Club Shame was quite simply the best club experience of the time, gay or straight, and has never been bettered. I stumbled across it whilst exploring gay Brighton in the very late 80s, and I couldn't believe my luck. Other clubs were like school discos compared to Shame.

I wasn't out at the time and didn't tell many people about where I went on Wednesdays. Now I brag about it and say "I was there".

I particularly remember a sci-fi theme night and a live appearance by the 49ers - well one of them anyway.

You have to understand that there was nothing like this anywhere else on the South Coast and probably not elsewhere either. It's importance and legacy stems from the fact that it wasn't just a breakthrough in gay liberation, but a standard bearer for the whole 90s rave/clubbing scene. It smashed through the glass ceiling which had limited the British gay scene. The gay world led the straight world for the next decade, I would say taking the baton from Studio 54.

I watched hairstyles, clothing, music and even bar drinks migrate from gay to straight over the years from '89 to about '94. Generally it took about a year for the straights to catch up. The music was fantastic. I still listen to The M&H band's version of Popcorn - and it still reminds me of Shame, as does Wow Wow Na Na by Grandplazz.

The world needs a new shock. The straight scene has overtaken again. The best looking guys are straight now. Time for a new Shame?

Thanks for the memories.

Great and special times indeed. I was the person who played popcorn by M&H band. It was my honeymoon of a DJ gig for me. I used to take people on a musical trip. Thanks for remembering this. Regards Craig Woodrow, DJ @ club shame,fun-da-mental,coco club.frenzy

You did it so well! You should do a Shame compilation album. I'd buy it.

I remember Club Shame. I was in my late teens, and it was a great baptism into clubbing and the gay scene. The acoustics in the Zap were great, it really suited the style of music and DJing at that time. Likewise, there were no other gay clubs in Brighton quite like it. Mmm, fond memories indeed!! X

I have just discovered your article about Shame and feel compelled to leave a comment - I was a student in Brighton 1991/94 and that was when I was 19 - just coming out and finding out about what Brighton nightlife had to offer! Club Shame was my first experience of a real Gay night in Brighton - I remember it was also my first time taking ecstasy - wow, what a combination! Club Shame was a Brighton institution - I remember queuing outside the Zap in the depths of winter to get into Shame with all my straight and gay mates - we didn't worry about the cold, just wanted to get inside and dance our little socks off to the fantastic music that made Shame what it was!  Shame was the place you could take anyone to - it welcomed all and the atmosphere was really warm and friendly! I was working part time in a hotel and a lot of my colleagues used to come and really let themselves go at Shame - we even got a very straight acting chef to come down with us and he ended up on a podium with his t-shirt off!  Craig Woodrow - if you read this can you email me at nicksquires@hotmail.co.uk - I would love you to do a Shame CD of all that fab music you played to us then.  Cheers.

I agree with Nick. I'd love to hear that music again... Craig Woodrow CD? Or a playlist so we can download the tracks?