Crasher presents N/Ice @ National Ice Arena
Sat 27th Nov 2004
Crasher presents N/Ice @ National Ice Arena, Nottingham
Crasher celebrated ten years of mayhem with a party that ranked right up there with the best. Stilt walkers, glitter balls and fireworks transformed Nottingham’s National Ice Arena into a citadel of wowed clubbers
6,000 people packed into the venue, where the Darkness had played just 72 hours before, for Crashers biggest UK event of the year As JFK kicked off proceedings, the nerves began to jangle back stage.
“We’re really nervous,” said Riley and Durrant in their dressing room half an hour before they went on. “We’ve played to 40,000 at Fort Dance in Russia this year but this is much more nerve wracking. We’re performing live for the first time in the UK and to be doing it at playing part of Crasher’s tenth year celebrations is an honor.”
They needn’t have worried. Their set, a mixture of classic tunes spliced up with their own material, goes down a storm and by the time Above and Beyond have played their own mix of Delirium’s ‘Silence,’ the place is ready to explode. “This is what Crasher’s all about,” said one lad, pogoing around with his mate as green lasers stretched like silly string overhead. “What a tune.”
The dance floor was actually laid on top of the ice, with temporary metal flooring in place to guard against the cold and stop people falling over. There were plenty of seats to chill out in, but the best view in the house went to those who’d had the forethought to book a suite. Right up in the Gods, it was like having a small section of the club which you could call your own. There was waiter service for drinks and the view was incredible.
From that vantage point, Paul van Dyks entrance was thrilling. As his name was announced over the mic, 12,000 arms shot up and the airwaves were filled with horns, whistles and cheers. After years of mesmerizing sets, PVD is a Crasher legend, and tonight he showed why as he switched from trance to techno and back again whilst keeping the dance floor full and moving.
Backstage, PVD took time out to reveal why Crasher is still on top after a decade of decadence. “I have had some special times over those ten years,” he said. “From all the former UK super clubs, Crasher is the only one that maintains a special twinkle that makes it always special.” So there you go. It’s al about the special twinkle.
The feel good factor was topped off by the sight of Sundissentials Madders and Danny.Rumors had been flying around the venue that the feuding pair were set to turn up and announce they were teaming up again and, as John 00 Fleming thumped out a hard-edged set front of house, the SS boys appeared to confirm the rumors: they are back!
From one party to another, Eddie Halliwell appeared fresh from taking the Garlands crowd to the limit to close proceedings. If ever there was a DJ that symbolized what is good about Crasher its Eddie. Fresh and talented, as a former punter, he knows exactly what the crowd want and they love him for it. As the customary “Eddie! Eddie!” chant went up, he brought the curtain down with Tiesto’s ‘Adagio for strings.’ It was the perfect end to a perfect night.
Nottingham Arena Press »
Gurn.net Review »
Competition winner
Daniel Shields won an executive suite for him and nine mates at Crasher’s tenth birthday celebration in Nottingham, after he accidentally stumbled upon the competition.
I saw the competition on the flyer and thought ‘why not text in’? I couldn’t believe it when I won. It’s a top night. I’m loving it and I’m really happy with Crasher for sorting it out for us.”
Paul van Dyk
“It looks great. I am excited to be playing for crasher in their Tenth anniversary year. I have had some special times over those ten years, when you think of the end of the 90s with the Crasher kids. From all the former UK super clubs, Crasher is the only one that maintains a special twinkle that makes it always special.”
Eddie Halliwell
“It was wicked. It was the last gig of the night for me so I was a bit worried that a lot of people might have gone, but it was rammed. The atmosphere was fantastic. I used to go to Crasher as a clubber so to play a part in the tenth year anniversary was an honor.”
Matt Hardwick
"It restored my faith in the UK dance scene"
Above and Beyond
“For us to be playing for Crasher in their tenth anniversary year is an indictment of what we’re doing and we’re very happy about that. We were slightly nervous when we were approached to do a remix of Delirium’s ‘Silence’ because it’s the best vocal trance record that’s ever been made. But to play it tonight in the home of trance and here the reaction from the crowd was amazing."
JFK
“Nottingham Arena was without doubt the highlight of Crasher’s year. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing and all the DJs performed fantastic sets. The arena facilities were outstanding and the whole event flowed superbly from start to finish. I felt extremely proud and honored to be part of such an amazing event.”
Nick Riley
“I came to the second birthday in 1996 as a clubber. I think Danny Rampling was playing. I never thought I’d be here eight years later playing live on stage.”
Andi Durrant
“We’re really excited but also a bit nervous. The first time we performed live was in front of 40,000 people at Fort Dance, but this is more nerve racking because we’ve got a lot of our mates here. It’s really exciting and a privilege to be here. Gatecrasher are the biggest trance brand in the world.”
"Live from the Clubbers"
“It’s amazing. I haven’t been to Crasher much before but I’m really impressed. The people are friendly and the music is wicked!” Terri, Nottingham
“I discharged myself from hospital to come here. It looks amazing and I can’t wait to see Paul van Dyk and Eddie Halliwell!” Wav, Sheffield
“I was a bit worried about the sound at first. I didn’t think the acoustics were that good, but I’ve just spent the last two hours in the middle and it sounds amazing!” Dave, Worksop
“The suites are wicked. You’ve got your own space to dance, you don’t have to queue at the bar and you can sit down whenever you want with a view over the whole club. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Well done Crasher!” Dave, Birmingham
