An acid house party was a type of illegal party typically staged in abandoned warehouses between 1987 and 1989. Parties played acid house and acid techno music, electronic music genres with a distinct sound from the use of the Roland TB-303 synthesizer. The origin of the term acid house party is disputed coming either from the 1987 song "Acid Tracks" by Phuture, or the consumption of MDMA and LSD that were common at the parties. Emerging from Danny Rampling's London club Shoom in late 1987, parties grew in northern cities like Manchester (the Madchester scene) where warehouses had closed throughout the 1970s, and up to 10,000 people attended parties in smaller places such as Blackburn. Vague flyers around towns advertised events and information travelled by word of mouth (as well as the newly popular mobile pager) between clubbers who were obliged to party incognito. For most promoters, keeping entry cheap was a political issue - many of the early parties cost just £1 to enter and prices rarely crept above £3. If police turned up to shut down a party, some would open the doors and let everyone in for free.

Music

The music was characterised by the "squelching" bass produced by the Roland TB-303 and loud repetitive beats.

The catchphrase of partygoers was ‘Can you feel it?’, alluding to the Royal House cry from "Can you Party?". As a result, the time period is often referred to as the Second Summer of Love. Eventually, acid house parties morphed into the rave scene.

See also

  • Acid house
  • Second Summer of Love

Further reading

  • Class of 88 - The True Acid House Experience, Wayne Anthony, Virgin. The book may also be downloaded from the - author's e-group.

References