BACK TO BASICS
Sydney Showgrounds, 27th February 1999
by BUG

On the Saturday 27th February (yes, that was Mardi Gras weekend), I managed to make it along to the Back To Basics party.  I wasn't about to head along to Oxford Street.  BTB was done by the same people behind Love Nation '99.

The event attracted a pretty large crowd.  As there was no age restriction, there were a few too many teeny boppers.  There were two arenas - Rave Arena and House Arena.  Plus there was a third room with NRG Trance playing.  The djs playing were really fab - Nervous, Fenix, Spellbound, Jumping Jack, Pee Wee, Paul Holden, Nik Fish, Shade, Mark Dynamix, Elroy, plus more...

They had a laser show going in both arenas and a mini one in the trance room.  The laser show was the best I've ever seen.  I can't even begin to describe it without using swear words.  They also had a couple dancers who went between the two arenas and bopped around on the front stages - they were alright.   This sort of event is not recommended to people who don't like the more commercial dancy, ravey, sort of gig.  I just happen to like it...

We went in at around 11pm and left at around 6.30am.   On the way out the same security guard we saw on the way in was practically asleep on the park bench.  That's one intimidating security guard...

I would definitely do it again and recommend it to anyone out there.  It brought all the best aspects of Sydney's best nightclubs together for one night.

Summary:
- The person who was selling glowsticks needs a bullet
- The only excuse for taking your shirt off, while dancing, is if you go to the gym heaps, if you're a good dancer, or if you're a chick...no exceptions...ha ha ha
- A message to the guy in a wheelchair in the Rave Arena - You're a Champion!!!

PS.  I didn't mind the body search by the female security guard.  I get all excited just thinking about it... ha ha  (she didn't say anything about the gun in my pocket... ha ha)