United Dance - Review - 12th August 94

I arrived at the venue at approximately 11pm, parking the car was a bit of a problem. All the car parks were rammed, so I knew there were going to be plenty of people inside the large sports hall.

I found a spot not too far away from the entrance and went in search of the United Dance and Temptation posse! No problem getting in, a nice polite search by the humorous door staff and security – why can’t all security be like this, it isn’t that hard to be nice, is it?

I was shown into a back office so I could set my gear up. Oh and incidentally I lost my camera flash sensor – if anyone has it – can I have it back please.

In the main hall, some 150ft by 130ft, was a large awesome set up, a 20ft interactive video screen had been hung from the roof which provided the crowd with live projections all night. There was a three headed 20k multicoloured, multi-electronic laser which had centre place, and the show was out of this world – golden scans, monster moons and loads of other technical equipment used on the stage and throughout the hall, all to full effect. Big respect to Laser Electronics – Top light crew – nice one!

The sound was pumping out from a JBL 80k surround sound system and believe me it was well loud – no sound restrictions! Capacity of the venue is 2,000 and the capacity crowd were having a PARTY, everywhere I looked people were going for it and the atmosphere in the place was unreal, electrifying, infectious, loads of happy smiling faces all enjoying good music, good company, good production and a good happy vibe.

Unfortunately DJ Sy was held up at his last venue, he phoned to apologise and said he would be late. What to do – Hype played an extra 15 minutes, but had to get off to his next gig what a result. Who was in the crowd having a party? No other than intrepid duo – Lip Master Mark and Everson Allan – AKA The Rat Pack.

The jocks had all played well ruff sets, MC’s on the night did a wicked job too. Then the lucky result – Rat Pack came on and ripped the place apart. I didn’t think the people could possibly give more than they had given. Wrong. The place went wild, and for the next 45 minutes the crowd were taken away by the Lords Of The Dance to another dimension.

The other room, which had quite a few people in it listening to a selection of techno, trance and house, was banging, and well sorted with lights, sound and visuals, all to United Dance and Temptations high standards.

However, as soon as the word was out that the Rat Pack were on next door, the place emptied. Everyone wanted to see the show and even if it was for only 45 minutes, the Rat Pack gave 100% and got 100% back, the crowd loved it! Big up yer chest boys, you’re still the Lords! Massive thanx and respects at least 2,000 times!!

Slipmatt came on at 5am until 6am and continued to keep the party rocking, well ruff, anthems – hands in the air, so much crowd interaction, it was great to see, hear and feel. Everyone left that place very unwillingly indeed, how many last ones?? But leave they did and on a top buzz.

Music policy, again all on the happy tip and a little bit of everything to please as many as possible, which did work very well. I spoke to loads of people from first timers to ‘been to ‘em all’. They all said the same – Wicked parties, Wicked music, wicked show and wicked vibe, with no attitudes except happy ones.

This was another party I was pleased to be part of and anyway, what better recommendation do you need, if the Rat Pack went to party with you and ended up playing for you.

Special mention to the lad in the wheelchair, who partied all night, big respects, nice one. You proved partying is for everyone, no matter what.

The dancers on the stage throughout the night provided everyone with more visual stimulation with their routines, costumes and poses, which were well wicked.