rocket

EVENTS

The Rocket - Metropolitan Soul - London 26 January 2002

The inaugural event of this brand new 1000 plus monthly allnighter was waited for with great anticipation. Paul Clarke and Kevin Johanson had done a tremendous amount of work setting up and promoting this event with admirable enthusiasm and professionalism. There was factionalism and downright hatred at some points between various parties to contend with.

However this event succeeded admirably in what it set out to achieve, and in doing so proved that it was no threat to anyone because it was so different in virtually everything but most importantly music policy, and that there is room for everyone.

The venue is exceptional, large dance hall, 1000 capacity, huge domed ceiling, adorned with lights and video footage. Downstairs was the selling area and a 400 capacity 'Modern' Room. I arrived at about 11.30 and the place was buzzing. The playlist is pure Northern - old style stomping Northern - No R'n'B - No pretences. There was the tried and tested and some newer rare items. The dancefloor rules and they were pleased with the fare provided by the DJ's, including a two hour feature by Ian Levine. Love him or loathe him but if dancefloor reaction decides then he won the day. What I will say is that he (and his team) stuck to what they said they were trying to achieve and showed that there is a demand for it.

I enjoyed the time I spent in the main room for it's atmosphere but it's not really where my head is at right now so I spent most time in the Modern Room. Ironically it has been the Modern Room that has come in for the most criticism. Originally it was supposed to be 70's but as a result of 'public opinion' it was decided to include from 70's to today but stick with predominantly 70's.

Now most of the music was pretty enjoyable but it was not as upfront as the current Modern fraternity are used to. More work and a redefining or clarification of the direction will be required to ensure that they return. Ian's 70's set was most enjoyable but as I say a bit dated for the main crowd, but for me what did shine through was the Soul content. For me the Soul content was in this room and not the main hall.

All in all I have to say that it was a great night with very few glitches. Of course in the debriefing there will be a few things to tweak but overall Paul And Kev thought and dealt with most everything. Massive respect to them for pulling it off and they deserve to succeed.

There is a mass of information about the event - both good and bad on Ian Levine's chat group on topica, including playlists.

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