UncategorizedFUN, FUNK AND FANTASY!

FUN, FUNK AND FANTASY!

London’s world-famopus bear clubbing behemoth, XXL, is going barBEARian crazy for its monumental 11th birthday bash! QX speaks to the club’s owner/founder/promoter, Mark Ames

What can we look forward to on the birthday night?  

We’ve got all the usual ingredients that make XXL internationally renowned as the world’s greatest bear club – add a touch of Cahill – a pinch of spice from Arabia and a slap of Barbearic fur to stroke and you’ve got one hell of a party!

What were the biggest challenges over the past eleven years in keeping the club at the forefront of the bear and London scene? 

Getting QX to do decent coverage and editorial! LOL We’ve never seen problems, just opportunities – maybe that’s why we’re still the world’s worst-kept secret success story! At XXL we’re never satisfied – we’re only as good as our last party – we continue to push boundaries to make sure we’re the friendliest attitude-free club in the capital.

How would you describe a night at the club to a XXL virgin? 

Fun, funk and fantasy! Take a deep breath and brace yourself, then feel the eufuric fur then – like we said in year one – dance like no one’s watching, love like it’s your last time, and live like it’s forever.

“At XXL we’re never satisfied – we’re only as good as our last party.”


“At XXL we’re never satisfied – we’re only as good as our last party.”


Some say that the bear scene was once stereotyped as just for ‘fat, hairy clubbers’, but now it seems to appeal a wider, more masculine crowd who want to socialise in a more traditionally gay, all-male environment. Do you agree with that? 

No – it’s always been big, it’s always been butch and it’s always been social – I don’t think anything has changed. Maybe it’s a reflection of XXL’s success that it transcends stereotypes and breaks down barriers. Maybe that’s why people don’t see the fat anymore, they see a good looking handsome bear. That’s why we have always used the phrase ‘one club fits all’ since it’s conception.

How do you compare the bear scene in London to those across the rest of world?  

London is a transient city. We have an amazing core group of gay and bisexual men in the city, which never stops evolving like XXL. Marry this with an international traveller, and that’s what makes the difference between London and any other city.

What have you got planned for XXL into the future? 

Bigger… better… bolder!

 

Christian M
XXL resident DJ

Describe your music to us. 

In one word, it would simply be ‘House’. If it’s got ‘diva’ on vocals, then even better! I love all types of house, and I’m quite lucky that at XXL I get to play them all. I like to think that I take the guys on a journey, starting out commercial then working its way up to the more tougher, moodier sound. The whole time making the music accessible and fun.

How did you hook up with Mark Ames and XXL?

I went to the very first night XXL started, as a customer, and I knew I wanted to be part of it, because I knew it was going to be something special. I met Mark at the Kings Arms in September 2000, and I literally pleaded with him to give me a chance. He was a bit hesitant but gave me a shot, and I’m proud to say that eleven years later I play at the best bear club in the world.

What DJs and producers do you rate at the moment? 

Anyone that knows me, and comes to XXL, will know that I have huge love for Freemasons and Dave Audé. Cahill are also excellent at doing the commercial mixes.

DJ wise, I also have huge admiration for Andy Wetson. He has a cult following at the RVT and that deserves respect; he has a huge passion for what he does. Kim Fai is also a brilliant DJ. I think he has an energy to his sets, which totally grabs me.

 

Christian M’s Top 5 XXL tracks

1: Daz Bailey & Katherine Ellis
– ‘Shock Me Right’
An XXL favorite (and exclusive), the bassline is to die for and Katherine has never sounded better.

2: Adele – ‘Rolling In The Deep’ (Freemasons Remix)
A very moody remix until two thirds of the way through when the huge piano drops. A hands in air moment.

3: Geoff M & Dawn Tallman
– ‘You Better’ (David Penn Remix)
Another moody track, sublime production and incredible vocals.

4: Leona Lewis & Avicii – ‘Collide’
Who knew Leona had it in her to be a dance diva? A perfect track, a huge anthem.

5: Freemasons – ‘Dirty Organ Bounce’
Sampling Inxs’ ‘Need You Tonight’, this is a new direction for Freemasons.


The XXL 11th Birthday is at Arcadia (51-53 Southwark Street, London bridge, SE1) this Saturday 17th September, 9pm-9am.

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