On Saturday, July 24, 1993, Adelaide’s burgeoning electronic music scene delivered a definitive statement of intent with “We Are The Future.” Held at the Cheltenham Racecourse, this was a watershed moment, a meticulously planned showcase designed to place the city firmly on the global rave map. The ambitious gathering brought together the scene’s foundational artists for a night that aimed to define an era.
Event Overview
To grasp the magnitude of “We Are The Future,” one must begin with the foundational facts of the night. These core details establish the framework for the vision, talent, and execution that made the event a landmark in Australian rave history.
- Event: We Are The Future
- Date: Saturday, July 24, 1993
- Time: Doors open at 10 PM
- Venue: Cheltenham Racecourse Function Centre, Corner of Cheltenham Parade and Torrens Road
- Organizers: The Core and SPR
With these essential details established, we can now explore the deeper concept and ambitious vision that drove the event’s creation.
The Vision: A Showcase for Adelaide’s Rave Scene
More than just a party, “We Are The Future” was conceived as a deliberate cultural broadcast about Adelaide’s significance within the electronic music landscape. The organizers, The Core and SPR, sought to prove that their local scene was a force to be reckoned with on an international stage.
The event’s core concept was to serve as a “demonstration to the world that Adelaide is worthy of their attention.” It was designed as a comprehensive representation of the city’s rave history, paying homage to the iconic clubs and venues that had nurtured the scene, including Disco, Control, Galaxy, Heaven, LeRox, The Old Thebarton Theatre, The Ark, and Toucan. By invoking these names, the organizers were positioning “We Are The Future” as the culmination of the scene’s entire history—a unifying event for a community built across many different venues. It was a night for everyone, with the organizers stating, “The Core and SPR are proud to be part of such an occassion.”
This ambitious vision was brought to life by a carefully selected lineup of artists chosen to represent the past, present, and future of Adelaide’s sound.
The Lineup: A Roster of Local and Featured Talent
Central to the event’s mission was the selection of artists, a veritable who’s who of local pioneers and a highly anticipated headliner, each chosen for their deep connection to the community’s evolution. This was the roster tasked with delivering Adelaide’s message to the world.
DJs and Live PAs
The DJ roster was a formidable collection of local talent: Brendon, HMC, Angus, MPK, PMA, and DAMC. They were joined by live personal appearances (PAs) from electronic acts Aquila and Maas Unconcious. The organizers justified the selection by noting the artists’ established credentials, stating their “track record is clear from the 70s submitted to THE CORE EP.”
Underscoring the night’s sense of being a pivotal moment, it was noted that DAMC, AnguS, Aquila, and Maas and Unconcious were all scheduled to leave Adelaide the week following the performance, making this a farewell for several key figures.
The System AD’s Final Australian Performance
A major draw was the exclusive appearance of The System AD. The performance was billed as his “only Adelaide rave performance” and, significantly, his “last Australian tour performance,” making it a final, must-see set for his Australian fanbase.
MCs
Guiding the night’s proceedings were the event’s official MCs, Maestro D & Tim.
The talent on display required a venue capable of matching their energy, transforming a conventional space into an immersive environment for thousands of ravers.
The Venue and Atmosphere
The choice and radical transformation of the Cheltenham Racecourse were critical to delivering the “Larger Than Life” experience promised by the organizers. The venue was not just a backdrop but an integral component of the event, meticulously engineered to create a unique and powerful atmosphere.
Cheltenham Racecourse Transformed
The event took over a “huge dome” at the racecourse, a venue with an approximate capacity of 2,200 people. The structure, accessible via two main entrances, was built around a glass atrium that The Core and SPR transformed into a dedicated “chill out” area, complete with merchandise and local record stalls.
The technical production was a sonic assault. The main room was equipped with a massive 20K sound and light system designed by the NSSS. A second, powerful 12K sound system was designed by The Core to further envelop the space.
Amenities and Features
Beyond the core audiovisual experience, the organizers curated a range of unique features to enhance the atmosphere and attendee experience.
- A centerpiece attraction was one of the “world’s biggest birthday cakes.”
- The entire room was decorated by the creative team from Come Out.
- Entertainment options included a selection of arcade games.
- A merchandise stall and a local record stall were available for attendees.
- Free parking was provided on-site and patrolled by CCC Cyber Car Control.
- In a significant development for the scene, the event secured the first 24-hour liquor license for a rave in Adelaide, with alcohol, soft drinks, and hot dogs available for purchase.
This meticulously crafted environment set the stage for the event’s most prominent artist, whose recent international experience gave him a unique perspective on the global scene.
Artist Spotlight: The System AD’s Return
The inclusion of The System AD was more than a headliner booking; it was the homecoming of a local artist recently immersed in the epicenter of the global rave scene. His time in the UK gave him a distinct perspective, which he shared in an interview with DJ MPK, detailing his observations and the evolution of his sound.
Observations on the UK Rave Scene
Billed as an “international guest artist,” The System AD had spent significant time in England after living in Adelaide for 21 years. He described the English dance scene as possessing a powerful “confidence.” He also recounted the dynamic between ravers and law enforcement, noting police tactics like stopping convoys heading to parties. Interestingly, he observed that if organizers provided sound systems for free, police would often “stand back and let everyone have a good time.”
Evolving Sound and a Farewell Performance
The System AD’s time abroad had a profound impact on his music. His sound had evolved from its “piano-breaks” origins into a “harder,” more aggressive style he described as “stomper music.” He made a point to credit local institutions, specifically The Ark for “helping him to start” and DJ Dag for giving him “‘popular support’”. Expressing his belief that Adelaide DJs “could cut it internationally,” he was keen to play his “last big set” in the country at We Are The Future.
His performance was therefore both a homecoming and a farewell. By bringing his harder, evolved sound back to Adelaide, The System AD’s set perfectly embodied the event’s theme, offering a powerful preview of the scene’s future sonic direction.
Event Logistics and Information
Beyond the ambitious concept and stellar lineup, a successful rave relies on clear communication of practical details. Organizers provided comprehensive information to ensure a smooth and accessible experience for the thousands of attendees.
Ticketing and Schedule
Tickets were priced at 20 for presale** and **25 at the venue. They were available for purchase from several outlets across Adelaide:
- Central Station Records
- All Austicket outlets (PH 13 13 14)
- Bustickets (Shop 2, Unley Shopping Centre)
The published performance schedule for the main room was as follows:
- 10:00 PM: Introduction by Maestro D
- 12:00 AM: PMA
- 12:50 AM: Aquila live
- 01:45 AM: Brendon
- 03:10 AM: Maas Unconcious live
- 03:30 AM: MPK
- 04:30 AM: The System AD
- 05:30 AM: AnguS
- 06:30 AM: Guest
Important Attendee Information
To ensure safety and accessibility, organizers communicated several key points to attendees:
- The event was designated “all ages,” however, photo identification (a driver’s license or proof of age card) was mandatory for entry.
- Free travel to the city centre was provided for all ticket holders after the event concluded.
The seamless execution of the event on its final date was the result of careful planning and a strategic, community-minded decision made weeks earlier.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Promotion
The final, triumphant iteration of “We Are The Future” on July 24th was made possible by a significant strategic decision to prioritize the health of the entire Adelaide rave scene. This background provides crucial context on the ethos of the organizers and the efforts that brought the night to life.
A Principled Date Change
The decision to move the event from its original July 3rd date was not merely logistical; it was a testament to the organizers’ commitment to a unified scene over pure commercial competition. After learning that another party, “Independance 2,” was scheduled for the same night, they described themselves as “disappointed at the clash” and chose to reschedule. Their motivation was a clear statement of community solidarity: “We Are The Future is a time for everybody in the scene to get together and enjoy what Adelaide has. We have no wish to upset or do damage to other people’s business.”
The Production Team
The monumental task of producing the event was handled by two key entities:
- Instantaneous Productions, consisting of P-Ben (PDG), Damian (Maestro D), Darin (DPM), Jon, and Paul (X/PDG).
- The Core Acts, Core Productions.
Ticket Giveaway Promotion
To build excitement in the final days, the organizers ran a ticket giveaway. Ravers were encouraged to call The Core at 12 noon on Thursday, July 22nd, for a chance to win one of ten free tickets.
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