March is fast becoming one of our favourite months here at WeLoveDJs heights. The reason: Cream Birmingham. Since the first instalment, the March date has been synonymous with the start of the clubbing calendar for many. Lets face it, January we are all still nursing our heads from NYE and desperately avoiding any post from a bank, that would even dream of reminding you what you were forced, (yes – it was not your fault), to spend. So when that beautiful paycheck arrives at the end of February, it means one thing. Book the annual visit to Cream!!
Morillo was merely 1 of the headliners to kick off the 2015 Cream Season; joining Erick was non other than Radio 1’s Danny Howard, that Judge who refuses to budge, Judge Jules, Hott Like Detroit, The Squatters, Futuristic Polar Bears, Harry White, Rue Jay, Jonze, Steve Young and a host of other local DJ’s…breathe.
We arrived at the venue early, there was too much excitement around this event and we didn’t want to miss a second. We spent the first hour in the revamped Garden (see later) to see Jonze, resident at Cream Birmingham since day 1, his set reminded us why! His music was on point and the early faithful were dropping some foot!!!
This event filled up faster than the Harrods sale, I mean literally by 11pm the venue was heaving, which complemented the atmosphere and allowed all of the DJs the chance to play to eager, wanting crowds. We often say that the atmosphere was electric, but at this event there was something different, the anticipation was intense and the crowd literally threw themselves into the 3 arenas.
Early tech sets from Steve Young and Ross Cobe, held our attention and got us in the mood for the night ahead. Residents Mike Catherall and Rue Jay warmed up the main warehouse perfectly. Rue Jay delivered the perfect warm-up for Morillo, a change from his normal big room sound, he stripped back his tunes, the result: his set added to the anticipation and excitement of an already rousing crowd, providing the perfect introduction to the main set, well done Rue. And then he arrived…
Erick Morillo is one of those DJ’s that needs to be seen to be believed. His energetic mixing and stage persona’s is one of the reasons this man has remained at the forefront of house. With accolades from Madonna, Danny Tenaglia, Nile Rogers and the late Frankie Knuckles, its no wonder the hype around this event was as intense as it was. His 2-hour set blew us away, cheeky vocals, thundering riffs and breaks and of course, Co2, all climaxed in a true spectacle. His performance was unbelievable; the whole of the warehouse and mezzanine was bouncing from start to finish. WeLoveErick.
Meanwhile over in the Garden, Judge Jules delivered an absolute belter of a set to a packed out Garden, the feedback from everyone we spoke to was that the Radio 1 legend was on point from start to finish. The last time we saw him spin, was at Birmingham Pride, he tore the dance tent apart then too. Judge Jules isn’t booked enough in our opinion, his skills lie in reading a crowd, his sets seem to mould to the crowd, WeLoveJules.
All of the DJ’s who played in the Garden commented on the intimacy of the setup and credited the Rainbow for this change. The Rainbow is currently undergoing massive changes. New areas, new loos, new Function One sound system; the unending desire for improvement and perfection by Lee McDonald and the team at The Rainbow is the reason why this venue just works. It’s fluid, continually evolving and improving. Well done to all involved.
After Morillo, the night became a haze!!! Mike Catherall took the warehouse on a journey of classic Cream tracks with hint of the harder stuff thrown in for good measure. Perfection. Last up in the main room was Danny Howard, last time he played at Cream Birmingham I missed his bloody set! I was too busy shaking a tail feather with the handbag herself: Jon Pleased. THIS TIME I was not missing it. Although he was last on, the dance floor was rammed to the rafters, I can honestly say it was unbelievable, the sheer energy in that room! The crowd were amazing, Danny played to a packed warehouse until the last beat and his mixing was impeccable and tunes selection near to perfection. WeLoveDanny.
The production at this event was spectacular. I don’t think I’ve seen that much Co2 in a venue outside of Amnesia! I got a go with a Co2 gun too! Which is now a thing, and if isn’t at the Ibiza Carnival in August, I shall demand an inquest. Lol. The stage production was phenomenal. Also, kudos to the Rainbow for moving the VIP area (see, they do listen), the new position gave unrivalled views of the stage area and main arena.
All in all, the night was exactly what you should expect from Cream Birmingham and The Rainbow, sound, production, bar service, q’s, DJ’s all top of the game. Hats off to Lenny and the team from Freedom again, for ensuring the safety of that many guests with NO trouble. Pictures by Alex Nunney, can be found at the Facebook page, when we saw them, we were blown away! Mike from Bad Apple Media has provided the after movie for your enjoyment! See yourself? #IbizaCarnival2015 for your chance of winning VIP tickets to the next show.
WeLoveCream,
WeLoveRainbow,
WeLoveDJs.
NOW, did somebody mention a Rave? A carnival?
To buy tickets for this event please visit the events page: The Ibiza Carnival 2015 tickets from Skiddle.
Ticket sales by Skiddle Promotion Centre