Northside’s Dermo - Hacienda New York, Top of the Pops & Touring Again

In this captivating interview, Dermo and Rob from the iconic Manchester band Northside share fascinating stories from their journey in music, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Manchester’s music scene. From their early days at Butterfly Records to performing on Top of the Pops, this conversation is packed with incredible moments and insights.
Dermo reflects on Butterfly Records, the creative hub for many Manchester bands, where they spent countless hours rehearsing and connecting with other musicians. He reminisces about their breakthrough single, “Shall We Take a Trip,” and its rise despite being banned from radio airplay. The song’s underground success paved the way for Northside’s influence on the Madchester movement.
We delve into the band’s experience on Top of the Pops, where they took a rebellious approach, and discuss their unique journey to chart success. Dermo shares amusing and candid stories, including their chaotic entourage and the unforgettable era when Manchester music dominated the airwaves.
The conversation explores legendary venues like The Hacienda and The Thunderdome, highlighting their differences and why each held a special place in the hearts of music lovers. Dermo fondly recalls how the raw energy of The Thunderdome resonated with “our kind of people,” while The Hacienda became a mainstream hotspot for clubbers.
Northside’s adventures extended beyond Manchester, including a memorable tour in New York. Dermo recounts their performances at The Sound Factory, sharing anecdotes about playing alongside Deee-Lite and their unexpected experiences in the vibrant club scene.
The band’s connection to Factory Records is also a key part of their story. Dermo explains why Factory Records stood out among major labels, citing Tony Wilson’s passion and belief in their music. From their gigs at The Boardwalk to touring internationally, Northside became a staple of the Madchester era, blending guitar-driven music with the rising popularity of electronic sounds.
Looking back, Dermo reflects on Manchester’s music being part of the city’s DNA and how the sense of community shaped their experiences. He also shares thoughts on Northside’s resurgence, with sold-out concerts proving their loyal fanbase is as strong as ever. The band’s enduring appeal highlights the timelessness of their music and its connection to fans across generations.
Rob and Dermo discuss the influence of cult bands like A Certain Ratio and The Fall, and their passion for seeing live music. The video wraps up with their favorite tracks, offering viewers a nostalgic trip through the sounds that shaped the era.
Join us for this engaging interview filled with humor, memories, and music history. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Northside, this video is a celebration of a band that left a lasting mark on Manchester’s iconic music scene.
Filmed by ‪@acidrainuk‬
#Northside #Madchester #ManchesterMusic #Hacienda #FactoryRecords #TopOfThePops #TheThunderdome #ManchesterBands #IndieMusic #MusicHistory #90sMusic #LiveMusic #Dermo #MusicInterview #ManchesterScene

[@jay_wearden]

What a proper unpretentious ‘real’ man Dermo is. He really paints a picture of what is was and still is to be a manc from a certain part of town. Proper passion. Much love Paul & Fran. Great work. ❤

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Yeah I love how he said we are all equal which is one thing I really loved about the scene back then . Thanks Jay, you will be a cool guest on here when you are ready 😎

[@SuperGrimupnorth]

Really enjoyed that.. caught a 1 off Northside gig early 2000's at factory 251, & they were just great live

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks , glad you enjoyed it , I’d love to see them play live 😀

[@MarieKelly0161]

Mint interview yet again, top lad Dermo, north Manchester thru n thru 👏🏽

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks , yeah he’s a top bloke isn’t he 😎

[@gemrugby2110]

First night of their tour is going to epic in Nottingham. Can not wait.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

I’d love to see them live 😎

[@acidrainuk]

Was amazing to film this! Such a privilege 🎉

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Once again thanks for your work and your ace company that afternoon x

[@jay_wearden]

Brilliant work x

[@waynesilverman3048]

My hopes came true ,nice one I've read the NME interview 'Tripping yarns! 'In that Madchester rave on achive mag

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@@waynesilverman3048 the documentary on Manchester is on KZbin, that’s a good watch , a young Dermo on that 😀

[@waynesilverman3048]

Paul b I've seen it years ago where the band are rehearsing in a sports centre I think , I normally watch them again anyways thanks

[@karlos55555]

They kept it real af, saw them at Leeds and they always rocked the gaff. I knew Timmy and saw him play in the Music Box, it blew my mind how good he was, RIP Walshy 🩵 Great interview Paul, really enjoyed it, thanks.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks mate , glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@Dibbo1979]

Brilliant interview mate. Northside are one of my favourite bands👌🏻

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks, Northside are brilliant aren’t they 😀

[@TheSeanymanu]

Magic interview lads, some cracking stories.. Dermo proper bloke..👊

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks mate , glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@mattywilliams7932]

Class that... Nice one Boys. Bring the Tour on. Sweet n That.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Tour will be mint 😀

[@manchester1972]

Love it... Just got my Darwin tickets... Cannot wait. Will remind me of my youth growing up in Moston..smoking a spliff in the clough with northside and big audio dynamite booming.. I know V13 is one of Dermos favourite tracks.. I was friends with Timmy Rip..toptop lad.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Glad you like it 😀

[@kryten42]

Loved listening to the chatter lads, grew up in Blackley / Dam head in the 70/80/90's...trecking up and down Vicky ave and down to Harpurhey. Answers Come In Dreams :) . Keep on keeping on Paul

[@PaulBSceneStories]

That “ answers come in dreams “ is brilliant isn’t it . I am hoping I can keep this up for a long time . I aim to do more clubbers as well as DJs and people in bands as I go along 😀

[@globalital]

Great video Paul,cheers to the lads for having a chat too,thank you

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks , this was a top experience, had a great afternoon with them 😀

[@manalive1623]

Another top interview. Saw Northside in autumn 1990 at the Academy. Proper mad crowd. Like a football crowd really! Was bang into my house and hip hop, but indie too. 1990 saw Mondays, Paris Angels, Charlatans, Northside, Flowered Up, The High, New FADS, plus clubbing. It all seemed to go together. Great time to be a teenager.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks so much . Yeah it all came together didn’t it 1989 onwards , really special period of gigs and clubbing 😀

[@manalive1623]

@ It was a big melting pot - the bands were going to the clubs and raves and the ravers and clubbers were going to see the bands 🙂

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@ I did a video with Tin Tin Monday, Lazy Lils was the first club I really saw it taking off with both indie and dance music. Such a privilege to have been young and experienced them times 😀

[@manalive1623]

⁠​⁠@@PaulBSceneStoriesNice one, will check it out, my uni housemate went to Lazy Lils. It sounded ace!

[@RoseberrySt74]

What a top bloke Dermo is. It’s great listening to the story’s in the old places that are no longer here. Northside was the first proper gig I went to in Mcr Academy in Nov 1990 (The first night) A deep sea to get in. . .

[@PaulBSceneStories]

We had such a good afternoon listening to him , this was an ace experience 😀

[@RoseberrySt74]

@ Who’s up next Paul?

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@ Leah part 2 , her scrapbook x

[@MHVILAINS]

Could listen to dermo all day a very down to earth character and very well liked in the area xx

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Same here , he’s really easy to get on with 😀

[@ceedef3091]

Class interview gents. Northside in the area ✊

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks so much 😀

[@Alligator6002]

Amazing! Thanks for this Paul. I've still got all my factory 12" in pristine condition, i loved Northside, i still give Trip a spin on a Friday after work. Dermos right, we'd chomp those purple ohms 🕉️ and strawberries 🍓 all weekend every weekend. ✌️

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks so much . Their album is brilliant isn’t it and I’d be chomping on them too ha ha 😀

[@Alligator6002]

​@@PaulBSceneStoriesyeah mate, chicken rhythms is absolutely ace, I bought a double CD of it a couple years ago for the car, cos I only had the vinyl, it's got the album and all the singles and b side's, fukn love it. I saw them a couple of years ago on the Ian brown tour at Newcastle city hall, banging night of memories that was. Hand's down my favourite Northside tune is Moody Places. I love Trip obviously, but that was the b side and until Rising Star came out those 2 tracks was all you had of em. I've still got that VHS they put out of them live as well. Shall we take Trip was our acid anthem, that was our legitimising banging tune, for who we were and what we were doing back then. Opened up our minds and heart's 🙏

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@ might see you at the Manchester gig 😀

[@Alligator6002]

​@@PaulBSceneStoriesI'll check the ticket situation. Wish they'd come to Newcastle 🙏

[@bertiebassett7024]

Great interview with these boys..used to work with dermo brother Steve who tragically died many years ago great lad always think about him big united fan great artist too ❤️

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks , glad you enjoyed it , his brother sounded a top bloke x

[@MrCheswickMusic]

Every time I hear "Shall we take a trip" I always think of 'Granada soccer night' with Elton Welsby Nice one boys

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Ha ha , that’s in my head now after reading this 😀🎵

[@MrCheswickMusic]

@@PaulBSceneStories Are the band doing Liverpool on the tour do you know dude, I'll keep my eyes & ears open

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@ it doesn’t look like they are

[@brighton59]

Great interview, always see Dermo when Stiff Little Fingers play Manchester

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks , yeah Dermo loves his gigs , pat of his DNA 😀

[@themaitlands3568]

Great interview. I can't believe you got a tattoo from Cockney Paul, Dermo. I need to see that, he was one of the great old timers. Good mate of my Dad's. He was a character, laugh a minute. Looking forward to the new music most of all. Take it easy.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@themaitlands3568]

​@PaulBSceneStories yeah lovely interview technique you have. I've always liked Dermo's attitude as well. He's my kind of bloke, he's a nutter, but I like him.

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@ thanks so much 😀

[@royfletcher9635]

Love Dermo He's a proper top geezer x

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Yeah he’s really easy to talk to 😎

[@sarahjsmancx]

Konspiracy and Hippos, my first clubs ❤️

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Was talking about Konspiracy before . I want to do a video on that club

[@sarahjsmancx]

Konspiracy was the first club I went to Paul, I was 17, then started going to Hippos when it changed from a normal club to a rave club literally overnight haha X 😊

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@@sarahjsmancxI’m hoping to do Jay Wearden in a couple of weeks 😎

[@sarahjsmancx]

@@PaulBSceneStories These videos are great Paul and I’m really glad they started coming up on my feed. I love reminiscing, it was the best time of my life ❤️

[@MarkDryden-j9x]

Nice One ❤

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@@MarkDryden-j9x Thanks Mark, glad you like it 😀

[@alastairwhitehead2262]

Loved that interview Paul Any chance of an interview with Mark Burgess ? 🤞

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks Alastair, me and Rob actually talked about that after . See what happens in the new year 😀

[@timeoner177]

Part of my childhood. Fantastic band

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Yeah they are brilliant aren’t they 😎

[@garethjones3251]

great memories of 87 88 and 89 micro dots lol

[@PaulBSceneStories]

It’s amazing we can remember anything from them days ha ha 😀

[@tomb9625]

haha, i remember the Harrisons, bought the tape off them on Market Street

[@PaulBSceneStories]

A few of my workmates bought it as well ha ha 😀

[@tomb9625]

@@PaulBSceneStories it was doing the rounds at my school. I've got vague memory of the lad being Scottish, is that right Paul?

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@ I can’t remember but it was a mate of theirs who sold their cassettes outside Afflex Palace 😀

[@garethjones3251]

heard this at the hacienda mike dunn magic feet remix banger

[@PaulBSceneStories]

I was thinking about that track the other day 😀

[@garethjones3251]

great days hacienda manchester spectrum in london

[@PaulBSceneStories]

@@garethjones3251 I never went Spectrum, I think they had a coach trip to the Hacienda one Wednesday 😀

[@MHVILAINS]

Ps great job paul

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Thanks , I really enjoyed this one 😀

[@manalive1623]

Was it KFM with Craig Cash?

[@PaulBSceneStories]

That sounds familiar 😀

[@FilthyTheDog1]

Yeah. Him and Jon Ronson were both DJs on there playing some great music late 80s/early 90s. Both gone on to much bigger things.

[@anthonyjohnson768]

Top one D Answers Come In Dreams

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Yeah I loved that bit as well 😀

[@crooky8105]

there is somthing about people prtoducing and presenting themselves on a stage.....live

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Dermo is a to front man 😎

[@garethjones3251]

tod terry bango to the bat mobile

[@PaulBSceneStories]

Tune 😎