The 1990s were a time of immense cultural and social change in the UK. It was a decade that saw the rise of rave culture, a subculture that would forever change the the way I think and the way I live my life. Rave culture emerged in the late 1980s and reached its peak in the late 1990s, and was a truly magical and exciting time to be a part of it. Rave culture was a product of the acid house movement, which originated in Chicago and spread to the UK in the late 1980s. It was a fusion of electronic dance music, such as house and techno, and the use of psychedelic drugs, particularly ecstasy. Parties were often held in abandoned warehouses, fields, woodland and other unconventional locations, and were known for all-night dancing, energetic positive atmosphere, and use of mind-altering substances.
One of the defining moments of rave culture in the UK was the free party movement this is where it all started for me. These were spontaneous, underground events that were not advertised but spread through word of mouth and flyers. They were often held in disused buildings or open fields, with no official authorization or permission. The free party movement was a rebellion against the commercialization of rave culture and the strict laws and regulations surrounding traditional clubs and venues. The start of rave culture in the UK was a time of freedom rebellion and outright defiance. It was a break from the norms and restrictions of society, and a celebration of music, community, and self-expression. People from all walks of life came together at these undergroung parties, united by their love for the music and the desire to escape the mundane reality of everyday life.
One of the most iconic events of this era. Mainstream attention sparked a nationwide debate about the legality and morality of such gatherings. It became illegal to enjoy life and being alive.
The music of rave culture was a key element of its appeal. DJs played a mix of house, techno, and other electronic genres, with a heavy emphasis on repetitive beats and basslines that were perfect for dancing all night long. Rave music was not just a form of entertainment; it was a form of escapism, a way to lose yourself in the music and forget about the outside world. Being a part of rave culture in the UK during this time was a truly incredible experience. It was a time when anything seemed possible, and the future was full of endless possibilities. The music, the atmosphere, and the people all came together to create a sense of euphoria that was unlike anything else I have ever experienced.
John Techno (The Dosseposse) North Wales Underground.
Being a part of an underground rave party crew in North Wales during the 1990s was like being a part of a secret society. It was a time when electronic dance music was just emerging and the rave culture was spreading like wildfire across Europe. We were a group of passionate individuals who wanted to share our love for music and create a space where people could come together and dance without any judgment or restrictions. The core group of our party crew consisted of about 10-15 people who were responsible for organizing and running the events. We would spend weeks planning and preparing for each party, from finding a suitable locations to designing flyers and distributing them in secret locations. We were always on the move, trying to stay one step ahead of the authorities who were constantly trying to shut us down.
One of the biggest challenges we faced was finding a location for our parties. We would often use farms, or even forests, setting up makeshift camps and sound systems. These locations were chosen carefully, away from residential areas to avoid noise complaints. However, even with all our precautions, the police would still manage to find us and try to shut down the party. It was a constant battle with the authorities. Every time we found a new location, the police would catch wind of it and show up to shut us down. We became experts at setting up and tearing down our equipment quickly, always ready to move to a new location at a moment's notice. Despite the constant threat of being shut down, we never gave up. We were determined to keep the party going, no matter what.
One of the most effective ways we advertised our parties was through our underground pirate radio station. It was illegal, but it was the only way we could reach our target audience. We would broadcast up comming events and parties, creating a buzz among the ravers. The adrenaline rush we felt while broadcasting live was indescribable, knowing that we were defying the law and bringing people together through music. However, our pirate radio station also made us a target for the police. They would constantly track our broadcasts and try to confiscate our equipment and transmitters. We had to constantly find new ways to hide and protect our equipment, which was not easy given our limited resources. But we were determined to keep our radio station running, as it was our lifeline to the rave community.
Despite all the challenges, being a part of an underground rave party crew was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. We were a close-knit group, united by our love for music and the thrill of organizing illegal raves. We were constantly pushing boundaries and breaking rules, but it was all worth it when we saw the joy and freedom on the faces of the ravers at our parties. Looking back now, I realize how much we risked to keep the underground rave scene alive in North Wales. It was a time of rebellion and defiance, but also a time of unity and community. We were a part of something special, and I will always cherish the memories of being a core group member of an underground rave party crew in North Wales from 1990 to 2010.
John Techno (The Dosseposse) North Wales Underground.
