Moondance Profile

Moondance was founded in London by Funky who had previously been responsible for a host of other popular nights.  Moondance has done well and still entertains 1000's of the capitals clubbers each year.

Moondance The Camden Palace 13/01/96

All I can say is that Funky knows how to put on a rave. Let’s face it, he’s had enough practice what with untold Elevations, Jungle Manias and Innovations under his belt. This was only the second Moondance in history, the first being at The Astoria in early 1995.

Promising that real Hardcore vibe on the flyer, we weren’t disappointed to see a large flyer, we weren’t disappointed to see a large queue which was efficiently shortened by friendly security, and quick searching.

On entry we heard ‘Ravers Choice 1’ being pumped through the more than impressive sound system. A tune I hadn’t heard since Ellis Dee dropped it at World Dance, April 2nd 1994. So who was on the decks dropping such classics, none other than DJ Spinback with the MC Ruff hyping up the crowd with some quickfast lyrics. He played a two hour set of thumping old skool classics, and some newer tunes which filled up the dance floor as soon as the doors opened. I’ve heard of DJ Spinback before and have seen his name of a number of flyers but haven’t actually heard him play at a club live. I was very impressed overall, good choice of tunes and superb mixing ability. Watch out for MC Ruff and Spinback in the very near future!

This was my first visit to Camden Palace and I have to say that I was sodding impressed with all the amenities supplied. It must be one of the finest venues in London, with a wicked sound system and very impressive lighting and lasers. We took up position near the DJ’s stand where we were to stay for the rest of the night. Where we were based we could appreciate the full splendour of the Palace, with three floors full of ravers havin’ it to the Moondance vibe.

Next up on the decks was the one and only DJ Hype who continued the old skool stylee with some classics of yesteryear. I must say I didn’t realise that the whole event was dominated by old skool, but this was the way I enjoyed it and it certainly appeared that the other 2,000 or so ravers wanted the same.

Another thing that impressed me about this venue was that it didn’t get too hot, and there were plenty of fans in operation. £1.50 for a bottle wasn’t too bad either, so not complaints there. To be honest I didn’t have any complaints about the whole night. I don’t think that I have had such a good time since one of the early Elevations at Crystal Palace.

The Demolition Crew were up next with a storming set of old skool classics, with tracks such as “4 am” and “Sweet Harmony” being dropped like lead weights, and appreciated they were too. And with MC MC on the mic the crowd were lifted to maximum level. Their mixing wasn’t too hot but the choice of tunes more than made up for that.

After Demolition Crew spun their last tune we noticed the figures of the Ratpack pour into the venue with an entourage which would have made the Queen look insignificant. I had actually forgotten that the Ratpack were due to make an appearance and so I had this sudden urge to watch them intensely. With Evenson Allen on the mic and Lip Master Mark on the decks. This was the first time I had heard Ratpack live and I must say I was gobsmacked. Absolutely class! It just shows how much of a class act they are when Evenson Allen finishes and wanders around the venue with a glass of wine. Their mixing wasn’t great but who cares we were in presence of the Ratpack and I was glad.

We saw Slipmatt making his way through the crowd, and when the ravers saw him a small crowd gathered around the DJ box so the bedroom boys could study the Slipmatt up close. Dropping classics such as SL2’s ‘On a Ragga Tip’ and ‘Way In My Brain’ along with another collection of personal favourites. Slipmatt was probably the best on the night, mixing was spot on and the crowd were loving every moment of it.

Once Slipmatt had finished, we noticed the arrival of Dougal & Vibes who then took to the decks with Vibes first. The sounds of Vibes’ very own ‘Music So Wonderful’ pumping around the arena which sent everyone into oblivion. Sitting back stage watching how Dougal and Vibes actually play back to back. Kaos, play fights over who was going to drop the next tune. These two are probably the best characters in the scene today. A mixture of old skool classics and 4-beat went down extremely well and once they had finished it was down to DJ Rap to close the night down.

First tune she dropped was ‘Engineers Without Fears’ by Rap herself. It was the first time I had heard this tune all night and I wasn’t disappointed when Rap was the one to spin it out. And with Stevie Hyper D on the mic and in with the crowd on the stage. “We walked through the door…Hardcore…Oi…Oi” were his familiar lyrics booming through the speaker stacks. Due to finish at 6.30am we were somewhat bemused at a 6.00am finish. However I was just about whacked anyway, so congratulations to Funky for putting on a wicked do. I couldn’t believe that the price for this event was only £9 – what a bargain! Value for money, good music, a quality venue and with a promoter who gives it his all with every event.

Overall it was a wicked night, probably one of the best nights I’ve had all year. Best set of the night – well this is a hard one. The sets I enjoyed the most must have been DJ Slipmatt and the newboy DJ Spinback.