"The best of Thunderdome" heißt den besten Hardcore zu hören, den du jemals erlebt hast. Kompromisslose Undergroundmusik, produziert von House süchtigen wie dir. Thunderdome ist nicht nur deine Lieblingsmusik zu hören. Es ist eine Lebensphilosophie und ein Ausdruck deiner Lebenseinstellung. Seit 1992, dem Jahr, als Thunderdome geboren wurde, wurden mehr als 1,5 Millionen Thunderdome-Alben überall in Europa und in anderen Teilen der Welt verkauft. Thunderdome stand und steht für unübertroffene Rave-Erlebnisse. Hunderttausende genießen stundenlange Partys, die sie niemals vergessen. Egal ob du alleine bist oder unter einer Menge Thunderdome-Ravern, der schnelle Beat fließt durch deinen Körper und erzeugt beinahe eine unmenschliche Ecstase.
"The best of Thunderdome" ist nicht das Ende einer Serie von Qualitäts-Hardcore-Alben sondern nur der Beginn einer Reihe weiterer Platten
die dich voll auf deine Kosten kommen lassen.

Thunderdome wurde für dich und von dir gemacht. Thunderdome bist du. Sieh es, fühl es, sei es.

HARDCORE WILL NEVER DIE!!!

THUNDERDOME 1

3-10-1992 THIALF-STADIUM HEERENVEEN

Am 3. Oktober 1992 fand die erste Thunderdome-Party im Thialf-Ice Stadion in Heerenveen statt. Die Party in diesem großen Stadion mit einer Kapazität von 30.000 Ravern war ein enormer Erfolg. DJ Auftritte von The Prophet, Dano, Gizmo, Buzz Fuzz, DJ Weirdo und Pila als Gäste machten diese Party unvergesslich. Ein großer Octopus war in der Mitte der tanzfläche aufgestellt und war die ganze Nacht über mit Gabbers besetzt. Wegen dem Erfolg entschied sich ID&T die Thunderdome-Partys weiter zu führen.

THUNDERDOME 2

14-2-1993 FRIESLANDHAL LEEUWARDEN

Der 14. Februar 1993 wurde für den 2. Thunderdome in der Frieslandhal in Leeuwarden ausgewählt. Pendelbusse fuhren aus 22 holländischen Städten nach Leeuwarden. Mehr als 9.000 gabbers kamen nach Leeuwarden um Dano, Gizmo, Buzz Fuzz, The Prophet and Weirdo für diese einzigartige Nacht zu erleben. Der berühmte Octopus war wieder am Start und jeder drehte bei den tadelosen Dj-Künsten diese Nacht durch.

Thunderdome hatte sich niedergelassen.

THUNDERDOME 3

13-3-1993 STATENHAL DEN HAAG

Die 3. Thunderdome-Party wurde am 13.3.1993 in der Statenhal in Den Haag abgehalten.
Die Statenhal ist eine schönsten Stationen in Holland und war ausverkauft.

Die 'Thundergods' des Abends waren
Gizmo, Buzz Fuzz, The Prophet,
Dano, Weirdo, The Darkraver
und DJ Rob.

THUNDERDOME 4

3-4-1993 THIALF STADIUM HEERENVEEN

Am 3.April 1993 beschloss ID&T wieder nach Heerenveen, wo der erste Thunderdome stattfand, zurück zu kehren: Das Thialf-Stadium.

Diese Party war wieder ein voller Erfolg. Starke Live-Perfomrmance von The Dreamteam, Human Resource und Simstim, Special-Guest von Ozonie, Bass-D und The Fly zusammen mit Buzz Fuzz, Dano, The Prophet, Gizmo und Weirdo zeigten was Thunderdome ist.

THUNDERDOME 5

8-5-1993 MARTINIHAL GRONINGEN

Dieser Thunderdome wurde 'The Final Thunderdome' genannt und fand in der Martinihal in Groningen statt. The Dreamteam präsentierten ihre neue CD vor einer unglaublichen Kulisse. Später am Abend spielte auch Simstim live. Die DJ's die auftraten waren Dano, Gizmo, Buzz Fuzz, The Prophet, Weirdo, Pagan und The Fly. Der Octopus war in der Mitte der Halle plaziert und das Powersoundsystem weckte fast ganz Groningen auf!!!

Diese Episode der Thunderdome-Serie sollte eigentlich die letzte sein, aber wegen all der Nachfragen aus ganz Europa entschied sich ID&T weiterzumachen...

THUNDERDOME 6

9-10-1993 MARTINIHAL GRONINGEN

Nach fünfmonatiger Pause beschloss ID&T eine weitere Thunderdome-Party in der Martinihal in Groningen zu geben. Aufgrund der großen Liste von DJ's war diese Party sofort ausverkauft, als der Flyer veröffentlicht wurde. Zum ersten Mal in der Thunderdome-Geschichte benutzte ID&T den Tunnel neben der Haupthalle um Mellow und Club-music zu spielen. Die Platten in dieser Area wurden von Rose, Eva, Steve Cop, Stacey Pullen und Derrick May aufgelegt. Die Hardcore-Tracks wurden gespielt von Weirdo & Pila, The Prophet, Tobias, DJ Hell, Marn ix-B, Gizmo und Buzz Fuzz.

Die 'Die Hards' Dano, Weirdo, Pila und The Darkraver liessen die Party noch bis 12 Uhr mittags am nächsten Tag weiterlaufen. Und sogar dann mussten die Gabbers noch von der Security rausgeschmissen werden.

THUNDERDOME '93

27-11-1993 JAARBEURS UTRECHT

Dieser Thunderdome war ohne Zweifel die größte und beste Party, die je in Holland stattfand. Die Location war die brandneue 'Prins van Oranje hall' bei der Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. Sie war 2 Wochen, bevor die 20.000 Gabbers diese spektakuläre Party besuchten.

Die Eintrittskarte war eine CD-single, die neue Tracks von mehreren ID&T Artisten enthielt.

Vor dem Beginn der Party wurde die erste holländische 'Street Parade' in den straßen von Utrecht abgehalten. Tausende Gabbers gingen neben dem Thunder-Truck her und sahen, wie Weirdo und The Darkraver den Verkehr in Utrecht total durcheinander brachten.

Während der Nacht zeigten The Prophet, Gizmo, Buzz Fuzz, Weirdo, The Darkraver, Rob, Paul Elstak, Pila und einige Special Guests ihre vortrefflichen Mix-Künste. Live-Performaces kamen von The Dreamteam, Simstim, Chosen Few, High Energy und Insider. Während des Auftrittes von The Dreamteam spielte DJ Dano live aus Deutschland mit Hilfe eines Satelliten, weil er auch in München auflegen mußte.

THUNDERDOME ZURICH

16-4-1994 STADTHALLE DIETIKON

Im April 1994 überquerte Thunderdome die holländische Grenze zum ersten Mal in seiner Geschichte. Die Stadthalle Dietikon in Zürich, Schweiz war ausgewählt worden, den ersten Thunderdome in der Schweiz abzuhalten.

Die original Thunderdome-Atmosphäre wurde von The Prophet, Buzz Fuzz, Weirdo und Simstim geschaffen. Top DJ's aus der Schweiz wie T-Bass, DJ Wizzard und der deutsche Live-Act Genlog unterstützte die 'Thundergods' dieses spezielle Gefühl für die Schweizer Raver zu kreieren. In diesem Moment bemerkte ID&T, daß Thunderdome überall nach Europa gehen mußte, um das spezielle Feeling mit allen Gabbers zu teilen.

11-7-1994 THUNDERDOME IN COLOGNE

Am 11. Juni 1994 besuchte Thunderdome Deutschland.

In der Arena der "Kölner Sporthalle" waren die Gabbers aus Deutschland und Holland zum ersten Mal vereint.

DJ's aus Deutschland wie Moquai, Genlog, Hooligan und U.D.O. and DJ's aus Holland wie Buzz Fuzz, The Prophet, Dano, Gizmo, Weirdo, Charly Lownoise & Mental

Theo und Pila machten die erste deutsche Hardcore-Party einen großen Erfolg. Spezielle Licht- und Laser-Effekte, wie es sie nie zuvor gab, wurden den deutschen Gabbers gezeigt. Raver aus Deutschland und Holland feierten die ganze Nacht lang und Thunderdome hatte sich auch in Deutschland etabliert.

THUNDERDOME AT MYSTERYLAND

24,25 UND 26-6-1994 MAASVLAKTE ROTTERDAM

Im Sommer 1994 fand das dreitägige Mysteryland-Festival in Maasvlakte in Rotterdam statt. Sechs verschiedene Party Areas wurden für die sechs verschiedene Musikstyles des Festivals aufgebaut. Die ganze Partyzone betrug mehr als 100,000 m2. So etwas war noch nie zuvor irgendwo in Europa gesehen worden. Mehr als 60 europäische Top-DJ's legten an diesem 3-Tage-Event auf.

THUNDERDOME OBERHAUSEN

13-5-1995 REVIERPARK VANDERORT

Nach dem Erfolg in Köln beschloß ID&T eine weitere Party in Deutschland zu organisieren. Der schöne Revierpark Vonderort in Oberhausen wurde für dieses Comeback nach Deutschland ausgewählt.

Ein riesiges Licht-, Sound und Lasersystem katapultierte die Gabbers aus Holland und Deutschland in eine andere Dimension. ID&T bewies zusammen mit internationalen DJ's wie Dano, Gizmo, Buzz, Fuzz, The Prophet, Wierdo, Rob Gee, Lenny Dee, Lady Dana, Criminal und Franky Jones, daß Thunderdome-Parties noch immer die besten Raves auf dem Kontinent sind. Public Domain und Rotterdams bester Live-Act Neophyte zeigten was Hardcore ist. Diese Party war die definitiv beste Party, die je in Deutschland stattfand.

THUNDERDOME vs. HELLRAISER

26-8-1995 SPORTHALLEN-ZUID AMSTERDAM

In der Nacht vom 26. August 1995 trafen sich die zwei ungekrönten Könige des Hardcore und vereinten ihre Kräfte an einem der perfektesten Orte in Holland. ID&T und ISP entschlossen sich einen einzigartigen Rave in den Sporthallen-Zuid in Amsterdam zu organisieren: "THUNDERDOME vs. HELLRAISER". Auf der Digital Overdose Party diese Nacht, war die Mainarea der oRt für den besten Ultimate-Hardcore-Climax den ein Gabber haben könnte. Jede Seite hatte ihre eigene Bühne mit eigenen DJs und Live-Acts und startete ein nukleares Bombardment von ohrenbetäubendem Sound mit BPMs, die Lichtgeschwindigkeit erreichten. Auf der Thunderdome-Bühne waren Gizmo, Weirdo, The Darkraver, The Prophet, Buzz Fuzz, Bass-D & King Matthew und als Live-Act Public Domain und auf der Hellraiser-Bühne Dano, Rob, Ellis Dee, Darren Jay, Digger und Live Neophyte und Ultra Violence zertrümmerten komplett die Ohren aller Gabberköpfe.

MYSTERY LAND

22-6-1996 EINDHOVEN AIRPORT

Das vierte Outdoor Mystery Land machte die Schlagzeilen. Es war einiges konfus und unklar vor dem Beiginn, weil die Stadtverwaltung von Eindhoven es in der letzten Minute wegen einem fatalen Unfall im Vorjahr absagen wollte. Glücklicherweise kamen die Parteien nach zahlreichen Treffen zu einer Einigung, und das zweite Mystery Land konnte auf dem Flughafen von Eindhoven stattfinden. Der Flughafen war geradezu gemacht für große Partys und hat auch immer das Dynamo Rockfestival beherbergt. Es war die Happy Hardcore Area und Hakkûh & Zage had just made it onto the telly. Es traten auch einige neue Gesichter auf, wie Uzi und The Mouth Of Madness, die ihre ersten Erfahrungen auf großen Partys sammelten. So auch Evil Force. Wie immer war auch dieser Event vollkommen ausverkauft, und es waren die Hardcorefans, die die Markise dominierten. Obwohl beide, die Organisatoren und die Besucher zufrieden waren, sollte es das letzte mal sein, daß Mystery Land in Eindhoven stattfinden sollte. Negative Publicity erreichte, daß verboten wurde, jemals wieder ein Hardcorefestival in Eindhoven zu stattfinden zu lassen.

EARTHQUAKE 96

28-9-1996 PWA HALLS ZOETEMEER

It was packed to the max in the PWA halls where Earthquake was held. A special party where Rob Gee did a video promo shoot, which saw him take a few hard knocks when he embarked on a stage dive (just like fellow Countryman Delirium had a few month earlier), but that didn't spoil the fun. The hall was divided into two rooms, which had oldschool being played in the smallest courtesy of Pavo and Rob. ID&T had the following acts lined up for the big hall: Dark Raver, Weirdo, Lady Dana, The Prophet, Unity & Dione, Delirium, Waxweasle, Buzz Fuzz and Rob Gee as we already mentioned. There were live-acts such as Tails, Noiser & MC Drokz, Brothers In Crime and The Death Squad(?). After the Party was over it was discovered that there had been many compplaints by close inhabitants regarding noise, and this would make it extra tricky to obtain the next license.

MYSTERY WORLD

5-10-1996 THE FUN ZAANDAM

Mystery World wurde ein großer Spaß. ID&T hatte so viel vertrauen in den Enthusiasmus der Partygoers zur Zeit des Hardcorehöhepunkts, daß sie sich entschlossen eine eigene Location zu benutzen, wo die Leute jede Woche feiren konnten. Es schien ein wenig zu optimistisch, weil Mystery World an seinen guten Absichten festhalten wollte. Es waren viele Menschen bei der Eröffnung von Mystery World, die X-ess und Da Predator als die Erföffner miterlebten, gefolgt von Special-Guests Rob Gee, Miss Groovy und Delirium stahlen die Show neben den bekannten DJs. Es war auch die Nacht des notorischen Ajax/Feyenoord-Shirts, das Steps Ahead anzog um den Gabbers zu demonstrieren, daß sie lieber feiren anstatt für ein Fußballspiel kämpfen sollten. Ein anderes Ereignis waren die ausländischen DJs, die in einer gestreckten Limo vorfuhren.

BLADE RUNNER

12-10-1996 MARTINIHAL GRONINGEN

Sprich über Enge; das war ein Schritt zurück. Die Leute wurden der Reihe nach bewußtlos und fielen um wie die Fliegen, weil Ravers Relligion zu viele Tickets verkauft hat. Die große Nachfrage war vieleicht durch das prächtige Flyer bedingt, auf dem es hieß, das 20.000 Leute platz hätten. Es war auch der Tropfen, der das Faß für das Ende von Partys in der Martinihal zum überlaufen brachte, weil die nächsten beiden Partys absolute Fehlschläge werden sollten. Trotzden waren dort viele Gabbers denen es trotz alledem gefallen hat. Neophytes Auftritt war wie immer überragend. Der Complex war in verschiedene Hallen geteilt, in denen Oldschool und Terrorgang (Mit einem schönen Stroboscope) einen großzügigen Raum zur Verfügung hatten. Die Mellowsection wurde regelrecht in eine Ecke verdrängt, aber es schien nicht viele Leute zu stören. Abgesehen von den Beschwerden über lange Wartezeiten, mussten die Veranstalter auch mit den Gabbers verhandeln, die eine VIP-Karte gekauft hatten. Die Feuerwehr forderte, daß die VIP als Fluchtweg frei blieben solle, was sich als dringend notwendig herausstellte. Die Aufruhe über giftige Pillen und sechs Tote stellte sich als Fiction heraus, aber es muß trotzdem gesagt werden, das Bladerunner nicht ganz glatt gelaufen ist.

MYSTERY LAND 'THE WINTER EDITION'

22-2-1997 JAARBEURS UTRECHT

Die erste Indoor Edition von Mystery Land im Jaarbeurs in Utrecht war ein riesen Erfolg. Die Prins van Oranjehal war ausverkauft. Die Stage war schön und märchenhaft und es waren in etwa 18.000 Gabbers anwesend. Die beiden großen Bildschirme neben der Stage The two large screens next to the stage showed footage of the enormous hall that was being shot simultaneously by a camera fitted above the audience. The first couple of hours were taken care of ba trance DJ Per whose job it was to warm up the audience for the proper stuff later on, whiczh came after live-acts from 4 Tune Fairytales and Critical Mass. The most memorable set was of course that of the Dreamteam , that even brought up Gizmo onstage as MC. Tales, Noizer & en Zage', same as rob & MC Joe who did 'The Beat Is Flown' live. After sets fom Weirdo, Pavo, Buzz Fuzz, Dark Raver and Gizmo ended the party. Dark Raver could be sen constantly cavorting about with a Masters Of The Universe sword.

THUNDERDOME '97

29-3-1997 SPORTPALEIS ANTWERP

The second time Thunderdome was held in the Sportpaleisin Antwerpen. This was by far the busiest of al, the events. Everyone was curious after having heard the enthusiastic ranting about the last one, which meant Thunderdome '97 was sold out and 20.000 people turned up. The stage (too small) was to one side of the hall and the dancefloor was a lot larger than the times before. Unlike last time, there was now also a decent sound level. Magic moments included a Gabber who proposed to his girlfriend, Buzz Fuzz who as one of the first to play 'ExAxLx' in a tight set, Weirdo followed suit with 'Don't speak', and A.K.A, whose set was jumbled about a lot, and who stormed of in a range. Dark Raver and Gizmo were last in the line-up again, anbd finished off the night, and a successful second edition at the Sportpaleis. In fact that 26 people ended up in hospital, because the Belgian First Aid were ready to strap anyone that bounced around too much to a stretcher didn't spoil the fun.

SPEEDRAZOR

12-4-1997 TRIAVIUM NIJMEGEN

The loudest location in Holland according to organizer ID&T,because of the volume could go up as far as 120 dB. Still, the first Speedrazor did have its faults. There were a group of Moroccans for instance that were doing their best to spoil the atmosphere, and there had been messageson the internet beforehand that football supporters from NEC and Vitesse would 'meet up' at Speed Razor. Luckily, that didn't happen, and the sets by the Dreamteam, Taila, Noizer & MC Drokz and a whole bunch of other ID&T artists made be sure the party turned out right. Because it was the first ever party there, it turned out that there were a few things that the organizers hadn't counted on; for instance the sun was shining much too early through the many windows in the Triavium, which made it very bright inside towards the end of the night. Even so, the organizers and the 6.000 visitors still went home satisfied.

TRIP 2 DREAMLAND 'THE FINAL COUNTDOWN'

10-5-1997 MARTINIHAL GRONINGEN

You might have suggested, two parties within five weeks of each other in the same town did prove to be too much of a good thing. And so there were only roughly two or three thousand people in the Martinihal, that had been packing them like Sardines the time before. Maybe that was the reason why a lot of gabbers stayed at home. A masive bummer though for the organizers anyway, but also really for the audience, because a party with a load of people is much more fun than one with a half empty hall. In order for it to look fuller, the organizers used a piece of tarpaulin, which made the room look a lot smaller. Top acts on the night were Buzz Fuzz, Isaac and Panic, while DJ Rob showed that oldschool was his speciality. So even though the numbers were down, it was the right vibe, and everyone had a good night.

DIGITAL OVERDOSE

24-5-1997 SPORTHALLEN ZUID

The tenth house party in the Sparthallen-Zuid turned out to be almost unforgatable. Completely sold out, despite the high entry fee, which did give you value for money because the decor was simply staggering. A massive pig with fiery eyes hung above the DJs in the Hellraiser room, where the music was pumping. ISP wanted to use thier own formula, and in doing so booked some DJs ypo don't get to hear very often. A varied kind of night, in other words, courtesy of Laurent Ho, Manu Le Malin, Ralphie Dee and Rob Gee, and let's not forget Dano, Buzz Fuzz and Paul Elstak who were also going at it.Live-acts from Neophyte and Leviathan made Digital Overdose into a real standout party with a dinstinct flavour. They were also having a graet time in the immortality room. Live-act Rabbit IN The Moon was very obscure, someone was walking around like a kind of Christmas tree in a suit full of bulbs, and appearing very vague.The main room though was the Hellraiser room that made the tenth event as memorable as all the others.

MYSTERYLAND 1997

4-7-1997 RECRREATIETEREIN BUSSLOO

Those Party will undoubtedly remember the mud, which made it difficult for the partygoers all over the terrain. White sneakers soon turned into black clogs, and the moaning was coming from every direction. A cloudburst had instantly transformed the ground into a swamp, and it wasn't till the evening arrived that straw and sheets and plywood were brought in to harden up the busiest routes. That night proved that gabbers aren't the trickiest of customers; some even had a laugh about it, and that especially was one of the raesons why the atmosphere was so great at Mystery Land. 25.000 partygoers had made the trip to Bussloo, and they were able to enjoy sets from Rotterdam Terror Corps among others, whose act was well wicket. Other live-acts came fom Rijnmond Terrorists, Wap Squad and 3 Steps Ahead. It was busy in virtually all the tents, none more so than the VIP-tent, and the oldschool section at the back of it. The oldschool section was out of bounds for the people that didn't bought a VIP-ticket, which was a pity, 'cause they were playing some great stuff there. Finally, compliments in the direction of the amazing laser show that was held on the beach. All in all, Mystery Land was a top night, slush or no slush, and a great atmosphere.

LLORET DE MAR 1997

1997 MACRODISCO COLOSSOS LLORET DE MAR

What is a party summer without a description of the going ons in the Spanish seaside resort Lloret de Mar? Every year, Gabbers discover a full city of sun, sea, sand, booze, and last but not least, Hardcore. After the initial years of Revolution and Colossos vying for the haerts of the Hardcore fans, it turned out that Colossos had won the battle for the last couple of the years running, in part due to DJ Rob, who managed to get all the Dutch DJs over to the mega club at least once, on special nights. Every organizer was setting up his or her own party there. But Lloret isn't just Colossos; smaller clubs such as The Boss were trying to please the Gabbers, who were mostly from Holland. These were nice little clubs for a good time. This year, a party was held in the mountains for the very first time. There, Lady Dana, Bass D & King Matthew and the Rotterdam Terror Corps got the party started. The Club was amazing, the sound system was incredible, and the party was described by everyone who was there as brilliant. Too bad there weren't enough people that knew about it, which meant that the organizers didn't break even. Luckily it didn't stop them carrying on with hardcore, because they got together another party this year in an open-air club.

GHOSTTOWN

26-7-1997 VECHTSEBANEN UTRECHT

Dance to Eden held a Ghosttown party in Vecgtsebanen richgt in the middle of the holidays, and it was pretty packed. A lot of effort went into lighting and decor, and the line-up displayed the usual names, sprinkled with a couple of lesser-known live-acts in between such as Evil Maniax, Fuckface vs. Paralizer and Dorpzicht. There wasn't much to criticise at this party; the sound was good, so were the decoration, in fact the only thing that could have spoiled the fun was the tropical temperature, but that's just somethingyou can't organise. Ghost Town became a party that left the visitors with some goods memories.

SPEEDRAZOR II

21-7-1997 TRIAVIUM NIJMINGEN

The organisers had learned their lesson from the previous time, and took measures to ensure that everything would run smoothly. The windows were blacked out this time, and football shirts were disallowed. There were still those who were determined to ruin the everything. This led to a few nasty fights, and left another dark cloud hanging over Speedrazor. Apparently it doesn't seem possible to organize a party at this part of Holland without things getting aggressive. There were a few good things though, like Promo, which was one of the first big parties he was given the chance to appear at. It was also Reanimator's first live-appearance at an ID&T party. No Dark Raver, Buzz Fuzz or Gizmo at this time, but there were Waxwezle, Omar Santana, Lanny Dee and others. The latter ended the night, and that meantpassing way beyond the 180 bpm mark. Good thing the light and sound was accectable, which meant that most enjoyed themselves, but the atmosphere could obviously have been much better.

DIGITAL OVERDOZE II

16-08-1997 SPORTHALLEN ZUID AMSTERDAM

The hotter than hell temperature was a good indication that you were in the Hellraiser hall, because it was unbearable that night. The gabber that keept on dancing non-stop for half an hour deserves a heroes mention, because it seemed like it was about 40 degrees in there. It was a good thing you were able to sit outside and cool down once a while. The decorations wee great as usual, and the same can be said for the sound. That the atmosphere was good was prooved once the sound cut out and evreyone was clapping and whistling to make the waiting go quicker. Again, ISP went for a totaly different line-up than the other organizers. So it happened that, in the big hall, next to established names such as Buzz Fuzz and Gizmo, there was Preacher, Vibes, Miss Groovy, Omar Santana and Cirillo. Aside from that there were live sets from Rotterdam Terror Corps and PCP. It wasn't just packed in the Hardcore hall, there was some serious dancing going in the Immortality, also by some Gabbers who were glad of the cooler temperatures in there. In the end, some said this was the 'best ever Hellraiser'.

SPEEDRAZOR III

6-9-1997 TRIAVIUM NIJMINGEN

The third and best of the three editions of Speedrazor in the Triavium. The sound was dispersed much better around the hall this time, and the windows blacked out, naturally, and the ice rink was filled to the brim, despite the Holland-Belgium match that was being played that night. DJ's Promo, Pavo, Paul Elstak, Bass D & King Matthew, Lenny Dee, Pascal B., The Prophet, Waxweasle and Delirium made it a geat night. No sign of aggresion this time, so the atmosphere was much better, especially in the oldschool hall. There were alsolive performances of course, from Rijnmond Terrorists, Reanimator and Neophyte, who did a killer set that turned out to be the best of the night. When it was over, the thought crossed everyone's mind; would things finally work out in the Triavium?

GLOBAL HARDCORE NATION

18-10-1997 SPORTPALEIS ANTWERP

THE best party ever. Ouite statement, agreed, but many will definitely affirm. The standard set by the organisers taht night won't easily be beaten. 18.000 people, amizing lights and lasers, awesome sound, and brilliant sets by Boris Valeo, Obsession, Delirium, Buzz Fuzz, Darien Kelly and Lady Dana and especially two other DJs. It was DJ eirdo's last night as a Hardcore DJ and so he gave it his all in a mental performance. Then the bass cut out, but he still got a massive applaus. Gizmo was on form because his set was just simply astounding.The same story applied to anything and everyone that was on the night, with exception of Dr. Macabre, whose live-act was a cross between Ghost stories and French Connection because ha had brought the wrong DAT. An unusual factor this night was the compulsory airing of the place by the council, not just once, but three times. So the doors opened, and the sound had to be turned off, but the audience were really up for it, and were good natured about the whole thing, and made Global Hardcore Nation the undisputed party of the year

THUNDERDOME '97 "THE EASTERN EDITION"

29-09-1997 EXPO CENTER HENGELO

The Expo-Center had got itself a bad name after the Black Out party that Ravers Religion had organized there. That particular party had very few visitors, and was also marred by massive fights. So it was a bonus to have nearly ten thousand Gabbers this time, perhaps the name THUNDERDOME is usually synonymous for a god party. The Eastern Edition, co-organized with Ravers Religion, would also turn out to be much talked about, because Dark Raver appiered as Zwarte Piet (the page boy of Saint Nicholas-the Dutch Santa Claus, Who is white but made up with black make-up acording to Dutch trdition), but Neophyte especially caused a commotion. The Live-act was so loud that these guys were pulles off the stage by security. A lot of poeple presumed this was part of the show, but it wasn't. Buzz Fuzz did another god set, but the people did't share the same kind of enthusiasm for Rob Gee, with his mix of punk and Hardcore, which didn't go too well, and had people slowly leaving the hall towards the oldschool and terror sections. PCP's set brought them all back again later on, and that seemed a good way off the nights proceedings.

MEGARAVE '98

31-12-1997 ENERGIEHAL ROTTERDAM

This would prove to be the last party in the Energiehal, because the council was about to demolish it to make way for a parking lot for visitors of nearby zoo Blijdorp. That might account for the high visitor count at the Megarave, bight it might also have been the simple fact, that the parties at the Energiehal were always wicked. This New Year's Eve was no exception, the sound was ear-splitting but clear, something that benefited the atmosphere as well as the turntable skills on display, and the live performances from Neophyte, DR. Macabre, PCP and of course the Rotterdam Terror Corps. The light show was also impressive and the stage was adorned with two car wrecks. Star performance of the night belonged to RTC, who spun everyone into the New Year, and PCP's live-act. Slaves To Da Rave at 120 dB got everyone clapping. When the last bass drum faded out at eight o' clock in the morning, everyone agreed, that it was a shame that they were tearing the old Energiehal. That wouldn't be for some time though....

GLOBAL HARDCORE NATION

07-02-1998 SPORTPALEIS ANTWERPEN

The fourth party at the Sportpaleis, and also the last memorable unfortunately, but the enormous success of the first global Hardcore Nation was always going to be a though act to follow. Not only were the numbers right down, the sound was also appalling, and that didn't do much for the atmosphere. But there were some mentionable aspects; the gigantic water-display and the fountains were espaecially spectacular. Best pick of the night was G-Town Madness who were probably the only onescto get a sign of life out of the rather tame audience, something that The Stunned Guys, Wapsquad and Tellurian couldn't quite pull off. Out of the DJs present, only Panic and Buzz Fuzz managed to move some feet. DJ Rob hit a nerv now and then but that was all there to say about it. It might sound like a lame excuse, but it was Antwerp council again who were responsible, by demanding such a rediculously low volume level, that Global Hardcore Nation was nothing more than a living room party.

MYSTERYLAND INDOOR

11-4-1998 JAARBEUS UTRECHT

"Gabber is dead" read the cover of Update Magazine. They'd live to regret that statement because the 23 thousand-strong Mystery Land fans had a very diferent idea. "Fuck the Update" was the cry that T-MC got the packed Prins van Oranjehal to shout. The party was organized right down to the tinest of details; the sound was perfect, and the the great lightning effects transformed the largest hal in Holland into a great Hardcore-paradise. The visitors were treated to a Mystery Land anthem at the start of each set, a Twin Peaks-ish tune by Mark Acardipane, who promptly gave the night's best performance. Dark Raver had something special up his sleeve too. He bounced onstage to the best of Men In Black, in addition he had blended a hardcore beat in with the Will Smith track, which proved once more that he really is the entertainer among the DJs. Buzz Fuzz closed off his familiar fashion and Mystery Land came to a worthy conclusion. One thing was clear as crystal....hardcore was still alive and kicking forcefully.

HARDCORE TRILOGY

28-03-1998 KARDINGE GRONINGEN

ID&T was back in Groningen after a few yers' absence(Thunderdome in the Martinihal was their last outing) with the first Hardcore Trilogy on 28th. March. It would turn out to be a fun evening with one of the most relaxed atmophere felt at a party for years. Tha Hardcore Trilogy was a party where all kind of people showed up. A muchnolder audience too, that could primarily be found jumping around Dark Raver's oldschool section. The decoration in the Hradcore hall was were totaly the Star Wars theme. there was a graet laser show, and the sound, that was definitly improving towards the end of the night, made sure the audience were kept happy. There was a lot of clapping and peoply danced for virtually the entire night, and the was just a sequence of highs. So all in all, ID&T's return was more than welcome.

SPEEDRAZOR

09-05-1998 TRIVARIUM NIJMEGEN

The fourth and last Spedrazor. The concept didn't quite come off unfortunately, the first two parties that didn't have any real party atmosphere were partly to blame. The final edition on May 9th wasn't a massive success either. Whether it was the fact that it was during the exam period or less appealing line-up with new acts like T-Wisted and The Bombsquad, the fact remained that the people stayed away, which made for a far too empty stadium. A big pity for ID&T, that started Speedrazors with good intentions, and also a pity for the Gabbers in Mijmegen and other parts that had to miss thier 'own' party.

HELLRAISER "THE BOX"

23-05-1998 SPORTHALLEN ZUID AMSTERDAM

it's incomprehensible really that ISP was the onlx one not to pull through, because this time they again managed to put another true value for money on Hellraiser. ISP yet again succeeded in mixing all kinds of styles with Attic & Stylzz, Nation Of Freaks, Ruffneck, Buzz Fuzz, da Predator, Spiritual Child, Keroen Flamman and Lady Dana. There was also a varied mix of people in the Sporthallen-zuid; young and old, hradcore and trance lovers, and everyone mingled without any hassle. It has to be said that the hardcore hall wasn't decorated in the amazing way it was before, and it wasn't completely sold out, but it was a hellraiser party nevertheless, and that says it all really.

MYSTERYLAND OUTDOOR

4-07-1998 RECREATIETERRAIN LINGEBOS GORINCHEM

Saturday July 4th, 1998 was definetly a memorable day. The Dutch beat Argentinia in the World Cup in a thrilling game and go on to reach the semi-finals.That was also the night Mystery Land was held. A perfect opportunity for a party, and a lot of other people had the same idea. People were shouting out "Holland" all night long in the hardcore tent, regardless of whatever was playing in the background, which meant for instance that the wonderful sounds of Jones and Stephenson during "The First Rebirth" in X-ess's set were barely audible, but it didn't seem matter due the great ambience as the brilliant party were everyone enjoied themselves at maximum capacity. There were grining faces in the Tunnel of Terror, and the Thunderdome tent, and the big Outdoor stage where PCP was well impressive. There had been some scenes before the evening; religious residents that were shocked at the coverage in the local churche paper saying that the evil was coming down to town, and demandet that the council revoke the license. Luckily this didn't happen, and an the night there were huge trafic jams on the motorways leading to the town. 25.000 did manage to find the place however, and they enjoined an unforgettable night.

LLORET DE MAR 1998 (THUNDERDOME IN SPAIN)

SUMMER 1998 MARCODISCO COLOSSOS LLORET DE MAR

Another summer party, according to the yearly tradition. Colossos weren't having a brilliant year because there weren't as many Gabbers coming in as the years before, but the parties were a success there, nevertheless. This year another club would open its doors. The Cave turned out to be a good alternative to the resonably pricyey Colossos, with its lower entry fees and less well known DJs, althoug the big names were there for the Thunderdome on Tour. After the party everyone headed for the beach as usual and carried on there were they'd left off. There was always someone with a portable tape player with a hakkûh-tape. Lloret de Mar was once again the place to be in 1998.

DIGITAL OVERDOSE

05-09-1998 SPORTHALLEN ZUID AMSTERDAM

Another Digital Overdose in the Sporthallen, but this one had a unique nature. There were namely two stages in the Hellraiser hall, separated by a platform that ran through the middle of the hall. One would be used by WSP, the other ony by ID&T. It was a bit confusing, but it nervertheless turned out to be a mega party witzh ear-splitting sound, good performancees from G-Town Madness, Levithian and the Masochist, and a perfect atmospehre all night long. Not Only in the (amazing decorated as usual) hardcore hall, but also in next door's trace hall, which had been transformed into a real cinema, which was showing the Fifth Element on a gigantic screen. It was well obscure, but fun. Digital Overdose had been a great success.

THUNDERDOME '98

10-09-1998 FEC HALLS LEEUWARDEN

At last the go-ahead was given after a few naughty boys had set the old hall alight, and the council wouldn't agree to a licence due to the uneceptable noise levels time before. They finaly gave in, in part thanks to a few thousand signatures from enthusiastic Gabbers from the friesian capital. The party was an anstant sell-out. The enormous complex that was a bit clinical, was divided into three separate halls, and an upcoming-talent room. The largest of the lot of course was the hardcore hall. The center hall was the place for oldschool and newstyle, while the terrorheads got to get thier party in the back. Every artist that had participated on a Thunderdome CD received a kind of gratitude award, to mark the occasion of it selling over the 3 Millin mark. They also got to play alternetely behind the turntable, but this didn't work out the way it was meant to. Some good hard stuff from 3 Steps Ahead, PCP, Neophyte and of course Rotterdam Terror Corps. A successful party, yes, but one that didn't come close to the '96 edition.

MEGARAVE '99

31-12-1998 ENERGIEHAL ROTTERDAM

Not totally sold out, but still a good eight thousand people, the Energiehal was resurrected once more (will it be around forever)? So, once again everyone got ready for the last hardcore party in the old sportshall. And, as usual, the volume was so ear-splitting that earplugs were really not even an option anymore. There were about forty DJs present, mixed with live-acts from G-Town Madness, Neophyte (who tipped a car offstage. Result: two bust speakers), The Dark Twins, who were amusting themselves on an electric chair, and naturally Rotterdam Terror Corps who took everyone into another New Year at the old Energiehal. And, as so often the case, the Megarave was a great success without any real incident to speak.

HARDCORE OVERDRIVE

13-02-1999 SPORTPALEIS ANTWERPEN

Did this party turn out to be the kiss of death for the Sportpaleis??? Hopefully not, but the sound was so terrible, and the ticket sales didn't exactly qualify it as a success either. Unfortunately, that's just what it needs right now. True, there was a lot of dancing and a good atmosphere , but it wasn't like an old-time Paortpaleis party, and it makes you wonder if that can ever be achieved again. No second ring, no VIP, nothing, except decent lightning, a good audience and likewise DJs, who weren't in a new way to blame after their great sets. The Sound Of Hardcore Belgium seemed to need a lot of practise, but appearances like Neophyte, Shadowland Terrorists and RTC were ace, same goes for Buzz Fuzz, Lady Dana, Reanimator and Bass-D & King Matthew. Who knows, this might be last time.

MYSTERYLAND INDOOR

03-04-1999 JAARBEURS UTRECHT

The success story continues with another 25 thousand ticket sell-out in the Jaarbeurs. This time, other halls were brought into use, which meant that the hardcore hall wasn't quite the size it was tzhe last two times, but it was full of grining Gabbers. It was also the debut of Rabutu and Sketler, who had some trouble with the equipment, as did The Viper, whose turntable was resonating. During Sketlers set though, the sound dissapeared completely, and he maust have pictured his debut to be thomething other than this. There was a beautiful screen behind the stage, which showed the most amazing figures. Many people regard DJ Promos set as the best of the night. He anhanced his style of records by playing a drum computer live in real time on top. This Mysteryland was also another mixing of styles, but in the techno and clubtrance halls it was still the Gabbers who dominated. So, all in all a very well organized show, apart from the sound hiccups of course.

MEGARAVE QUEENSDAY

30-04-1999 ENERGIEHAL ROTTERDAM

A Megarave was held in the Energiehal under the pretextof a hardcore fair in Queen's Day. There was about 5.000 that nearly all had a great afternoon (the party had to be held during the afternoon), except for the breakout of a missive fight, that securety was just able to stop. That wasn't enough to spoil a nice afternoon, where best performers Rotterdam Terror Corps brought the house down. Could THIS really be the last time???

TRIP 2 DREMLAND BACK TO EROTIC CITY

08-05-1999 KARDINGE GRONINGEN

After a year off the scene, Ravers Religion changed their name and decided to give it another go. Trip To Dreamland is the name they used, but that it certainly wasn't. It was marred by fights between Nazis and other locals who'd rushed to help a cople of Moluccans. On top of that the organizers made the mistake of not hiring enough security, in complete contradiction of the agreements. A real pity, because all the previous parties at Kardinge had always been such fun. The only place that wasn't affected too much was the swimming pool and the oldschool section and the comittee decided afterwards not to hold any more parties in the sports centre in the forseeable future.

MYSTERYLAND OUTDOOR

03-07-1999 RECREATIETERRAIN BUSSLOO

This special edition could have finished any better, because this really was a mega party with a brilliant atmosphere. No muddy grounds this time round, but amazing paths filled with people laughing and smiling. The Hardcore tent was a bit smaller than last time unfortunately, but that didn't detract from tha fact that virtually everyone at this Maytery Land was a Hardcore fan. The theme at the ground was imagination and the Rave Forrest was especially magical , people could dance among the trees. The hardcore tent was heaving all night, and onca a while a large condensation drop would get you in your neck. The best of this night belonged to Panic, Promo and Mad-E-Fact, three young DJs that will determine the shape of hardcore to come, as the older lot gradually move towards lighter music. The five-year anniversary set by 3 Steps Ahead, and also taht of Tellurian were awesome. Mystery Land was sold out of course, and its total 28 thousand made it one of the largest events ever on the house scene . Mystery Land is ready for the year 2000, no question.

©2000 The Gast