PETER HOOK, MANI and ANDY ROURKE are set to become television presenters as part of their new business venture.
The three legendary Manchester bass-players have set up a new company with local businessman Nova Rehman and have bought Bar Cuba nightclub in Macclesfield.
The company, named Collective, are now working on a pilot for a music television programme which will be recorded at the venue and presented by the threesome. The as-yet-untitled show should feature three live bands in each edition.
The acquisition of Bar Cuba comes just weeks after the demolition of Hook’s more famous nightclub, the Hacienda.
However, the first project to come out of Collective will be a charity compilation entitled ‘Cohesion’. All proceeds will go towards the removal of land mines in Kosovo. The album features tracks from almost every notable Manchester act of recent times. Artists involved include New Order, Happy Mondays, Ian Brown, Badly Drawn Boy, Andy Votel and Mr Scruff.
In other news, Rourke – formerly bass player with The Smiths – has joined Manchester band Jeep. The line up also includes Wags from Black Grape and Darren Partington from 808 State. They play Manchester Music Box on December 20.
Peter Hook is currently in the studio working on the New Order album, and Mani is rehearsing for Primal Scream’s Christmas tour.