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The Club UK / Kink SectionTowards the end of 1993 the rave scene began to split into different categories. No longer could you hear one style of ‘hardcore’ being pumped out at the latest events, and it slowly began to segregate into two genres, with house music going one way and hardcore/drum ‘n’ bass going the other. No more were the long convoys to big warehouse raves as the scene began to return to the clubs. DJ’s started to introduce a new sound into their sets and gradually settled on either of the styles. Only a few blended the two together in their play lists at parties.
As for the house scene, gone were the smiley t-shirts, the whistles and white gloves from the rave days. Now it had become more sophisticated. With the emphasis being on glamour, colour and something a little bit extra-ordinary.
During the mid 90’s, Ipswich in Suffolk had one of the most popular house and garage nights running in that area. Held every weekend at the ‘Hollywood’ nightclub on Princes Street next to the railway station, it became a regular haunt for the regions dedicated house heads. Until then Hollywood had been used as a commercial ‘stilettos and handbags’ pop venue. Then in 1995 well-known outfit ‘Club UK’ from London decided to take it on, along with the help from David Banks (Groove II/Eclipse) and John Martin from Colchester. John was also one of the club’s resident DJ’s and a friend of Dave’s from the illegal rave days. Together they changed it into a modern upfront club, making it the region’s most prestigious nightspot.
Hollywood was a massive three-tiered venue with a capacity of over 1000 people. The main arena called ‘The Pure Room’ was a large open-planned area boasting two main bars, five seating areas and a centrally located DJ booth, bordered by an immaculate wooden dance floor. Here you could sample the sounds of the best upfront house music being played, with regular appearances by the likes of Danny Rampling, Pete Wardman, Brandon Block and Alex P, Sister Bliss and Luv Dup, all playing alongside residents John Martin and Jon Jules with superb percussion from Bongo Ted. With an up- graded state of the art sound system and lighting equipment, twin projector screens and a podium over looking the dance floor, this room provided for the most demanding of events.
Upstairs was known as ‘The Garage
Hut’ with a 300-person capacity,
Towards the end of 1996 ‘UK Ipswich’ as it was known decided to part company with Hollywood and return to London, leaving Dave to promote his own venture ‘Kink’. An event that already had some history when he promoted a couple of parties at the Cambridge Corn Exchange in the autumn of 1994 along with John under the name of ‘Peppermint Productions’. Then came the ‘Kink Revolution Tour’ at Colchester in August 1996 that was also a big hit. When John left Hollywood in 1996, Dave teamed up with Craig Barnett who he made assistant. Craig was a friend of Dave’s who worked at GB Clothing in Cambridge as a ticket outlet.
After giving Hollywood an interior refit and complete makeover including an upgraded sound system, new lavish décor and a fresh club themeing they were ready to launch ‘Kink’. For the opening event on Saturday 1st February 1997 they drafted in the help of ‘Pam’s House’, another well-established club organisation in the area, who had a good reputation. The Pure Room, now called the ‘Whip Room’ was hosted by a selection of Pam’s DJ’s including their residents Macca Dee and Pete Walkden, alongside guest jock Tasty Tim (Pushca). This event was a total sell out and with Dave’s superb track record and high profile it didn’t take long for Kink to become a huge success.
Later that year Craig was left to run things when David suffered a terrible ‘accident’ while at another club in the region, leaving him unfit to work. Kink continued to run and for the next year maintained the high standard that Dave had set, establishing itself further on the club scene. Then in the spring of 1998 Kink decided it was time to take a well-earned break. So to see them off in style they presented ‘The Last Dance’ held on Saturday 30th May. This was to be one massive manic party, the night to come and say goodbye. The production was of the highest level with entertainment from Danny Edwards, Stuart Banks, John Martin, the Jakeman Brothers and the last set of the night from international playboy Danielle Davoli of what was a truly festive occasion.
Since 1998 the Kink organisation
have been applying their energies in various directions. Dave’s
accident involved a lengthy rehabilitation process that demanded a
great deal both physically and mentally. Craig meanwhile used the
experience gained at the club to further his career in the
publishing industry. A great deal of travel is required in his
current position as editor of the UK’s ‘Jet Skier’ magazine, but he
still takes the opportunity to drop in on the big nights around the
world. Keep an eye out for him in the clubs anywhere from Hong Kong
to Cancun, Miami to Brazil – an international man of mystery he
could pop up anywhere!!!
The past, the present – but what
of the future? Will Kink ever rise again like a phoenix from the
flames? The whole dance scene has moved on and changed dramatically
in the last decade. But who knows, whenever anyone talks of ‘back in
the day’ Dave still gets that old glint in his eye and if his
experiences in the club scene and recent events have taught him
anything, its that you should never say never!!
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