The Palladium Niteclub

The Palladium Niteclub was a nightclub in Christchurch city, New Zealand, which shared the same name as the famous New York Palladium (club). It opened in 1986 as part of the McKenzie group and closed in 1998. The Palladium was the first night club in Christchurch city to include a full laser lightshow. It was also the largest nightclub in Christchurch with a capacity of about 800 people (this capacity was increased in 1996 after some renovation work). As the largest club in Christchurch, The Palladium was frequented by several international acts. During their 1986 tour of New Zealand, The Simple Minds spent the evening there after their show at the Christchurch City Townhall. [Warner, H: "Simple Minds" "The Evening Post", November 8th 1986, 23]

The Palladium's sound system was purpose built through consultation with local band promoter Mel Blokhuis of Ex-Ray Staging, and was run with no major modifications through the life of the club. [Blokhuis, W: Personal communication, 2006] Unlike other clubs in Christchurch, the Palladium was open 7 nights per week and it was the first club to gain a 24 hour liquor license--though the club only operated from 9pm - 7am.

From 1986 to 1996 the Palladium played host to a many of Christchurch city's leading bands and DJs. The common practice was for bands to play 30 minute sets of popular, dance styled music alternating with a resident DJ who would play dance music of a more electronic nature (for example, house music). [Silby, B (resident DJ, 1995-1997): Personal communication, 2006] During 1996, changing night club trends forced the Palladium to cancel it's contract with its resident band, "The H Club", and run exclusively with the resident DJs Rob Munro (aka therobsta) and Brent Silby (aka Maestro B). This change boosted the Palladium's popularity until a change of management late in 1997, which resulted in the cancellation of the DJs and the introduction of a new act.

The Palladium eventually closed in 1998.

Notes

External links

* [http://www.brentishouse.com/download/brent_palladium1995.mp3 DJ set recorded live at The Palladium in 1995]