On March 30, 1985, Canton Disco opened in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, drawing an overwhelming crowd of 11,000 to a venue designed for just 1,500. With themes like Midnight Swim and a no-rules dress code, guests arrived in everything from Speedos to tuxedo jackets. The mastermind behind it was Andrew Bull, known as Hong Kong’s “King of Disco,” who had built a name as a DJ at hotspots like The Scene and Disco Disco.
For the launch, Bull took out a Chinese ad in a London magazine, reaching international trendsetters before the age of social media. Invitations were sent via retro 3D viewfinders—one even triggered a bomb scare at the Japanese consulate. The club’s visual identity was created by design icon Alan Chan, whose graphics are now enshrined in Hong Kong’s M+ Museum.
Celebrities including Anita Mui, Leslie Cheung, George Lam, and Danny Chan frequented the venue. After Rambo III’s premiere, Sylvester Stallone hosted his after-party there. International acts such as Kylie Minogue, New Order, and Run-DMC also performed, cementing the club’s global appeal. Kylie’s 1988 show at Canton Disco marked her first-ever live performance.
Despite its success, changing tastes and rising rents led to its closure in 1991. But its legacy remains strong. Every decade, former regulars reunite to celebrate its anniversary. The upcoming 40th reunion, titled Together Forever, takes place on May 17 at Trilogy in Central. Original DJs like Bull, Jimmy Lee, and Simon Choi will return to the decks, reviving the club’s iconic sound.
Choi, who launched his career at Canton Disco through a remix contest, recalls the club’s underage sessions known as Noon-D—alcohol-free afternoon parties that drew fashionable young crowds. For many, it was a formative cultural space.
The club originated from a partnership between Bull and Tony Law, backed by HK$20 million in funding. It occupied a 15,000 sq ft venue in Harbour City, now home to a luxury fashion brand. Canton Disco wasn’t just a party spot—it was a cultural hub where business, music, and style converged.
From dancers like Lisa Shearer in Day-Glo outfits to private rooms for stars sipping fine cognac, every corner of the venue told a story. Canton Disco’s influence continues in themed restaurants abroad and an upcoming book Bull is writing to preserve its golden age.
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