As a music enthousiastic I have seen my fair share of clubs over the years. Most of them in The Netherlands off course. But since thge UK was the Mekka of Hard Dance I have seen quite some clubs over there as well. So today, my 10 favorite clubs.
10. P60 Amstelveen, Netherlands
P60 has a sort of industrial look and a great sound system. Have been to this club only a few times. Most for hardhouse related events, but three years ago also for the 15th anniversary in business for Dutch trance vocalist Susana. What a great night that was. Please see the after movie below.
9. It, Amsterdam, Netherlands
At the beginning off the house movement in The Netherlands, there were 3 important clubs where ‘it’ happened. Roxy, It and Waakzaamheid. I have actually never been to the Roxy andf the Waakzaamheid will pop up later in this list. The It was legendary for it’s colorfull and open minden people. I only have been there a couple of times on a Thursday night, but that was already rocking. It is also famous for their mix cd by regular DJ’s Jean & Marcello. Hard to find any decent footage from that period.
8. Patronaat, Haarlem, Netherlands
I have to admit, I have only been here once, but this club made a big impression. Actually it is not only a club but more of a cultural pop center with regular pop/rock shows as well as dance nights. The movie below gives you a proper impression of the club.
7. WesterUnie, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Located on the Westergasfabriek area. Niced and cosy club where I visited a number of great trance events.
6. MatriXX, Nijmegen, Netherlands
A club in the more southern part of the Netherlands. And while people around Amsterdam could be a bit arrogant, in the southern parts I always noticed that the people were friendlier, more approachable and down to Earth. The people behind the MatriXX were also behind the legendary Emporium Festival in the same area. Please see below some footage from the opening party in 2001 with Armin van Buuren.
5. Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open since 1968 Paradiso might be the most iconic club or pop stage in The Netherlands. The list of artists who performed here is endless. But to name just a few: Prince, Guns N’ Roses, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2, Pink Floyd and the Rolling Stones. The band I have seen here the most is my favorite band The Orb. To give you an impression of this stage I found this great footage of Faithless.
4. Koko, London, UK
As already mentioned in my introduction London was the Mekka of HardDance. Besides several trips to the number 3 in this top ten. We also made several trips to Koko. It’s an old theatre with lots of balcony’s and small passages. You can get really lost there. If you have an option to go there, just do it!
3. Brixton Academy, London, UK
Or should I just say Hardhouse Academy? Twice a year Brixton Academy transformed itself to one of the best hardhouse events around the globe. From the Netherlands we had some great trips to these parties. Love the big balcony, the old fashioned foyer and off course the massive Function One sound system.
2. Melkweg, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Another iconic venue in Amsterdam with some great history. For me mostly well known for the legendary HQ parties. Every last friday off the month this place truly felt like coming home. Had so many great nights here and met so many great people. Unbelievable.
1. De Waakzaamheid, Koog aan de Zaan, Netherlands
The club where it all started for me back in 1991. One of the 3 major clubs at that time. Besides dance music they had also pop acts. Dutch band De Dijk played here bi-annually. Had great nights out here and for a short while I also worked here in the wardrobe.