Anacid house party was a type of illegalparty typically staged in abandonedwarehouses between 1987 and 1989. Parties playedacid house andacid techno music, electronic music genres with a distinct sound from the use of theRoland TB-303 synthesizer.[1] The origin of the term acid house party is disputed coming either from the 1987 song "Acid Tracks" byPhuture, or the consumption ofMDMA andLSD that were common at the parties.[1]
Events and parties were often held in empty warehouses across the UK and were essentially illegal. The first acid house party in the world was in Bristol, 1986 organised by the Mekon Crew at a squat. There was also an acid house rave at the Rougham Tree Fair in 1986, which was part of the Green Deserts Fair. This is the first-ever acid house event at a festival. Some of the most famous party promoters includedEnergy, Biology,Genesis'88,Sunrise, andWeekend World.[2][3] Emerging fromDanny Rampling's London clubShoom in late 1987, parties grew in northern cities likeManchester (theMadchester scene) where warehouses had closed throughout the 1970s, and up to 10,000 people attended parties in smaller places such asBlackburn.[4][5][6][7] 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.[6]
Tommy Smith, the Hardcore Uproar promoter originally from Dumbarton encapsulated the scene's defiant spirit onGranada TV show 'Up Front', hosted byTony Wilson, during a debate with disgruntled Blackburn residents and Conservative MPKen Hind. Smith declared that he was not on drugs or alcohol, simply “high on hope” and the phrase entered the clubbers' lexicon and was widely used to market club nights.[5][6][8]
The music was characterised by the "squelching" bass produced by theRoland TB-303 and loud repetitive beats.[3] It originated in Chicago and took on new qualities when it came to Europe.[3] Songs from the time period include "French Kiss" byLil Louis "On & On" byJesse Saunders, "Mystery of Love" byFingers Inc., "Love Can't Turn Around" byFarley "Jackmaster" Funk &Jesse Saunders (featuringDarryl Pandy), "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" bySoul II Soul, "I've Lost Control" bySleezy D, and "Your Only Friend" byPhuture.[9]
The catchphrase of partygoers was ‘Can you feel it?’, alluding to theRoyal House cry from "Can you Party?".[6]
The prevalence of drug use at these parties was in contrast toThatcherism at the time, sparking moral panic. Police raided parties, such as a 10,000-strong rave inNelson in 1990.[5] In response, theParliament of the United Kingdom passed theEntertainments (Increased Penalties) Act 1990 which brought the decline of acid house parties.[6][10] As a result, the time period is often referred to as theSecond Summer of Love. Eventually, acid house parties morphed into therave scene.[11]