Gatecrasher Summer Sound System 2002

Well, it's maybe not the beginning to an end, but it's definitely a huge wake-up call to Gatecrasher and clubland on a whole (especially when the bank manager comes knocking on the door). Glastonbury, the World Cup, summer holidays abroad... was it simply a case of bad timing on Gatecrashers part, or does the real problem run much deeper than that? Afterall, in terms of their weekly club nights, summer festivals, NEC gigs, DJ line ups, mix compilations and general merchandise, Gatecrasher has completely dominated the rest of clubland for the past few years. So does this mean that the 'superclub' era is now drawing to a close, or are we merely reading too much into this?

Whatever the case may be, the fact is, that some of the world's most respected and talented DJ's and Artists were all doing what they do best in a field full of nutters in the middle of nowhere. Those who did go had the time of their lives... the sun was shining, the beer was flowing and everyone was dancing and having fun.

On arrival, Gatecrasher issued a report stating that the Carl Cox arena was closed due to structural damage (and not poor ticket sales, as rumours would have you believe). This of course was a big blow to the promoters and punters alike and it left one end of the site looking barer than a baby's bottom. Having said that, with the likes of Danny Tenaglia, The Chemical Brothers and Groove Armada still on the bill, even the most impotent of men would surely go hard at the mouth-watering talent on offer. 

And they certainly did go hard over in the Chemical Generation tent, as the Chemical Brothers unquestionably turned in the star performance of the day. Foreplay came in the shape of Come With Us, whilst the duo climaxed the set with The Psychedelic Reel. Classic tracks like Afrika, Block Rockin' Beats and Out Of Control came and went in between, as Tom and Ed made another immense musical spectacle of themselves.