INDEPENDANCE 2 was a landmark rave that took place on Saturday, July 3, 1993, at The Entertainment Centre in Adelaide. The highly anticipated event, a joint promotion by Larger Than Life & Righteous Entertainment, drew an impressive crowd of 3,000 people and showcased a formidable lineup of DJ talent, solidifying its place in the city’s electronic music history.
The Event at a Glance
In an issue of The Core magazine literally headlined “THE YEAR OF THE SEQUEL,” INDEPENDANCE 2 stood out as a major second-act event in Adelaide’s booming early 90s club culture. Its significant scale, professional promotion, and prime location at The Entertainment Centre signaled a new level of ambition for the local rave scene. The event was meticulously planned and executed, making it a standout night for the thousands who attended.
- Event Name: INDEPENDANCE 2
- Date: Saturday, July 3
- Venue: The Entertainment Centre
- Promoters: Larger and Life Productions & Righteous Entertainment
- Attendance: 3,000 people
However, the event’s success was built on more than just its core details; it was the carefully crafted atmosphere and high-level production that combined to create a truly memorable experience for its massive audience.
Crafting the Experience: Atmosphere and Production
The strategic importance of atmosphere and production cannot be overstated in defining the success of a large-scale rave. It is the art of creating an immersive environment that transforms a large space into a unified, pulsating entity. INDEPENDANCE 2 excelled in these areas, curating a specific look, feel, and sound that became a key part of its appeal and legacy.
The Vibe and Crowd
From the moment the doors opened, the event was defined by a “great vibe” that was palpable throughout the venue. A review from the time noted a “positive and strong” feeling that permeated the night, a testament to the collective energy of the 3,000-strong crowd. The main room, known as the “Kokoon,” was reportedly “totally packed by 11pm,” with the positive mood extending not only among the ravers but also to the event security, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
Staging and Visuals
The promoters took full advantage of the venue’s “large area” to deliver a spectacular production. The rave featured an “excellent lighting set up” that bathed the space in dynamic visuals, while the stage itself was “packed to the max with stage props,” creating a visually rich backdrop for the performers—a detail that earned a “GG” in a contemporary review. In a unique and memorable design choice, the DJs were “housed in a pod,” adding a futuristic touch to the stage design and focusing the crowd’s attention squarely on the music.
Audio Quality and Amenities
A powerful and precise sound system is the technical heart of any rave, and INDEPENDANCE 2 delivered flawlessly. The audio was described as “clear,” with a bass that was “definitely thumping,” providing the physical and auditory foundation for the night. In a distinctive and thoughtful touch, the event also featured a dedicated team providing fresh orange juice (‘OJ’), a small but significant amenity that underscored the promoters’ attention to detail and the well-being of the attendees.
This powerful production and overwhelmingly positive atmosphere provided the ideal foundation for the event’s musical core: the extensive DJ lineup and their diverse performances.
The Sound of INDEPENDANCE 2: DJs and Music
Ultimately, the heart of INDEPENDANCE 2 was its musical programming. The promoters curated a lineup that offered “a fine cross section of beats from trance to hardtek,” expertly catering to the tastes of a large and diverse crowd. The night unfolded as a journey through the contemporary sounds of techno, hardcore, and beyond, guided by a roster of Adelaide’s most skilled DJs.
The DJ Roster’s Performances
The musical flow of the evening was a showcase of talent, with each artist bringing their signature sound to the decks.
- Home Grown: Tasked with warming up the main room, they successfully kept the early crowd “busy till 11pm.”
- DJ HMC: Delivered his “usual quality set,” demonstrating his technical skill with “fast cuts and scratches.”
- DJ Gilly: Followed with his “unique ‘get with it’ style of techno,” keeping the energy high.
- Fashion (DJ Hellraiser): Brought a distinct sound, described as arriving “from planet Techno” and dropping a wild set that earned a “GG” rating from reviewers at the time.
- PWA: Elevated the night by spinning “some excellent anthem techno,” a set celebrated with another “GG” in the press.
- The Father & Red Eyed Peas: This act made an “impressive debut,” delivering an “entertaining set of straight out Techno” that was also noted as a “GG” performance.
- Pryzm n’ Phantom: Shifted the tone with a “straight out UK set of hardcore.”
- The Prodigal Son: Continued the high-energy theme with his “usual mix of hardcore.”
- Other Artists: Photos from the night prominently capture The Angelic Mr Scott T at the decks, while the original review also confirms that Odeon and Loud n Direct were on the bill.
MC and Vocal Support
Adding to the sonic texture and crowd engagement were several MCs who provided vocal support throughout the night. The lineup included Macca, Quorane, and Flex, with Flex being specifically noted for his energetic work “at the mic.”
The powerful combination of a massive, energetic crowd, sophisticated production, and a diverse lineup of skilled DJs firmly established INDEPENDANCE 2 as a highly successful and pivotal event in the history of Adelaide’s rave culture.
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