Happy Mondays star to deliver DJ set at Birmingham nightclub

A celebrated member of top 1980s ‘Madchester’ band the Happy Mondays will be ripping it up at a nightclub on Birmingham’s ‘Golden Mile’ of Broad Street next week.

Dancer and percussionist Bez will be performing his live DJ set at Snobs on Wednesday 18 December, at an event dubbed the 'Nightmare Before Christmas'.

Bez, whose real name is Mark Berry, became best known for his eccentric dance moves and maracas playing during his time with Shaun and Paul Ryder in the Happy Mondays band during the 1980s and 1990s.

Following the break-up of the Happy Mondays, he and Shaun formed a new rock band called Black Grape.

Bez has since developed his career as a DJ and will be headlining the special festive event at Snobs on 18 December.

The tone will be set by three great local bands, namely Gingham, Little Juke and Fergy LH, with live music starting at around 8pm. Bez will then take over the turntables from around 10.30pm for the rest of the night.

Wayne Tracey, owner of Snobs, said: “Next Wednesday is sure to be a great night, and we’re really excited to host such a legendary talent as Bez from Happy Mondays. This is all part of our development of live music events as we try to go back to our roots.”

Snobs is also planning a foray into house music with the club's Boxing Day Rave featuring world renowned DJ S.K.T. starting from 10.30pm on Thursday 26 December.

Mr Tracey added: “We’re dipping our toes into the house music scene with DJ sets from S.K.T., plus Birmingham and ‘Our House’ legends Rue Jay and George Kafetzis, and more local DJs.

“We’re looking to bring a whole new group of partygoers to Westside and to showcase the diverse events in the area.”

Brian Hughes, chairman of Westside Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Snobs is constantly coming up with ideas to bring new audiences to the ‘Golden Mile’. The club has really settled into the area and is a welcome addition to Westside’s great entertainment offerings.”

Tickets for the Bez DJ set on 18 December are available here, although it's free entry to watch the bands.

Tickets for the Boxing Day Rave are available here. And full events listings across the festive period are here.