It’s 10.30pm 23rd June 1995, and a well-organised queue was forming, no doors were open as yet although a 10pm start was advertised. After about 15 minutes we started to enter. Up the stairs to the entrance there were many signs stating reasons for the search and what it entails; empty pockets, belts off, a walk through a metal detector and a very thorough body search, very much so for the blokes.

My partner was searched twice before being allowed in, a bit extreme from my point of view, but an apology was later made by the final tough security door man explaining no weapons will get in!

It’s a pity the female staff couldn’t be a bit more friendly. When I asked for my pen back (which she had confiscated), explaining that I was an Eternity reviewer she snapped back “If I come in there later and check your note book, I want to see some writing in it!” Then on asking for the promoter, whom I spoke to earlier to arrange this meeting to talk about Jungle Nation in general to let you all know a little bit more, the reply was, “Just go in, you don’t need to speak to him”.

Charming! Whether this was her own attitude or a message I think a few manners should be taught or installed. Finally, though to the ticket booth, I asked for the promoter and yet again, fobbed off again and once more at the main door entrance. Us ravers pay all wages in the rave scene, no ravers, no rave, no wage…. Think about it!

Time to stop moaning, no bad vibes please! 23.20pm and Ash-a-tack was entertaining in the Hard Step Drum ‘n’ Bass Arena 2. Arena 1 not open as yet. Respect to you Jungle ravers, straight through the door and onto the dance floor, no time wasted here. Deep in the Jungle, Arena 1 was opened up with the sounds from the man like Mampi Swift, alongside MC Shabba, a first for me.

An OK MC who egged on the slowly forming massive. Swift played a wicked opening set, smoothing things along for Younghead, always a moving up DJ ‘move it up’! move it up!

Bruck wild and go crazy, the massive were scattered all around but still a party forming, all ages, all backgrounds.

Next on was Jumping Jack Frost with I think his own MC. I didn’t know his name, as he never said it but “there ain’t no stopping us now” the Jungle sound boomed through. The Lazerdromes sound system has speakers situated on stage, all around the dance arena and even around the back walkways which lead up to the balcony area and around to the comfy chillout.

No time to chillout though, DJ Twilight now on the decks. Horn massive, no educating need here, all horn crew totally in time, respect to you all, especially to the guy on the steps who led them all night.

Things were now warming up nicely around arena 1, the scattered massive all coming together to fill out the place. MC Det enters the stage to introduce DJ Brockie. The crowd went crazy, but not for long, Brockie I think you had a bad day. Oh well, can’t be brilliant every day can you? Soon the crowd thinned out, Det tried to form the massive, but with 2 arenas and only enough people to fill out one, a hard task was at hand.

3.37am and I popped down to arena 2. Wicked! DJ Dazee you played a startling new remix of Ganjaman. You took my interest and I stayed with you for over an hour. She has shocking mixes and interesting selections that keep you on edge waiting for the next to come. Lots of different dance moves braking out in the hardstep arena. ‘Phew’ time to cool down, back to arena 1, the PA down as yet!!

With the massive forming once again in arena 1, the PA by Urban Shakedown started with ‘Arsonist’ Horn Crew, whistle massive respect to you all, a warm welcome for Urban Shakedown, but after he finished the crowd thinned once again. Back to arena 2.

DJ Dazee still on the decks. She certainly knows how to entertain and kept on entertaining. Chemistry and Storm on next. A female back to back duo who when heard make you realise why. Working well together being heard by the remaining Jungle Nation massive.

A few of the DJ’s that appeared on the original flyer were unable to attend on the night. Fabio replaced Grooverider and Chemistry & Storm replaced LTJ Bukem. DJ Rap arrived late and played around 6am. MC Navigator had fallen asleep at home and awoke after the event had finished, whom I personally felt was sadly missed.

Us ravers who did take the time to turn up and party, didn’t need the security brushing the floor at around 5.00am in arena 2, although it was a 7.00am finish they had started to clear up making us all feel very uncomfortable. An example from the girls at the merchandise stall could be taken, they partied all night!

It is hard to party when the arena is only ¼ full. A good atmosphere is hard to achieve when space is apparent, but the Jungle Nation massive achieved this, no bad attitude although the security seem to be taking their jobs too seriously; walking through the front or the crowd with searching eyes is not what I call good bouncing especially when observation is easy when the place is not packed. Present but not pushy, aware but not apparent is a good code to take.

Lazerdrome is a good venue with plenty of mooches and missions to be had, with walkways high and low, lasers (not used enough though maybe not enough people to show them to??) 2 Arenas, arcade machines, comfy seats, chillout areas and 2 bars one with hot & cold food. The venue needs people, maybe Glastonbury had an effect.

An interview with DJ Ron which I read somewhere recently explains the London massive are spoiled hearing the top DJ’s 24/7 on radio stations galore and raves 4 or 5 times a week, so they are taking things for granted!!