 Tuesday night saw the return of DJ legend Carl Cox to 'Free 2 Dance' in Preston, Lancashire. His visit was part of The SMIRNOFF Experience™ NUS Tour.
The warm-up set was ably provided by Will Grant, a rising star of the future.
He played favourites like "Cada Vez" (Negrocan) and "To Be In Love " (India). The overall vibe from Grant was a chunky, rhythmic sound, but nothing too hard.
Obviously he had no intention of standing on the toes of the Mac-Daddy himself who came on at about a quarter to eleven, to thunderous applause. From the outset he pounded the arena with a string of techno-edged beats. His mixing as ever was exemplary. He was able to cut between tracks, mix breakdowns and a host of other quality touches.
I was lucky enough to have a backstage pass and was able to view his technique up close. As a performer he is totally focused, his energies completely harnessed to the job in hand.
Breaking off just long enough to 'love up' the crowd via the mic. He has an uncanny ability to personalise his gigs. You feel somehow privileged and personally invited when he plays. I last saw Carl at a 30,000 capacity venue in Amsterdam, five years ago and I had exactly the same feelings then. Carl has been at the forefront of Dance music ever since the 'Summer of Love' in 1988.
He was also a major player in the early 90's Rave scene and his rise to being arguably world famous DJ was only a matter of time. He is renowned for his ability to play with three decks and was responsible for making 'Techno' accessible to the masses.
 | Happy party people |
Carl cites the Berlin Love Parade (1,500,000 revellers) and his Millennium gigs in Hawaii and Australia as career highlights.
By midnight he had whipped up the crowd to fever pitch and looking around the arena was a joy in itself, a sea of smiling, happy faces.
Behind the decks Carl was in perpetual motion, driving the party onwards and upwards. Regrettably I had to leave early, though I'm reliably informed that the fun continued till well after 2am.
A great night spent in the company of a truly excellent DJ. 
Pete Keane
Cada Vez Negrocano be in Love India
Send in your club reviews | |
| 
