The "Mental" Hospital Parties



So kids, did you have a good time Manchester styleee? Hope so, because I certainly did. I have been to going to parties in Manchester centre, outskirts, Wales and Leeds; for a number of years. This was one of the most exciting parties I've ever been to down at the old hospital again. This event will surely be remembered for a long time for good and unfortunately relatively minor bad reasons.

For in excess of 99% of the time and for 99% of the people; this night was an amazing experience, of unity, freedom, celebration, understanding and peace. With a huge number of sound systems attending and an amazing Victorian setting, this meeting was an event not regularly witnessed. A creation of freedom for freedom, and a sly finger-up to the laws and lores of modern western society.

Very uncivilized and thoroughly anti social? Not at all except for a minority of attendees who decided it was a good idea to mug and thieve at a free party. Large groups of youths with nothing better to do took advantage of the labyrinthine venue and managed to assault and steal from unsuspecting partygoers. Although only a handful of people, the victims did suffer minor injuries, physically and mentally and loss of possessions. All the criminals achieved were a brief rush and maybe £5 profit from their booty to go spend at the sweet shop.

Unfortunately STRANGEWAYZ and DAYLITE ROBBERY sound systems also experienced Major hassle from the people who don’t like to think. For reasons (I theorize) including: taking too many drugs; possessing extremely low self worth; lack of support and resource from society; and indoctrination from the powers that be. These people who have little understanding of unity, responsibility and love decided to cause further trouble. Attacking sound system members with fists, bottles and supposedly weapons. Causing damaged to people, vehicles and equipment, and also stealing equipment.

A big thank you to all the rigs that got down. I counted seven, (yes, seven!!!!!!) just on the ground floor. And I heard rumours of some rigs setup in the basement and on the first floor? To the perp's:

TOY TOWN
Huge rig maybe 10Kw?
4/5 huge 18" reflex, stacks of mid/tops. And an insane PD 21" reflex!!!
These guys seemed to command a big crowd when I checked in playing some kind of hard-house/techno styles? I'm not too sure. Maybe the Do was cranking up the gain a bit too much, the sound came out like a distorted wall of rumbling bass. These guys made a journey all the way from Lincoln I think, so much respect.


DAYLITE ROBBERY and STRANGEWAYZ
Back once again this time rocking the main room, THE troopers of the Manchester scene. If you know your mcr sound system history, these guys have roots with the daddies, "DESERT STORM" (DS). On which you should do some research, the DS nutters took a camo painted sound truck into combat zone in the Yugoslav war. There are some amazing articles (If anyone has A URL, please mail me) out there and a channel four documentary including these guys. These days the DS scoops are flexed by the STRANGEWAYZ crew.

DAYLITE ROBBERY (DR) are most definitely back. Having lost their old big rig these guys had to go even further underground for a year or two. They are now back and mean business with the seeds of a mega rig already sown, ready to get maximum excursion from their PD 1850 horns. I remember parties they were rockin maybe 3 year back, helping out at the morgue and Piccadilly parties. Now linking up with Strangewayz (SW) to make a new force.

An overachieving, motivated, highly skilled, anarchistic collective. They just don’t stop. Playing Hip-Hop warm ups, through, Drum and Bass, Jungle, Techno, Trance, and lap top shenanigans. When the whole crew is together they have mental visuals and create a free, open, intense atmosphere. Despite power supply troubles, scally warfare, the elements, drugstorms and the bloody police this team manage to survive. I mean survive, if you want something fixed, your motor, generator, amplifiers, speakers, even your head. Then make sure you ask these guys.


OSO with support from MUNKY PUZZLE
Another group with members from out of town. Having experience of rocking more private raves somewhere down south. With some of there own newly acquired equipment and with the kind support of MUNKY PUZZLE. Encamping in a corridor that was invariably jam-packed. I don’t know what they were playing this time but their repertoire includes the wide range of hip-hop, DnB, oldskool, Techno and Trance. Nice crew and nice crowd.


ANODYNE with support from COMPRESSION.
This time ANODYNE receiving technical support forms the ever ready COMPRESSION sound system. Playing a friendly range of Hip-Hop siphoned Funk, Soul and Disco. A large chunk of Dancehall, Roots Reggae and Dub. And a legendary, heavy DnB/Jungle set from DJ STRATA. The always friendly atmosphere and alternative music policy provided make for for an open, free space for everybody.


The other rigs I am not too sure about. I believe one was called NOT MUSIC. Then there was the head shop massive, and to me another totally unknown. I can’t give a report on these; I only passed through and tallied them up.

The crews involved are like peace armies. Highly skilled, practical, efficient teams. With thinkers, communicators, artists, engineers, scouts, researchers and investors They work extremely hard to provide an open free environment where people can do exactly as they wish, provided they are responsible and understanding. The crews are not motivated by money but a love of all people and the idea of coming together in freedom. Crews’ making a party is only a start, like the experiments of a child.

Anything is possible.

I believe these free parties, raves, or festivals, what ever you may call them; represent much more than first meets the eye. They go beyond a mere celebration of being alive. The parties question the false preconceptions and limitations of marketed mainstream culture. They are not motivated by profit but love. Although maybe not apparent to themselves or others, the sound systems exhibit profound, aware ideals. They are often, resourceful, have respect for the environment and sustainability, are tolerant, sharing, responsible, creative, labouring, self reliant, hospitable, disciplined and brave. The parties are a space to show and share these qualities and a space where people are stimulated to question their own and our collective realities.

I am worried that because of the small amount of trouble, and the minor bitching between some crews, that these bigger parties may not happen again. People preferring to do smaller, probably safer more exclusive parties.

I know there are groups out there who can help this movement. I have mentioned before with some backlash, that others can and should help. Maybe the should be asked and invited. Maybe they already know and can do something. I know they are the type, as am I, who know when these events are happening. They live in places and with people who are involved with this movement. If they could find in themselves to independently come along and help it would be amazing. If they are not asked, maybe they WANT to come and support the unique possibilities of a free party. If groups unite and provide further facilities and entertainment at the parties then the uneducated, negative element at the parties can be helped.

So once again a call to any performers, actors, clowns, dancers, environmentalists, artists, activists, campaigners, recyclers, educators, truth speakers. Come down and DO YOUR thing. The crews already in attendance will probably not require further support; they have their skills, ideas and teams. In fact they may be able to support you with materials and equipment if needed.


The next party is early next month.
So please get your stuff together and come down.
I am sure the party will welcome your skills and ideas.

Check the website
 http://www.missinginmanchester.org.uk/


Please contact me.
If you have ideas or comments

 thenemo@hotmail.co.uk

I am interested in sound system history, so if you have any info on local systems would be great. PLEASE SEND weblinks, books, and personal accounts. I have started research on this and would really like to start a project or book about the unique sound system culture.

in the spirit of peace, unity and understanding

nemo
the man, nobody