It’s 1991 in Manchester, Whitworth St…
The Haçienda is bouncing. Graeme Park drops a euphoric piano house tune that ends up turning the dreams of three clubbers into 30+year music career – and that song was: Rhythm Is a Mystery.
Fast-forward to 2025 and K-Klass are back where it all began, this time stripping the track right back – for the very first time.
Manchester: Unplugged, produced by StreamGM, sees house music icons Paul Roberts, Russ Morgan and Bobbi Depasois revisit their roots with an exclusive performance, and tell their story of how three mates went from blagging their way through their first recording session… to performing on Top of the Pops.
Filmed in The Freemount on Oldham Street (formerly Dry Bar – Factory Records’ legendary pre-bar to The Haçienda), the episode will premiere on StreamGM’s YouTube channel at 7pm, Thursday 25 September.
K-Klass first crossed paths on Manchester’s club circuit in the late ’80s. Their ambition was simple: hear one of their tracks played at The Haçienda. Within a couple of months, they had the whole place losing it to Rhythm Is a Mystery.
In Unplugged, they reflect on:
Watching from the balcony as the crowd erupted when their tune dropped.
The surreal moment they were booked for Top of the Pops.
What it means to still be performing Rhythm Is a Mystery to thousands of ravers worldwide, 34 years on.
From Detroit techno influences to the chaos of recording without a clue, this is the story of how a Manchester club dream became one of the UK’s most enduring and timeless dance anthems.
Today, K-Klass are busier than ever, smashing festivals and clubs every weekend, producing new music, and carrying Manchester’s spirit with them around the world.
Paul Roberts said:
“Performing the stripped-back version of Rhythm Is a Mystery was really refreshing, as it was a complete departure from the way we’ve performed it for the last 34 years.
“Manchester: Unplugged is an insightful look into how music from this city comes to life. Hopefully it’ll inspire a new generation of producers, songwriters and musicians.
“Massive shout to StreamGM for this fascinating concept. We loved taking part and hope people enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed filming it.”
Producer Laura Graham added:
“K-Klass are true heroes of the Madchester era, with a Grammy nomination, huge collaborations, and a sound that’s lasted decades. Bobbi’s voice still knocks you off your feet. It was a real highlight to celebrate their legacy through Manchester: Unplugged.”
About Manchester: Unplugged
Manchester: Unplugged is a documentary series by StreamGM celebrating the songs and stories that define the city’s sound. Each episode pairs a reimagined live performance with the personal history behind it, filmed in the venues that shaped Manchester’s music heritage.
StreamGM is Greater Manchester’s free, pioneering streaming platform, showcasing the city’s rich musical heritage and future sounds. From grassroots venues to iconic stages, StreamGM connects artists with global audiences through high-quality broadcasts, documentaries and original programming.
Episode 2: K-Klass, Rhythm Is a Mystery premieres on YouTube at 7pm, Thursday 25 September. Fans can join the live chat with the band during the premiere to ask questions and share their own memories of this legendary track.
