Eastern Bloc was established in 1985 by John Berry, Mick Power & Martin Price (808 State).
The shop was originally located in Afflecks Palace and in 1992 moved over the road on Oldham Street and split into two shops, Dance on the left and Indie on the right.
In 2011 it then moved to its present location on Stevenson Square (5A Stevenson Sq, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 1DN).
It soon became a cultural icon and integral part within the Manchester music scene.
Back in the late 80’s E Bloc helped to launch bands such as the Inspiral Carpets, while also hosting in-store signings with The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays. The shop was also responsible for breaking much of the new dance music at the time, being one of the only shops in the UK to import dance music from around the globe.
Martin Price (part of 808 State at the time) went on to establish Creed Records in 1988 to release 808 State’s debut album; sub-label F.R.O. Records (which stands for Fuck Right Off) followed in 1990.
E Bloc also had heavy involvement in the early career paths of A Guy Called Gerald & K Klass. Many famous faces have worked behind the counter or been regular customers in the shop. DJs local and from around the globe would use E Bloc as their first port of call to get their hands on the latest vinyl promos.
Previous members of staff include Justin Robertson, Richard Bithell, Paul Hugget, Nick Grayson, Mike Kirwin, Dean Wilson, Paul Walker, Paul Taylor, Karl Roscoe, Marcus Julian Kaye & Mark Mckinley.
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