Graeme Park

Background

About Graeme Park

For over four decades, I've been immersed in the vibrant world of dance music and club culture. It all started in the early 1980s when I found myself working at Selectadisc in Nottingham before the first house records from Chicago, Detroit and New York began to appear. When the shop owner opened a nightclub, I reluctantly took on the role of selecting the tunes as I became a DJ. As my reputation grew across the Midlands and the North, I was asked by The Haçienda in Manchester to cover for Mike Pickering in 1988. That summer marked the beginning of a remarkable journey as I became one of the pioneering figures in the emerging dance scene and resident at The Haçienda. My residency at this groundbreaking British nightclub spanned nine years and propelled me to international recognition. I traveled the globe, spinning tracks and shaping the evolving soundscape of dance music. From remixing tracks for artists like The Brand New Heavies, New Order, Inner City, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and more to playing alongside legendary DJs like Frankie Knuckles, Todd Terry and David Morales, my career has been a whirlwind of creative expression and collaboration. But my story doesn't end there. Each chapter builds upon the last, from the closure of The Haçienda, to becoming a resident at Ministry Of Sound in London and Cream in Liverpool to my ongoing exploration of diverse musical genres and live performances. I've always embraced the resurgence of classic house tunes while championing new talent in the industry. One of the highlights of my career has been the Haçienda Classical shows, where I've had the privilege of performing alongside the Manchester Camerata Orchestra and esteemed vocalists. These euphoric performances have captivated audiences worldwide, from Glastonbury to the Royal Albert Hall in London as well as performances around Europe and the Middle East. In addition to my live performances, I've also hosted a variety of radio shows on various stations sharing my passion for music with listeners. Whether it's through my DJ sets, radio shows, or production work, my mission remains the same: to share the joy of great music far and wide. As I celebrate my 40th anniversary as a DJ, I've started reflecting on the incredible journey that has led me to where I am today. My name may be etched into the history of The Haçienda, but my true legacy lies in the music I've shared and the memories I've created on dancefloors around the world, and as long as there are people who love to dance, I'll be there, spinning tunes and keeping the beat alive.