QX interviews Andrew Czezowski, promoter of Love Muscle XX The Birthday Party at the Electric Brixton on 21 September 2024.
Hello Andrew. The Fridge was one of the most happening venues on the scene in its day. What have you both been doing with yourselves since then?
We have written a book on our first club, The Roxy. This was the first club to promote punk. It opened in December 1976, but it only lasted 100 days. The Roxy created a worldwide storm that is still having an effect on live music today.
Currently, we are writing six books on the FRIDGE and all the different nights we promoted. One book, of course, will be on all the gay nights we ran: Ciao Baby, Daisy Chain, Eves Revenge, Venus Rising, and Baghdad. Of course, the most successful club night ever was LoveMuscle XX, with Yvette and the fabulous Marc Andrews, Gareth, and Dorian. LoveMuscle XXX set the standard for all gay club nights that followed.
What do you miss most about those days at The Fridge?
It was the fact that we were being so creative in our music choices. Cliffe Cooper and his team ran the wildly adventurous stage productions. It all came together on the night to create an unforgettable experience every Saturday night for our loyal customers. We greeted them all at the door as friends.
Now that you’re back promoting Love Muscle XX again, do you think you’ve broken any world records for longevity in club promotion?
Yes, we have. It is rare for two individuals, such as Susan and myself, to be in this business for over 30 years. We have to differentiate between promoters who only do a night and people like us who are unique, as we were the owners, promoters, and creators of the nights at THE FRIDGE. We don’t include corporate organisations, as they just followed us.
How do you think clubbing has changed in the intervening years?
We really believe that we created a golden period in clubbing. The 80s and 90s were at the pinnacle of clubbing. It can’t be the same now because the social norms have changed due to the internet and the way people meet.
Why do you think Love Muscle XX has proven to be so popular again in 2024?
The memories of those nights are unforgettable, which is why we have brought back Love Muscle XX to enjoy something we all miss. We want to introduce a new generation to what gay clubbing really is.
What are you most looking forward to on the night?
Catching up with all the faces we will recognise as they enter those doors to a magical and unforgettable event.
The Love Muscle XX The Birthday Party with Angie Brown Live, International DJ Paul Heron and DJ Dorian, Yvette and her go-go boys and lots of last minute surprises.
When and where is Love Muscle XX The Birthday Party?
21 September ’24, from 11 pm till 6 am, at the Electric Brixton, Town Hall Parade, Brixton Hill, Brixton, London SW2 1RJ, United Kingdom
Fbook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lovemusclexx
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love_muscle_xx
MAIN FEATURE IMAGE: Love Muscle XX at Lafayette club in Kings’ Cross hosted by Yvette and her boys ©2024 Equinox Licensing Ltd. EQUINOXFEATURES.COM
