20/07/2017
Back in August 1997 I was working on opening FabCafe Manchester when I stumbled on a flyer advertising Tiger Lounge. I could never have known what a life changing flyer that was.
Tiger Lounge was exactly what Manchester needed back then. It helped create a vibrant underground scene, and laid down the pathway for our very own Northern Quarter. It was more than a clubnight – It was a movement. I absolutely loved it. As did many others.
Originally opening at Brahms and Liszt in August 1997, Tiger Lounge would have many homes. Initially it moved to the venue it occupies today. Which back then was known as Oscar’s, and was the nightclub originally opened by late night footballing lotherio, George Best. Unfortunately, Oscar’s was turned into a football themed bar (not exactly Kitsch), and so the Tiger was without a home. I had become good friends with Stefan, James Williams, Ingrid Rosson and Andy so naturally I invited them to move Tiger Lounge to Fab Café on Thursday nights. When I opened the larger venue Satans Hollow, Tiger Lounge moved again, but the gothic / rock never really suited it in my humble opinion. Then came a perfect opportunity. Oscars was up for sale, and with it came to chance to give Tiger Lounge a permanent home. I quickly stuck my hand in my pocket, signed the paperwork, and we all got together to make it happen…
Building Tiger Lounge - The Venue was an insane mission. It was literally built by all of us as a group effort on a shoestring budget. We all worked around the clock and built it in seven days, and on its’ first night the doors opened an hour late, but at least we were open. Tiger Lounge – The Venue opened on Thurs 30th September 2004, and there we would remain for nearly 13 years. If only it were longer.
Sadly, Tiger Lounge will be closing at 5 Cooper Street on Saturday 12th August 2017.
The reason behind the closure? Change, and what some would refer to as progress. There is a major redevelopment planned than will transform our building into apartments. Because of this decision, we were not able to negotiate any extension of our lease, and we have had to move once again.
Tiger Lounge will endure, but there are a bunch of us that will miss our current home. Personally, I have so many happy memories. This was more than a business, it was based on a friendship between myself, James Williams, Stefan, Ingrid Rosson, Andy and the rest of the gang. We did what we did because we wanted Manchester to have a kooky, kitsch wonderland to escape to. We all met special people. We all shared a love for music and Manchester. We all genuinely cared, and wanted people to have fun and enjoy themselves.
We hold our closing weekend on the 11th and 12th of August 2017. I hope you will pop by and pay us a visit as we say goodbye to our home for these last 13 years.
It isn’t over though. Cats always find their way home...
Jordan Michael Royce
Director
Tiger Lounge
