Site of legendary Reno nightclub to be turned into apartments

DJ Persian started working at the Reno in 1967 and became known for introducing soul records from the United States to the club.

Those tracks included classic funk records such as Groove On, by Willie “Beaver” Hale, Joy and Pain, by Maze, and Turned On To You, by the Eighties Ladies.

Previously known for reggae. the club began attracting a whole new audience, and was celebrated for its racially inclusive vibe.

The disc jockey said the club was often visited by celebrities, including the cast of Coronation Street, snooker player Alex “Hurricane” Higgins, and Mohammad Ali.

“People used to come from Europe, especially on a Sunday night, just for the Reno and go back the next day,” he said.

“In the end I stopped playing reggae and built the Reno up into the first soul venue.”