Twisted Wheel Club history

The Twisted Wheel was the brainchild of Ivor Abadi. The club started life as a rhythm and blues venue in Brazennose Street off Deansgate Manchester in early 1963. Gaining popularity with the new wave beatniks of the era. Ivor employed the services of D.J. Roger Eagle for his great knowledge of Blues music which gave the club a unique atmosphere. By the time of this clubs closure in September 1965 the Twisted Wheel had become the number one venue for "Mods" to congregate.

The new Twisted Wheel Club opened in Whitworth Street on the 18th of September 1965. Although in many ways the new club was a continuum of the Brazennose Wheel, there was now a growing movement towards up tempo Detroit soul. Many members of the first Wheel were uncomfortable with this change and did not continue membership. Ivor however, recognised the trend was dynamic and encouraged his DJ's to play more of this rare soul music. The clubs reputation grew and young dancers would travel great distances to enjoy this unusual venue (Particularly for the Saturday all night sessions) There were other great soul clubs of course, notably the "Torch" in Stoke upon Trent but the Twisted Wheel could only be emulated. For several years the club survived attempts at closure by the authorities, finally succombing on the 15th of February 1971.