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It's the night which put Scotland on the clubbing map, and its ten-year residency at Edinburgh's Venue has turned it into a dance music legend. As PURE limbers up for one final fling, The List catches up with the guys who made it happen. Words: Catherine Bromley
The boys behind infamous hard house and techno night Pure have more than a little in common with the character of Carlito Brigante in Brian De Palma‘s famed gangster flick. Carlito‘s Way. Granted they didn‘t used to run smack with Rolando. but they can be said to be the ‘fuckin' kings' of the Edinburgh club scene. Like Carlito. they also know when to stop. and Pure‘s ten-year residency at The Venue will come to an end on Fri 18 Aug.
Carlito was fairly unassuming about his impact on the New York drug trade. and the same can be said about the attitude of the Pure promoters towards their club. Back in 1990. the famous five responsible for creating the monster that Pure has become were promoters Rock. Ewan McNaught and Steve Miller and DJs Keith Mclvor (aka Twitch) and Andy Watson (aka Brainstorm). collectively known as Renegade Promotions. Rock. the self-appointed spokesman for the group. stuns up the laid-back approach to Edinburgh‘s longest running club night when he says: 'We could have become a superclub but we've always done it our own way.
Ten years ago. club promotion was not the PR exercise it is now. Instead. it was simply like-minded individuals. excited by the burgeoning dance music
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'We could have become a superclub but we've always done it our own way.’
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The Pure posse get some fresh air: (left to right) Rock, Brainstorm and Twitch
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scene. coming together to throw parties. As Rock explains. the pairing of the club‘s residents Twitch and Brainstorm was just something that happened. ‘There was never a music policy when we started, other than Keith and Andy‘s idea of what they wanted to play.‘ he says. ‘lt was never advertised as such-and-such a club. it’s always just been a dance club.‘
The first guests at the night were Derrick May and .Vloby. both on the same night back in 1991. Since then. Orbital have played three times. along with the likes of David Holmes. Laurent Garnier and The Aphex Twin. ‘In those days you could just call people up and say “Do you fancy playing?".’ says Rock. ‘Especially the Americans, who were just impressed that people in Scotland had heard of them.‘
Through the years. dance music fans in the capital have turned to Pure to experience future sounds first hand. but now Renegade believes it’s time to take a back seat. ‘We‘re all old.’ says Rock, ‘If we didn‘t stop now we'd be doing it for another ten years. It‘s better to go out on a high note than letting it peter out slowly.’ Easing into retirement one step at a time. Pure residencies will continue in Dundee and Aberdeen and sporadic nights will be staged under the Pure banner in Glasgow. In addition. Renegade will continue its enviable role in club management. with the roster of clubs now including Vegas. its brand new Latino off-shoot Rio and top electro-funk night Radio Babylon.
As for a new residency in Edinburgh. Rock is playing Renegade's cards close to his chest: ‘There’s nothing confirmed as yet. I think the way forward is to go bigger and smaller at the same time.‘ While that certainly leaves future plans open. in the meantime it falls to Pure‘s loyal following to enjoy the last night of a long and happy term in the company of the residents. Twitch. Brainstorm. The Bill and Sandy Paris.
Pure, The Venue (Venue 158) 557 3073. 18 Aug, 10.30pm-5am, £10 (£8).
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Back To Basics
The Leeds crew bring their partied-up dance antics to Edinburgh, featuring Marshall Jefferson (pic) and James Holroyd. Back To Basics (Fringe) Teviot Row Union (Venue 74) 650 4403, 78 Aug, 9pm-5am, f 70 (£8 adv).
Pure
See preview, left. Pure, The Venue (Venue 758) 557 3073, 78 Aug, 70.30pm—5am, f 70 (f8).
Queer Friday
The grand finale to Edinburgh’s queer 'Stars In Your Eyes’ is upon us, so expect a night packed with stars of stage and screen (and karaoke bar). Queer Friday, Ego, 478 7434, 78 Aug, 70pm-5am, £6-f 7 (£5—f6).
Substantial
Joining Craig Smith tonight is DJ J.D., an LA-based DJ-producer who works with partner Erik under the aliases of Deep Swing, Sun Kids and Jazz Transit. Substantial, La Belle Ange/e (Venue 707) 225 7536, 79 Aug, 77.30pm—5am, f 7 0.
Electro Unique
Local multi-medra pioneers Underword are behind this one- off, which will feature a challenging mixture of music, visuals and audience participation. Electro Unique, La Belle Ange/e (Venue 707) 225 7536, 24 Aug,
7 7.30pm—5am, £7 (£5).
Higher Ground
Funky housemeisters Higher Ground join Pure in doing the do one final time. Mr Todd and Gav Sutherland will be joined by Tribal Funktion's George T. Higher Ground, La Belle Ange/e (Venue 707) 225 7536, 78 Aug,
7 7pm—5am, £6 (£5).
Different Class Dis Present Metalheadz
Goldie's legendary drum & bass collective are represented by Storm and Doc Scott, with DJ Kid, G-Mac, The General and MC Feelman also weighing in. Different Class 015 Present Metalheadz (Fringe) Teviot Row Union (Venue 74) 650 4403, 79 Aug, 9pm—5am, f 7 0 (£8 adv).
Oxygen
Glam housers Oxygen host a Festival special featuring Tidy Boys Andy and Amadeus, Trade’s Fergie and Nick Rafferty. Oxygen, Walkers, 476 7073, 79 Aug, 70pm—5am, f5.
17—24 Aug 2000 THE UST FESTIVAL GUIDE 57