After a massive birthday bash last month that packed-out its latest host venue, Egg, the original party monster Trade returns this Saturday with a Christmas session to shake your baubles at. Promoter Laurence Malice recalls the club’s twelve finest moments…
1: The Opening Night of Trade
Clubland sometimes offers something unique and different. We are proud that we did.
2: Trade was one of two stages for the Love Parade in Leeds, appearing in front of half a million people
The day was simply mesmerizing, and to see so many happy smiling faces react in such an incredible way will stay with me forever. There were only two stages – Trade was one of them, the other was Radio 1!
3: The launch of the Trade compilations series topping the dance charts!
We are very proud that, as one of the first club brands to head into the world of compilations, the reception was so popular that we hit the top spot.
4. Discovery of so many DJs who became a force to be reckoned with internationally that included Tony De Vit, Tall Paul, Smokin’ Jo… the list goes on and on. No gay club in this country has managed to equal this.
Our music policy will forever be our most pivotal contribution to the club scene.
5: Channel 4 Documentary
Never before had a club brand been profiled in such a way on terrestrial television in the UK. Being on Channel 4 also encapsulated what the team’s hard work every weekend had broken through the barriers of not being labeled as just another club; but something special.
6: Launching the Trade Lite Lounge.
We noticed the explosion of a funkier, more disco orientated House sound in the scene that completely complimented what we were achieving on the main floor. The creation of ‘Trade Lite’ was at the time incredibly exciting as the venue (Turnmills) was developing and changing with new rooms being built.
7: Hard House turning mainstream and going international with Pushca in Ibiza and New York.
Taking Trade around the globe has been such an great honour as our sound pre-internet started getting noticed internationally by word of mouth and reputation and all of a sudden started to hit the national charts of many territories.
8: The first Kinky Trade
We always endeavour to put a lot of thought and effort into our themed events, and one of my most memorable has to be the first ‘Kinky Trade’. From the artwork to the production and décor – it was a very successful special party, which is up there as both DJs and the customers favourites!
9: Having every top DJ on the planet wanting a slot to play at Trade
When you get the likes of Frankie Knuckles, Monica Kruse, Christian Smith and David Morales asking to play you know things are going well.
10: DJs accrediting themselves to Trade when they never worked there.
I have lost count of the many times I have seen a DJ claiming they have been booked at Trade when they have never ever played! I suppose you can put it down to flattery, but it can become annoying as we have such a unique music policy and only book the right sound for Trade.
11: Having top musicians lined-up outside Trade waiting to get in like regulars… like Bjork!
We have been visited by some of the most incredible music, theatre and entertainment stars who had heard and wanted to experience the unique style of clubbing that we produce.
12: Trade scene on HBO’s Sex and the City
The mention and scene makes you realise how far and wide we have come, and we haven’t finished yet!
• Trade at Christmas is at Egg London (200 York Way, Kings Cross, N7 9AX) on Saturday 14th December, midday-midnight… or even later!
