This was my first trip up to the North West and my, what an experience it turned out to be. I left home at 1pm after the missing Potfish finally turned up somewhat mashed after Strictly Hardcore on Friday night and our journey began. After picking up Andy M and Karl in Ramsey, which turned out to be in the middle of nowhere as we had been warned we headed for Peterbourgh so that Potfish could get changed and get some cash. Then it was off to Manchester, via Leicester as we were sent the wrong way by John. It was around about 8:30 before we finally arrived at the Bowlers, which by now had a long queue stretching around the building. Luckily we had already clocked Slammin Sam, James and the lovely Charlie Raver Kitten and carefully slipped in to the queue next to them, thanx guys! The queue moved quickly and after a quick search from the polite and friendly security we were in. The first thing you notice about the Bowlers is that it is one fucking lovely venue and not only that, but the production quality was out of this world. The lasers were amazing, the lighting, superb, the sound, crisp, the size, massive, the crowd 'avin' it. Lovely! Set of the night had to go to the UK's (and maybe the worlds) number one DJ, the mighty Hixxy. You can always tell when its a wicked set because I dance and for Hixxy I never stopped. This was probably one of the sets of the year. One of the main reasons I went to Compulsion was because this was going to be my last chance to witness a venue that has been greatly talked about. The other was to hear Billy Bunter's back to back set with Rob Vanden. They didn't disappoint. IMO this was the second best set only beaten by Hixxys belter. Slipmatt again showed why the hardcore ravers will never forget him with an amazing old skool set in the main arena with anthems galore mixed to a level that probably no-one else will ever reach, the way he mixed in 'I'm Raving I'm Raving' was top, top class and I don't think anybody other than Slipmatt would have attempted such a mix....Wow. It kept me rocking along until Bunter b2b Vanden. Finishing up in the main arena was Sy, who to be honest disappointed. There was nothing as such wrong with his set. It's just that I feel as if he's just going through the motions. There was no real effort put in to the set and he didn't even bother scratching that much. Ten past five came along all too quickly and we were all sent home singing 'Heart Of Gold'. Also I'd like to give a special mention to Force and Styles who rocked the old skool arena to the max and every other DJ and MC as they all kicked arse. I hope something is done to keep this venue alive. Even if I have to spend five hours getting there, I'd love to go again. But sadly it looks like yet again one of the country's best rave venues is being taken away from us, but the raves will live on. Big shouts go out to Mis'dee and Andy M (lovely couple!), Mental Little Jon, Karl (thanx for diving most the way home), Madman and the American Tom I think, Chris E Manic and Uplift, Slammin Sam, James and Charlie, Kev, Denno, Velocity, Smithers and Time, Jexxy and Dodgee, Doug, Caine, Chedda, Peachy, SD, and all the Manchester and Liverpool ravers respect. Also any one I've forgotten you know I didn't mean too!
