SOUNDS July 16 1988
UNDER THE shadow of the skyline dominating Yorkshire Bank HQ, Bradford’s edifice of credit and consumerism, musical and social independence has a new stronghold . . . the 1 In 12 Club.
It’s seven years since the Rayner Report announced that one in 12 social security claimants were defrauding the state. There was a derisory snarl from the city’s unamused and disenfranchised claimants, and the club was formed.
There’s been seven years of flitting from pub to pub and weekly gigs giving Bradford the likes of Rubella Ballet, Poison Girls, Big Flame, a new born and native New Model Army, Leeds neighbours and stalwarts The Three Johns and Chumbawamba and Red Lorry Yellow Lorry.
There has been burning hot free Summer festivals and a catalogue of live compilations.
But with £95,000 extracted from local and central government, two years’ sweat, muscle, thought and determination, the 1 In 12 now has it’s own building and a rapidly swelling membership.
Housed in a slim, three-storied converted textiles factory, the club that refreshed West Yorkshire with indie vigor is back in business.
It’s two gigs a week in Bradford’s heartland, with advance bookings and a queue of bands for the Summer. Two bars and a gig floor, fresh paint and old furniture. It’s a musical and social resource.
"Anything that requires four walls round it, we’ve got it," said Peg, a long serving member. "That’s what it is here for."
The 1 In 12 Club is at 21/23 Albion Street, Bradford.