A forthcoming new book, set to be published in October, will tell the story behind one of the UK’s most iconic nightclubs – Ministry of Sound.
Set to be published by Rizzoli New York on 20 October, Ministry of Sound: Anthology is written and designed by Grammy-nominated creative director Simon Moore, and will feature a myriad of interviews and previously unseen archival material, charitng the evolution of the London venue.
“Before starting this book, I believed the story of Ministry of Sound was one of the most remarkable in British music culture and deserved to be told in full for the first time,” Moore commented. “The reality proved even more extraordinary. Through hundreds of hours of interviews, I heard first-hand accounts of passion, ambition, chaos, money, drugs, gangs and, above all, a deep love of music.
“Together they reveal how a club built inside a derelict warehouse in a forgotten corner of South London went on to transform countless lives and leave a permanent mark on British dance music culture.”
The formative years of the club are documented through photography, flyers, posters, record sleeves and oral histories sourced from private collections, photographers’ archives and second-hand memorabilia, while the book also features first-hand accounts from individuals closely tied to the club’s history, including Paul Oakenfold, David Morales, Carl Craig, Moby, Pete Tong, Honey Dijon and Steve Angello.
“I’m delighted with the book,” added Caitlin McAllister, managing director, Ministry of Sound. “Simon has done an excellent job of capturing not just the history of Ministry of Sound, but the emotional connection so many people have with the club and the brand.
“Everyone has a Ministry story, so to see the very best of them brought together in one place is pretty special.”
The launch of the 416-page book coincides with Ministry of Sound 35, a year-long programme celebrating three decades of the club brand.
More information can be found here. Main photo by Dave Swindells.