I don t think I ve looked forward to an event as much as this since Skelter on New Year s. With all the hype of a true 100% hardcore rave, I had a positive feeling that this was going to be something special and think I can safely that it was. Tickets were sold out in both my local record shops and the ticket books were looking kind of bare up at Wax City. I arrived at London Bridge at around 10:15pm and looked everywhere for the coach that never actually showed up. Disappointed that it hadn t, we got ready for a long trek to the venue but just as we were about to head off, a bloke called us over and asked if we were going to Future Dance. Apparently the coach had broken down or something so the Go Mental crew paid a cab firm to pick up all the ravers from the station and take them to the venue. Unfortunately, this wasn t advertised very well so a lot of people had to walk or take the bus. At the venue I could hear the bass pounding which really got me in the mood to party. I was expecting a long queue but, to my surprise, got quite the opposite. Security was very good compared to places like Bagleys and the Sanctuary although they seemed to be everywhere I looked. After saying hello to Kaos and a few others, I walked through into the first room, which had a big bar with lots of seats and places to chill out. This was the best place to come for a rest because the music wasn t so loud and was a more ambient vibe compared with the main room. Through to the next room which was a sort of bridge room between the two main arenas. This was just where the toilets were and there was more space to sit down, have a chat etc. I saw a sign saying Future Dance: This Way so I walked through the double doors and into an absolutely stompin atmosphere. The arena wasn t filled out and never really did get packed but then that was good because there was lots of space to dance and jump around. The happy hardcore spirit was definitely there that night with the workman jackets and glow-sticks crew in full effect not to mention all those whistles and horns going crazy. The stage set up and the décor definitely complimented the night with an array of dancers and MC s who helped create an unbelievable atmosphere throughout the night. The space theme was brilliant as well. I m sure anybody could tell that a lot of time and effort was put into the preparation of this event. Sharkey was up on the decks when I arrived spinning some top tunes such as Now Control and Future Dimensions Part II as well as the usual hard stuff he always smashes it with. This set with MC Odyssey on form was a definitive crowd pleaser in anyone s book and with an awesome sound system to boot, I couldn t have asked for anything more. My favourite tune of the night would have been Ready to Fly. I thought it was very uplifting and came on at just the right time for me. This was played quite early, just before Slipmatt s set which really kicked the night off as more people filtered in. Following Slipmatt was Energy with his birthday set and live Nu Energy PA. This really got everybody going and near the end of his set I needed to rest before I collapsed from exhaustion. I was about to go into the chill-out area when the original Hardcore Fever was spun in and I just had to stay. After meeting up with all the USH crew for the first time and getting some nice snaps of everyone and of the venue, I had a well-deserved rest before heading back into the main room for Johnny Go Mental and the second live PA of the night. I think the vibes peaked at this point, which is why I give set of the night to Kaos and Vickie with her unmatched vocal talents. The atmosphere was tremendous during the PA making it the highlight of the of the entire party, something which other promoters may want to take into consideration& DJ Vibes played a good set as ever dropping the Don t Cry remix which I hadn t heard again since Skelter. The night concluded with the promoter, Mr. Go Mental, taking control at the wheels of steal spinning another wicked set with tunes like Diamond Eyes and Autumn Again again. By the end of the party everyone wanted more. The night was a complete success for the ravers and I m sure all the Go Mental crew was pleased with themselves for putting on such a wicked event despite the hardcore scene not being a its best. Future Dance is back on the 9th June and I ve got no doubt in my mind that it will be bigger, bolder and better than the last one. Enough respect to all the Go Mental crew and everyone involved including the ravers: John (Kaos), Kev (Energy), other John (MC Sharkey), Danny (MC Suicide), Impact, Vinyl, DJ Preacher, MC Ethos, Vickie, Vibes, Slipmatt (Matt Nelson), MC Odyssey, Chris R, Cris.E.Manic, Justin, Slammin Sam, Raver Kev, Aaron, Conrad, MC Chedda, Mark Simmonds, Tina in Bristol (good luck with your promoting!), DJ Storm, the dinosaur, the spaceman and everyone else supporting the scene. Hope to see you all soon& Keep it hardcore 100%
