Way back in 89 when Club Shame open its door Brighton's gay scene was far different from today. The main gay club the Beacon Royal had a very small capacity (about 200) so when Club Shame open its doors it was considered the big night out. It's hard to believe other famous clubs such as Flesh in Manchester and the legendary Trade were not to open for another two years.
Attracting a large crowd from London each Wednesday Club Shame was held at Brighton's famous Zap Club.
The music was originally Italia House, funky & fresh, the crowd extatic at being offered something new. Club Shame along with other club nights at the Zap such as Frenzy and the CoCo Club have surely helped give the Zap the reputation it has today, and Club Shame has made it's mark in Brighton's clubbing history. Special guest performers included Boy George, Candy J, Darell Pandy, Lonnie Gorden, Wee Papa Girl Rapers, Soho (Hippy Chic) 49ers, D-Influance, MC Kinky & Nomad & Felix (Don't you want me).

Gay Times 1990: “We put Club Shame forward as a blueprint of gay clubs for the 90’s”

Held at the Gloucester in Brighton this legendary club night was at the forefront of the alternative scene at the height of the new wave\punk\new romantic era. A vast array of colourful peacocks enjoyed TRANSFORMER for two years and witnessed the outrageous antics of performers such as Wayne County (now Jane), local cabaret stars the infamous Liquorice Allsorts and DJ Fat Tony in earlier incarnation (fabulous!). Their escapades are the stuff of legend and have ensured that Transformer is still a topic of gossip and intrigue.

Subterfuge started in 1981 and ran for 6 infamous years at the Apollo Hotel, Brighton. (Now the BN1 club) Subterfuge also held parties at the Manhattan disco (now Gloucester club) and the Savannah, (now Revenge). A truly mixed club and way ahead of its time it was THE hangout for the towns alternative crowd. At a time when clubs where either gay, straight, punk, skinhead, rockabilly, goth or high-energy Subterfuge revelled in being all these things and more!!!.