.”
Tickets for The Resurrection, Back to Basics' inaugural party at Church featuring Damian Lazarus with Back to Basics' Dave Beer, James Holroyd and Ralph Lawson are priced at £12, available here.
Keep an eye on theskinny.co.uk/news for the latest on Back to Basics' 25th anniversary party.
Church, 177-179 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds