BANGIN' REASONS AS TO WITHOUT WHICH MANCHESTER WOULDN'T EXIST

GERALD (A GUY CALLED ...) Job: electro pioneer

A SEMINAL figure in the inception of Acid House in this country, Gerald Simpson was involved in the embryonic 808 State, but his defining moment arrived with the pivotal dance track, "Voodoo Ray". This 1989 single relocated Detroit Techno onto the Hacienda dancefloor via a significant sonic detour around the Trafford industrial estates that Gerald walked round with his Walkman. Simpson has since left Manchester's gangland environment but continues to innovate in drum'n'bass. His fabulous 1997 album, Black Secret Technology, introduced the vocals of one Finley Quaye... another Manc expatriate.

Current whereabouts: London

[Author: Dave Simpson]