On Saturday, November 7th, during the high-octane Grand Prix weekend, Adelaide’s rave scene was set to be redefined by TOXIC, an ambitious 12-hour event presented by Triple J and Righteous Entertainment. Promising an epic journey from 9 PM to 9 AM, the party featured a formidable lineup of international and local DJs across two distinct, thematically designed rooms, creating an all-night spectacle of sound and light.
Event Concept and Details
In an era of burgeoning rave culture, TOXIC stood out not just for its impressive scale but for its potent branding and concept. Staged to capture the energy of the Grand Prix weekend, the 12-hour duration signaled a commitment to the marathon-style parties that defined the scene. The event’s flyer, featuring a leaking barrel of waste, boldly established its theme with the tagline “Music is the poison. First Aid: If poisoning occurs, dance,” perfectly encapsulating the rebellious and immersive spirit of 90s rave. This imagery tapped directly into the industrial, counter-culture aesthetic prevalent in early techno and hardcore flyers, branding the event with an edgy, anti-establishment appeal.
- Event Name: TOXIC
- Date: Grand Prix Saturday, November 7
- Duration: 12-hour event, from 9 PM to 9 AM
- Promoters: Triple J and Righteous Entertainment
- Tagline: “Music is the poison. First Aid: If poisoning occurs, dance”
This carefully constructed identity was brought to life within the walls of one of Adelaide’s key nightlife venues.
The Venue: Le Rox’s Dual-Themed Transformation
The event took over Adelaide’s Le Rox on Light Square, transforming the multi-level venue into a dynamic environment with two contrasting experiences. This dual-room setup was a hallmark of sophisticated rave production, offering attendees a choice of musical intensity and atmosphere. The ground floor catered to the hardcore faithful, while the upper level provided a space for more melodic and groovy sounds.
The Toxic Wasteland (Downstairs)
The main chamber, located downstairs in the space formerly known as Vultrek, was branded “The Toxic Wasteland.” This area was explicitly designed as a home for “all sounds hard, fast and loud,” with a musical direction billed as Hard ‘N’ Fast. The experience was powered by a production rig engineered for maximum sensory impact, designed to overwhelm the senses in classic rave fashion.
- Robo Scans & Trak Spots: Intelligent lighting to slice through the darkness and add kinetic energy.
- Terra Strobes: Deployed to create disorienting, high-intensity flashes of light synchronized to the relentless beats.
- Slammin’ Manifold Sound System: A sound system designed to deliver the punishing, bass-heavy audio required for the hard techno and rave sounds.
- A separate room of Ambience: A dedicated chill-out space for ravers needing a momentary escape.
- Full Bar and Toilet Facilities
Paradise (Upstairs)
In stark contrast, the upstairs area of Le Rox was reimagined as “Paradise.” This space was curated to be an airy oasis, offering a different vibe centered on the “cream of club sounds.” It provided a crucial counterpoint to the intensity below, with a focus on groove and retro stylings. The musical programming featured Retro, House, and Good Grooves.
- Psychedelic Lights: Visuals designed to create a hypnotic, groovy atmosphere distinct from the stark strobes below.
- 8-Ball & Pinball: Classic arcade entertainment for a more relaxed, social club environment.
- Le Rox’s JBL Boom System: The venue’s house system, known for its warm and clear audio suitable for house and groove music.
- Live Monitoring of the Toxic Wasteland: Allowing those upstairs to keep an ear on the chaos unfolding below.
- Full Room Oasis Transformation: Themed decor to convert the club space into a lush, tranquil paradise.
- Cloak Room
This dual-themed environment served as the playground for a carefully selected roster of international and local artists.
The International and Local Lineup
TOXIC’s artist billing showcased a powerful blend of international prestige and homegrown Adelaide talent, solidifying its status as a premier event. Headlining the event under the collective banner of “Sonic Avengers” were two international artists: one from the heart of European techno and the other from the genre’s American birthplace, supported by a who’s who of the local scene.
- CJ Boland (Belgium, R&S): A key figure from the legendary Belgian techno label R&S Records.
- DJ 2120 (Detroit, HARDWAX, 430 WEST): Representing the techno mecca of Detroit with credentials from seminal institutions Hardwax and 430 West. In an interview about his Adelaide plans, Claude (DJ 2120) promised a unique experience, stating, “It’s going to be different, it’s going to be mad.”
- Groove Terminator (Adelaide)
- X-citement
- Nigel
- H.M.C. (brought in to provide an “extra dose of local injection”)
- Hugh-Z
- PhD
The inclusion of artists like Groove Terminator and H.M.C. was no coincidence; they were staples of Adelaide’s nightlife, appearing on flyers for multiple club nights that very week, which lent immediate credibility and local appeal to the TOXIC lineup. Guiding the energy of the night and serving as the “Controller of Crowds” was M.C. Scott T. With such a compelling lineup, securing a spot at this exclusive party required planning.
Ticketing, Entry, and Promotions
The event’s ticketing strategy reflected its anticipated demand. The tiered pricing and emphasis on pre-sales was a classic strategy in the underground scene, designed to build hype while ensuring a committed crowd and filtering out casual walk-ins.
Advance Tickets: Priced at 22, tickets were available for purchase exclusively at Central Station Records and Le Rox. Door Sales: A limited number of tickets were made available at the door on the night from 9 PM for 25. Ticket Holder Benefits: Advance ticket holders received priority entry and a free drink. Entry Requirements: Photo ID was essential for entry.
Adding to the pre-event excitement, The Core magazine ran a special promotion for its readers. The magazine offered ten free tickets to the TOXIC event in a call-in contest. To win, hopefuls had to call on Thursday, November 5th, at 6 PM and successfully “name a very nasty toxic waste product.”
Leave a Reply