S A N C T U A R Y Back in August 1989, whilst working at the then named Piccadilly Hotel, (Site/ Soho bar, I was approached by management. They asked me if I would be keen to start a club night, knowing I had an interest in all things strange and alternative. I created Sanctuary, a safe place, a place that you could be who you wanted to be, nobody would judge. Nobody would feel that they did not
belong anywhere, the music played was different to all other clubs at the time, the crowd that came along to Sanctuary were different, finally you found a place you would be respected and where you could meet like minded people, meet people who dress like you, who wear the same style of clothes, who would listen to the music you were listening to, suddenly finding yourself on the dance floor not wanting to leave For some who may not know where the name came from, I chose the name Sanctuary for the club, looked up its meaning - A safe place, shelter, retreat, hideout, hiding place, hideaway, den, asylum, safe house, perfectly well suited I thought, But also due to the love of a band called The Cult and the song I still enjoy listening to, ”She Sells Sanctuary”. My DJ name therefore becoming S.H.E I invited David to play alongside of me, after first meeting him at a club called Propaganda in the cross, back in the late 80’s David has been a great asset and DJ /contributor for the club for many years, the hours upon hours we would spend to decorate and for the yearly anniversaries, we would transform the whole venue, sometimes not being able to recognize the venue. In May 2012, Sanctuary had a huge reunion at The Valve in Tempe and was well received, great to see so many familiar faces and some new ones, catching up with everyone, having a great time until it was time to leave. David now resides overseas and has chosen a different lifestyle; I wish him all the best. I now would like to re- launch Sanctuary, I think the world still needs a safe space, a place to hide for those that are different, the need for a new breed and for a few that sometimes still come out and reminiscence, listen to the songs that only seem timeless. Sanctuary will have a lineup of alternative DJs playing all the classics with a few new bands thrown in, to please some others too. Sanctuary also known for the theatrical props and music will one’s again become a treat for the freaks ! For all that did attend Sanctuary for all those years, I can’t thank you enough ! But I feel it is time to show a new breed what they have only ever heard about.. Sanctuary has risen up from the ashes .... For more information on what it was like back in the day, check out the following link http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/the80sareback/2009/12/goths-in-the-80s-
