Des Pejko in 1967
For Des Pejko, the Mojo opened the door to a new world of music.
Growing up in Rotherham, he was introduced to soul music by older boys at school who shared records by The Impressions and Curtis Mayfield. Before long, he was making regular trips to Sheffield to experience the Mojo for himself.
“They showed me some albums from The Impressions and Curtis Mayfield. I loved it. They said, ‘Come with us,’ and that’s how I got into it.”
Getting there usually involved a bus journey from Rotherham, although occasionally he travelled on the back of a scooter.
“I was six foot four at 14 or 15, so it wasn’t the most comfortable ride, but I enjoyed it.”
Des remembers the club as warm, crowded and full of energy.
“It was hot, lively and the music was excellent. There were people dancing near the stage and people all around the edges.”
Unlike later years, he recalls the club being relatively plain inside.
“It was quite dark and simple. There was nothing fancy about it, but that didn’t matter.”
The Mojo quickly became a place where music, fashion and friendships came together.
“You could talk about records, where somebody got their Levi’s from, or where they bought a jacket. It was that type of environment.”
The soundtrack of the club was dominated by soul, Motown and Stax records. Songs by artists such as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave and Eddie Floyd became lasting favourites.
“One that always stands out is ‘High Life’ by the Amboy Dukes. It was so different at the time, but it went down really well.”
Among the many acts he saw at the club, two remain especially memorable: Geno Washington and Stevie Wonder.
“The Stevie Wonder all-dayer was outstanding. It was packed and busy, and I couldn’t believe Stevie Wonder was there right in front of me.”
Standing close to the stage, Des was struck by the intimacy of the performance.
“It seemed unbelievable that somebody from America could just appear at the Mojo Club. Thinking back, it was surreal.”
Fashion was an important part of the scene, with Levi’s jackets, leather shoes and mini skirts defining the look of the crowd.
“If you liked the music, you dressed accordingly. Everybody had a similar style.”
Looking back, Des believes the Mojo played a crucial role in shaping what would later become known as Northern Soul.
“It was very formative for hundreds of people and it helped spawn the beginnings of Northern Soul.”
For him, the club’s legacy lies not only in the music but in the community it created.
“It brought together people with the same interests and gave them something special that has stayed with them ever since.”