Welcome back to the 80s (From The Argus)

Welcome back to the 80s

10:30am Monday 9th November 2009

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Ah the eighties - my love affair with this period is still alive and well.

I remember arriving at Brighton Station, suitcase in tow after leaving London where I worked in Camden.

I had left my job to become a student and wanted to embrace all things that student life offered.

For my sins I was a goth and embraced both the music and the clothing.

My ritual was on a Friday night to visit the Quadrant and then stroll down to Sister Ray's where like minded people in all their finery would participate in the ritual of the Friday night experience.

My favourite venues at the time were the Old Vic in the Lanes which was a music pub. Now called the Seven Stars, it had an air of opulence with red velvet curtains and red velvet furniture a truly theatrical experience.

Subtefuge (Revenge) had an industrial feel and, The Basement (Sallis Benney Theatre) was the place for those engaging in a more subdued experience.

I remember sitting on the beach watching Hells Angels throwing scooter frames by The Hungry Years, a rock gathering place.

And of course, then there was The Market Diner. Many an evening was spent in here reflecting the evening's entertainment and in fact sometimes the entertainment was even better in the diner - all cultures collided to provide entertainment for all.

I can remember watching a group of people in taffeta ball gowns who had just come from their graduation ball, whilst myself and my friends were looking hard in our rocker gear – including a leather jacket which I still have to this day . . .