Under the bright lights of Leicester Square Theatre, Kirk Field brought the spirit of ’89 alive with his Acid House Cabaret, a retrospective night of raw memories, humour, and rave culture’s revolutionary energy. Marking 35 years since acid house made its mark on UK music history, Field delivered an evening of storytelling that didn’t just look back—it relived the thrill, the chaos, and the magic of a movement that changed everything.
Field’s style as the “rave raconteur” pulled no punches, sharing stories that were equal parts entertaining and eye-opening. From the elusive DJ Roofrack to the irreverent humour of rave flyers, Acid House Cabaret dove headfirst into the often absurd, always captivating details that defined the era. A highlight of the evening, “Rave Family Fortunes,” turned the crowd into participants, while Have I Got Acid House News for You brought sharp attention to the absurdity of tabloid reporting from the time. It was a reminder of how mainstream media demonised the scene, stirring moral panic around a movement that, at its core, was about unity and self-expression. In a nod to the ongoing work of The Night Bazaar, Field recognised our efforts to rewrite that narrative from within, celebrating voices working to portray dance music culture as it truly is.
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35 Years Later: Celebrating the Spirit of ’89 – Acid House Cabaret
With special guest Sister Bliss from Faithless adding to the lineup, the show offered a blend of storytelling and soundtracking that brought history to life. Bliss shared an intimate look at Faithless and the origins of their seminal track, Insomnia. She recounted how the track was born in a modest shed, where she, Maxi Jazz, and producer Rollo worked late into the night. That session gave rise to the track’s distinctive bassline and haunting lyrics, capturing the restless energy of a generation. Bliss also paid tribute to the late Maxi Jazz, whose iconic vocal delivery became the voice of Insomnia and who remains a revered figure in dance music. Her reflections on their journey together were both a tribute to Maxi’s artistry and a powerful reminder of his enduring impact on the scene.
Through anecdotes and acid-house anthems, Field’s performance served as a reminder: this wasn’t just a musical movement. It was a revolution that challenged norms, united a generation, and laid the groundwork for today’s underground scenes.
Acid House Cabaret was more than a nostalgic look back—it was a reminder of why we were drawn to these sounds and spaces in the first place. As Field showed, the energy that first pulsed through acid house is far from over. It lives on, fuelling new stories, new tunes, and new memories for those who understand its legacy.
