The last time anyone uttered the phrase, 'I'm going to Ziggy's this weekend,' would have been in the late 90s, but that is all about to change tomorrow night when the famous nightclub re-opens at
the Great Northern Hotel.
According to hotelier Ben McBeath, Ziggy’s, an iconic 80s nightclub, was perceived as a fun, almost kitsch event, that delivered an environment of dance, drinks and was free of pretense.
So with that in mind, Ziggy's will relaunch on Saturday night, 10 August with none other than 80s inspired band The Cassettes, some shiny tights, too much hairspray, and perhaps the odd shoulder pad or two.
"It was always about enjoying the music, the dance and nothing complicated," Ben said.
"Ziggy's was something so commonly talked about when we reopened the hotel, that we wanted to deliver the same sympathetic, modern take on the event. We have had so many moments and comments of nostalgic memories of relationships being created, significant moments being created at the Great Northern on this once ‘must attend’ event, that we felt the time, the name and the space we offer is ripe to relive our incredible history."
The hotel itself has also recently re-launched just in time for the resurgence of Newcastle's East End which is undergoing exponential development.
"The Great Northern was once Newcastle’s last stop on the train line and the first port of call for anyone visiting the city, " Ben said.
"Since its hay-day, lockouts have been introduced, the train has been replaced with a tram and the vibrancy of the East-End of Newcastle is yet to be realised. We believe we have a great number of offerings back in town, but we need to find draw-cards that bring people back to see we are open again.
"Ziggy’s and these events of nostalgia are ripe now, to show exactly this. We have always aimed to give this pub back to the people, by giving them what they ask for. Ziggy’s is the peoples event, in the people’s pub."
"We believe we have a great number of offerings back in town, but we need to find draw-cards that bring people back to see we are open again..."
Along with sing-along band The Cassettes, people heading along to the opening night of Ziggy's can expect, pretty much exactly what they have asked for.
"We have been listening to a lot of requests, and what was once offered has been put into the event schedule at the Great Northern," Ben said.
"We are expecting Ziggy's to become a monthly offering in time, once we know we can deliver on all the demands, but most importantly, keeping it fresh, we offer fun with a smack-in-the-face of old memories resurrected with a bit of body work - kind of like Cher.
"We want Ziggy's to become a regular event and its clear by demand that we may have no choice but to get our heads down on coordinating another sooner than later. We have live entertainment and plenty of fond memories to throw about the space and bars.
"I don’t want to give too much away, as we want the people to get into the theme of it and really take the time to ensure they are also part of the nostalgic performance too. We hope to see some creative costumes. We want everyone to be part of the performance. "
"We are expecting Ziggy's to become a monthly offering in time, once we know we can deliver on all the demands, but most importantly, keeping it fresh, we offer fun with a smack-in-the-face of old memories resurrected with a bit of body work - kind of like Cher..."
The Cassettes start from 8pm and afterward you can dance the night away with DJ Chong on a neon dance floor.
Prizes will also be given for King & Queen of the Disco | Best Dancer | Best Hairdo | Best Couple.
The VIP section for Ziggy's this Saturday night t is also booked out but you can still head along for a night of great fun from 7pm. Entry is free.
Great Northern Hotel
83-89 Scott Street Newcastle NSW
(02) 4077 3910
www.gnhotel.com.au
Ben McBeath says it's an iconic 80's nightclub but I was the original DJ there in the mid 70's at the height of Disco. I can remember playing Tavares, Kool & The Gang, KC & The Sunshine Band etc. It was the only full on disco in Newy at the time. Those were the days & how I miss them. Still play a lot of Disco at home, it just makes you feel good & dance!