Event Review – Bush Doctor – The Exodus
11th June 1994 – The Sanctuary, Milton
Keynes
Upon nearing the venue; at approx. 12.30pm, I could see that there
was something not quite right. There were cars in the car park, but
not half as many as I expected to see, and only a steady trickle of
people were going into the venue.
The line up was strong, with all the much respected DJ’s and MC’s
billed to play, there was something definitely not right here, and I
was soon to find out, but more on that later.
The official attendance from ticket sales and walk up door payments
is put at 1500’ish, but the highest crowd size in the night was
about 1100, people came and left early – I feel because of
disappointment, and their disappointment along with many others,
(even the promoters) must be voiced, again more on that later….
The people who were there all looked as if they were up for it, and
as reflected in the pictures had a good time. Lots of happy faces –
enjoying themselves, which at the end of the day is what it’s about,
music, people and the scene.
The sound was clear, but not loud enough, the sound engineer was
asked repeatedly to increase the volume, but said he couldn’t due to
the fact that there were, “Not enough people in to soak up the brass
and it makes the building vibrate!!”.
The production that was planned and paid for, did not turn up, so it
was left to the Bush Doctor crew to make the best of a bad job, and
what they did was pretty good considering all the things that were
done to them, to undermine their attempt at giving the “people” what
they felt they wanted.
The music throughout the night was bouncy jungle – drum and bass –
which had the crowd dancing and going for it, the atmosphere was
friendly and I did not see any moody Bod’s in the place.
It was well laid out to give everyone a good view of the stage,
raised platforms had been used on the floor to full advantage, large
inflatable balls were suspended from the roof along with drapes,
backdrops and netting. A large “Lion” and Bush Doctor banner was
hung rear stage behind the jocks.
Dancers Bass X and Effective, did and gave 100% on the night and did
a brilliant job – with their routines and costumes – Respect.
All the jocks of the night in the main arena did all they could for
the crowd, Bad Bwoy ‘T’ ripped it up and was well received by the
crowd, big up your chest – ‘T’! The only names absent from the roll
of honour on this night were: Micky Finn - ?, Jumping Jack Frost –
came 30 mins late, and as a stand by jock had been used, could not
go straight away, so he left! And MRB – Banged up, the authorities
wouldn’t let him out to play! Spoil sports.
MC’s Bassman, Five O, Navigator, Lenny and all the other MC’s did a
wicked job and buzzed the crowd and enhanced the music – Big
Respects 2 U all.
Upstairs in the alternative room PE2 had done a very good job with
the setting, lights and sound the place was well kicking upstairs.
When DJ R.O.A.R. came on, the place went wild – definitely a name of
the future to watch out for, believe me (and he was a stand-by!).
But he didn’t stand-by – he rocked it! Nice one to you and thanx.
All in all a very enjoyable night out and everyone I spoke to, which
was quite a few, said it was a goo night. It could and would have
been better, but the main statement made was – happy vibes, happy
people, happy house – Respect Bush Doctor Cew.
Now on the more serious side. It seems that a few things had been
done as I said, to undermine this party, have we now come to this???
Come on, let’s not do what the authorities and establishment have
been trying to do and failed thus far – destroy our scene!! But if
these things are allowed to go on – we will destroy it from within!!
No name, No packdrills!
All DJ’s had been 100% booked, confirmed, and 50% paid up front, why
then did some not show? – or even phone to say why they couldn’t
make it, will the crew get a refund?
Why, when a certain production crew was booked, did a different
production crew turn up, without the equipment that had been asked
for, paid for and booked! Do the crew get a refund?
Were the security on the night – extra heavy – or was that just
everyone thinking that way! Why were people turned away? Why were
the Bush Doctors own crew subjected to a search, as were jocks, MC’s,
PA’s and VIP’s? When other promoters were allowed to enter –
unsearched!? Why was the sound kept as such a low level, but if the
sound crew had been “sorted” it could have been turned up! I was
told!! – Bad news.
Why were the dancers now allowed to take in their own water, sweets,
yoghurts etc? Why were they not allowed to chill in the changing
rooms?
Why were flyers left in shops in various areas and not seen? All the
things has been checked and confirmed with a number of people and at
face value are correct.
All performers on the night were paid the rest of their wages for
their work, thank you for your hard work it IS appreciated by those
that count – the people.
Are other crews frightened that they may lose their customers? I
have one thing to say, “People will vote with their feet – give them
what they want and they WILL walk your way, don’t give them what
they want and they WILL walk away”.
I’m not trying to diss anyone, but it’s hard enough, and expensive
enough to put on a party. Working against the “establishment”,
authorities and the like” without having to work against other
people making it harder. Isn’t the scene about togetherness, unity,
having fun and enjoying ourselves?
We should work together, remember “Together we stand – divided we
fall”. Let’s do what we do for the right reasons – PLEASE. THE
SCENE, MUSIC & PEOPLE.
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