Starlight Judgement Day Review

It Ain't Grim up North - Starlight - 21st August 92 - Bingley Hall

We were summoned to appear on Friday 21st August to pass judgement on a Midlands rave and this was the verdict:

Considering the headline status of the event, through local animosity, Starlight Promotions succeeded admirably to hold a 4000 strong spectacle in the quiet, conservative 'never staged a rave before' town of Stafford.  Coincidently the home of none other than Altern 8, thus explaining the multitude of alternative paraphernalia from masks to capes, all there to witness a somewhat different PA.  Not happy with the legacy of rock music performances at the venue they, Altern 8, invited two witch doctors complete with face paint and an attire of reeds and bamboo to exorcise the spirit of rock symbolised by the destruction of an electric guitar.  But it was as if the spirit was making its final stand causing the music to jump and grind to a halt. 

It was fifteen minutes before Altern 8 could return to reclaim their initiative providing a wealth of contemporary classics.  The spirit was long dead and buried by the time Prodigy performed demonstrating the strength of the the new material.  Amidst a host of a London Line up DJ SS took the place by storm, whilst Ratpack and Carl Cox became rock stars riding on the success of their vinyl ventures.

Starlight Judgement Day was well policed, supported by Top Guard who took the time to recruit some well mannered security men, so everyone was looked after including the locals who had feared trouble and noise. Not one complaint was made and rumour has it that they'll be back there again soon.  It was debatable if the 120k rig was pushed to full potential, with cheers, whistles  and MCs so ecstatic as to drown out the music, but that was more than compensated for by a superb lighting display that was truly innovative.  Starlight deserves maximum respect for perseverance against all odds.  Watch out for the next one.

Thus the night became a weekend and we found 'Quest' at Paloma's Wolverhampton, reminiscent of Marshgate Lane, E15.  Nobody knew when to stop dancing, vibe alive in every way!  Local hero's, Ratty and Pilgrim proved to be talented and original to an amazing reaction - definitely ones to watch out for.

Starlight Events:

Starlight - Aston Villa Leisure Centre 3rd Jul 92
Starlight - Handsworth Leisure Centre 12th July 91
Starlight - Judgement Day, Bingley Hall, Stafford, 21/08/92
Starlight vs Total Kaos - 20th November 93 - Eclipse