Electronic music, while today tipped as a trend, in various forms has been getting hearts beating for close to half a century at this point. Before corporations battled for million dollar festivals, we have a fleeting a glimpse of raving of yesteryears, where raves were their storied selves – somewhat secret, sometimes illegal events held in emptied, abandoned warehouses or now legendary clubs that were filled with life and beats while the rest of the 9-5 world living the American Dream slept.
Before the days of Facebook and Mac Book Pros, a massive part of rave culture was a piece of paper – the flyer itself. No one was going to any rave advertised on cheap, thin paper, as flyers were seen as extensions of raves themselves. Promoters and artists waged a battle as they fought for window space in record shops. The quality was important. And beyond its obvious purpose (ahem, to get people to come), like the music and life they were promoting, were about art, and were labored with love by their creators. The best would stand the test of time and find themselves lovingly saved by their ravers, a token of the night.
As Jane Fairclough wrote in her article “Flyers” for Eternity Magazine, a 90’s rave publication, bad flyers i.e. those that were so obviously about money-making instead of euphoria inducing music, a rebellion of conventions, unforgettable moments with friends and strangers, stood no chance. As Fairclough wrote: “the finest flyers can be compared with the finest tunes, their creativity and appeal guaranteeing them eternal respect.”
With that said, it is with great pleasure that we present to you some of these artifacts throughout this post. The early 90’s San Francisco rave scene took its cue from both its own history (a major place of the hippy, love, and music movement in the 60’s) as well as its then British rave scene. The sound was progressive, acid, tribal, and of course S.F.’s famous influence on breakbeats. Psychedelic, experimental, and groovy, these raves and experimental DJS would go on to influence legends like the Chemical Brothers. San Francisco’s flyers reflected the retro vibes that the DJs were creating in the warehouses around town.
1. UNDERGROUND ENERGY (June 5, 1992) featuring Todd Terry
Todd Terry has since become a Grammy nominated producer and DJ, and is still spinning to this day (NBD) Check out his Soundcloud here.
2. WALLY WORLD (December 12, ????)
One of my favorite posters, which is as creepy as it is triply and awesome. Throughout the Internet you can find raver’s reminiscing and talking about how Wally World massives were some of their favorites of the era.
3. TOON TOWN’S NEW YEAR’S EVE MASSIVE (December 31,1991)
Some of the most legendary raves of the era were the monthly “Rave Up Low Down ToonTown” massives. They were known for “innovative production” and were “flawlessly executed.” Held in warehouses around S.F., ToonTowns’ promoters would install amusement park rides, video phone links, and virtual reality stations as house and techno ruled the night. Their 1991 NYE rave was the peak of attendance with over 7,000 ravers.
4. NATURE (EVERY SATURDAY!)
5. JUICE
Pulling from the 60’s hippy vibe that much of the art emulated, JUICE kept things funky.
6. A CHILD IS BORN (April 3, 199?)
This rave seems particularly thought-provoking and spiritual from the flyer alone.
7. COME UNITY (April 17th, ????)
“Music is a healing force, dance is is a energy. Join together and dance for the healing of a troubled world and the healing of melancholy” Over 20 years later, we could not agree more. Also this rave featured legendary U.K. “Wicked Crew” DJs whose name you’ll find on several flyers on this list: Markie, Jeno, Garth, and Thomas is who absent from this rave)
8. FIELDS OF JOY (April 24, 1993)
This was all night outdoor event we wish we could experience – with serious vibes, spirtuatlization, and Chicago’s deepest, this rave was most likely one to remember.
9. WOOPY’S PLAYGROUND
Dr. Seuss art and references are quite fitting and common for the trippyness and of the era.
[Sources: http://sfraves.org/flyers/ | http://www.flickr.com/photos/sioenroux/ | http://www.paradise2012.com/bio.html | http://www.flickr.com/photos/sioenroux/]
Share On
