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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Robert Dalling

The rare 1990s footage of Swansea's rave scene that'll make you wonder where all the years have gone

If you went on a night out in the 1990s, there were certain unmistakable things you would see and hear.

The sight of flashing strobe lights, the sound of techno or electronic dance music, questionable fashion choices and some classic haircuts were all the order of the day.

It was the era of rave music, and it defined a generation.

Acid house, techno and hardcore techno, were the first genres of music to be played at rave parties, which became known as raves.

 

People at a rave in Swansea in 1993 (Tony 'Spealberg' Evans)
Flashing neon lights were characteristic of the rave scene (Tony 'Spealberg' Evans)

The tracks would be characterised by their repetitive beats, and would see people take their dance inspiration from the tracks based on their mood, with movements not predefined.

And it's fair to say all those characteristics can clearly be spotted in this amazing rare footage shot by Tony 'Spealberg' Evans where we get to have a glimpse at how nightlife looked in Swansea in 1993/94.

Swansea's rave scene in the 90s...

Led by a DJ and dancers on the stage, you can see people enjoying a rave in the city, all performing their own dance moves without fear of judgement, some even giving a special performance when Mr Evans's camera pans towards them.

And there's clearly no inhibitions either, as we see men and women dancing around scantily clad.

Others are blowing whistles in line with the music, whilst some are bouncing along to the beat wearing baseball hats and gloves. There's even the occasional mask.

People would even wear masks on a night out (Tony 'Spealberg' Evans)
People didn't mind dressing scantily clad whilst raving (Tony 'Spealberg' Evans)
People would pull out all sorts of dance moves on a night out (Tony 'Spealberg' Evans)

It is footage from a time when the city still had the likes of Martha's Vineyard, Pulse and Club Passion, all of which have gone from the city.

Other clubs of Swansea's past included the famous Cinderella's nightclub in Mumbles, and Oceana, Jumpin' Jaks and Escape which once all did a booming trade on The Kingsway.

Mr Evans shot plenty of classic footage in the era of the 1990s, including that of a day out to see Swansea City at the old Vetch Field .

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