- King of Clubs.. What can I say? What a night!
Looking back on a night you tend to weigh things up in terms of performance vs expectation. Whilst this party definitely had quality credentials, I was shocked and impressed that I had as good a time as I did. A widely publicised event with a hot lineup, mysterious venue, tickets by invitation only (mostly won on the net) were all the makings for a good night yet no one was really sure what was going to happen until they got there. Even when my tickets arrived by special delivery and I was told where the venue was, I was still not expecting was going to take place.
The venue was a transformed Bagleys adjacent to ‘The Cross’ club. The lighting and effects outside were an awesome sight as we were approaching. The inside consisted of 3 main rooms: Two for the main stage and then one up the back with the other headlining dj’s. There was a small hip hop room downstairs (something different for the people who didn’t like the upstairs although I wasn’t down there for long). The screens and lighting were to be noted as they gave the event an extravaganza tone.
The crowd was a mixture from the hip, to the avid music fans to people who logged on to get free tickets to a party. However it seemed to blend well. No one looking out of place, everyone enjoying the music (whatever room they chose), no one making trouble, no one turning tragic and everyone enjoying the Budweiser which was flowing quite freely..
The night opened up with Maxi Jazz behind the decks spinning up some recognisable tunes to get the crowd moving. Always good to have some lighter stuff earlier in the night to set the tone for the evening. Bit of Prince and Beyonce didn’t go astray. The crowd definitely enjoyed it. Good to see Maxi step out into the sea of punters after his set to meet a few of his fans. Shaking a few hands and posing for a few photos can make someone’s night and it was great to see the big man out there.
After Maxi, Sister Bliss popped in to play her blend of progressive house and tech house with good build ups and climactic finishes. She was into her work and definitely played to the crowd. One might have noticed her singing along to her tunes as she weaved her magic before the congregation. Having not seen her for 5 years, I was definitely impressed by her form.
Audio Bullys seemed a bit harder in comparison to their predecessors but by that time the punters were ready for something a little deeper. Known for their diverse range of sharp beats and catchy tunes. I liked what I heard but I did take this time to venture out and see some of the other rooms. However the warm up before Felix definitely paved the way for an exciting, much anticipated set of the headlining act.
Finally Felix Da Housecat stepped up with his case of electro house. He played a number of tunes from his first album 'Kitten and Thee Glitz'. And then his famous “Silver Screen Shower Scene” from his 'Excursions' album. A not too hard, not too soft mix of his signature stuff, which was pleasing to the ear. I am never disappointed leaving a felix gig. He always manages to mix in some of the old with the new and even the old on top of the new, which is even better.
I don’t think that too many punters who went to Budweiser’s King of Clubs would have been walking away from the night disappointed. The only thing that they could have griped about was an early 2am finish. Like them, I would have preferred this party to last longer!
The only whinges I heard from other punters were cloak room queues, which were standard at a big event. I think the fact that it was free helped cushion the 5-10min queue wait.
Hats off to Budweiser and the organisers who put the event together. I urge punters who have not applied for a ticket when King of Clubs comes to them to get off their asses and start clicking away.
Budweiser Tickets