SMILE was to be my first ever CTW meet up, I had flown over to England on the Friday night Prior to SMILE so was able to get a good nights sleep before all hell broke loose.
My weekend began at midday on the Saturday as I had arranged to me Laurence (Mr Happy) in Braintree so we could travel down together. The meeting place was Wetherspoons, a quick pint, a good chat, and then we were off down to london for 2pm. We arrived at Liverpool Street station, and we had arranged to meet Kev (Creamy C) at about 2:30pm outside the Wetherspoons at Liverpool Street. When he arrived, a few more pints were consumed and some good crack was had. For me is was really good to get to meet a few CTWers before the actual event at SMILE, it made me feel a bit more comfortable. And I have to say they are both "sound" what a great start to the day. "Drink up, we're off to meet Ray (FredTheBaddie)". We jump on a bus, meet Ray, then a quick detour so I can leave my records at Kevs work (My poor shoulder wouldnt have lasted all day). We then take up position in Yates' in Leicster Square, a round of Guinness' are bought, and enjoyed (well by me anyway) Got some photos to prove that the other three did actually have one! The time was flying by and Kev had to go and meet Alison (LittleMissLoud) and a few others that were travelling down from the North. So me, Laurence and Ray stayed for one or two more, collected my records, and then proceeded to go over to the Ruby Lounge in Kings Cross where everyone was meeting up, before all heading over to SMILE.
When we arrived, the Ruby Lounge was buzzing. Loads of faces I recognised (from avatars I may add) but a few I didnt (Sorry Alison). It was a bit manic getting introduced to everyone in about half an hour but it was so good to finally meet the people I had spoke to for ages on the board. ANother few drinks and it was time to head over to Sahara Nights as I was playin the first set of the night. I was really pleased that quite a few CTWers came over with me so they could see me play, I am grateful to you all. After a quick sound check, I was raring to go. After the first mix or two, I was in full flow. The hour I had been given flew by, and I loved every minute. Was great to see people dancing early. My set seemed to go down well enough, thanks for all the kind comments and support guys - I couldnt stop smiling for a long time.
Next up after me was LittleMissLoud. Our change over was smooth, and she began to pick up the pace. The crowd responded, and everyone was now off! A great builder of a set from the only female DJ tonight, great stuff !!
Again this our flew by, Alison was supposed to be followed by Justin Bourne, but he didnt show (His loss IMO !!!) So we were treated to LittleMissLoud and Carl Nicholson Back2Back. This really took all the CTWers off on one even more, the atmoshpere is now electric !! I kept saying to everyone that I was gobsmacked at how good the atmosphere was. Ive heard bad things about London crowds for ages, not here, not tonight.
The next CTW DJ on the bill was Phil B, the only person here so far that I had already met prior to SMILE. Was great to see him again, but this time I had the chance to see him work his magic behind the decks. The crowd had been set up so well for Phil already, it would have been so easy for him to just play a smple "anthems" filled set but no, it definatelt had more depth than that. All DJs so far were on a mission to do ClubTheWorld proud. Phil seemed to love every mnute just as much as those on the dancefloor, which is always a good thing to see. The pictures I got tell the story to a tee. I was loving Phils set and have to say I was gutted when his set came to a close, but wait.......Mr Whitby is up next.
As Andy took to the decks, he got a great reception. He seems to be a firm favourite with the CTWers. His pumpin set was evidence to me why. Can the atmosphere in this room go any higher ?? Surely we will all explode if it does. Although Andy's set was doing the business for me, I took a bit of time to go chat to more CTWers and get friendly with everyone. I loved this time so much, I was so impressed with how welcome I was made feel, what a great lot.
Carl Nicholson was up again for his own set, and a stormer it was too!! I had my doubts that the music getting much better as it had built up so well. I thought maybe it had peaked a bit to early....I under estimated Carl. Top marks mate !!! Another trip to the dancefloor was in order, with Kether as my dancing partner. This was the quickest hour of my life, where did it go ??
Chris Hawkes was next in line, and have to say he followed on really well from Carl. I really enjoyed the stuff Chris was playing, surfice to say I remained on the dancefloor for a ggod while. As Chris neared the end of his set, I took a wee jaunt around the club for some photo opportunities, and alot i got.
Now before SMILE I had thought that with Chris Hotchinson having the last set there would be as many people around due to people heading off to afterhours etc. Not tonight, the club was still pretty full. I didnt know what to expect from Chris' set either. The music had been pretty bangin allnight, How would he keep the people on the floor?? Well I can definately say I wasnt expecting what followed. Chris' set was super fast, and super hard. Fuck knows what you call it, I just wanted to dance to it. Although I managed it for a while, my body was aching. But believe me Chris, I still enjoyed it from the comfy sofas. We have a pretty limited scene over here in N.Ireland, so it was so great to hear such fresh music (Well fresh to me anyway) Chris was another animated DJ once behind the decks. Quite suprising as he seemed pretty quiet and reserved when we had spoke earlier in the night. Good man!
Oh shit, its 6am and the lights are up in the club. WHAT A NIGHT, WHAT A CROWD< WHAT A SMILE I HAVE ON MY FACE!!! The night is over ?? IS IT FUCK !! We all headed off to Twist, but thats another story.
To everyone I met off clubtheworld, you are all ace - EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU. Clubtheworld means so much more to me now. A special thank you goes to Tony P for organising such a successful night, and making my first meet up possible, and of course the opportunity to play. Also a huge thank you to the promoters of SMILE for this opportunity for us (clubtheworld) to show what we are made of and what we are all about.
LiamStyles
