Due to celebrate ten years of Tangled in 2003, Phil Morse - along with fellow residents Terry Pointon and Steve Thorpe - is behind one of Manchester's biggest clubbing success stories. Despite its vintage, though, this weekly offering is unlikely to slow down; even eschewing that scene-favoured post-celebration closure with tomorrow's fRee-on-production-of-any-NYE-ticket Recovery Session.
What's the secret behind Tangled's long-term success?
Remaining in touch with the punters and being able to cut through the crap that surrounds superstar DJs, the dance press and what's supposed to be trendy this week. We put all that stuff to one side and just get on with it.
And there's your unique booking policy too?
Yeah, we sit down and ask each other 'who do we want at the club?' and it's not those names who we know can fill the place - it's the people whose records we're currently playing.
So the big names aren't that important to you?
It's quite selfish really - we just book whoever we're into. But the freedom to do that ultimately comes from the fact that we've never relied on the guest DJs because we can - and often do - fill the club with just us residents.
How important is it for Tangled to remain open in what's generally regarded as a quiet time in the clubbing calendar - like the weekend after New Year's Eve?
I see it as being like the local pub. Yiou wouldn't expect that to be shut on a Saturday night, would you? And while our regualars may say that they can't afford it one week or that they've got to go to their gran's on Sunday or whatever, they do return. We always win this battle of wills as they know we're consistent and reliable.
And isn't there any guilt about screwing up those punters' goods intentions/family obligations?
No, not one bit. We now prefer to think we are their family.
DANNY MCFADDEN