For those Soho Revue Bar virgins, the main bar is an intimate room with small stage, with a small dance floor, 3 or 4 rows of seating and the bar area at the back. The room is lavishly decorated with huge chandeliers.
The intimate crowd consisted of a mix of music fans and general partygoers of all ages. The overall feel for the night was one of entertainment, humour and partying in an intimate club.
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mark Jones, truly on form in a pimp daddy style leopard print two-piece. The bands that played from the Wall Of Sound label were excellent. At times coming offstage to sing in the crowd to give the whole night a special feel of intimacy, which is often lost in bigger venues.
The Shortwave set was a real highlight. As was Mpho Skeef who’s London sound set the tone. The lead singer had a distinct husky quality reminiscent of Macy Gray and Corrinne Bailey Rae.
A Human provided the perfect energetic performance to get the party in full swing. One group that proved very popular was the Infadels. All the acts went together seamlessly and each brought their own individuality; all of which now appear on my iPod playlist.
Drink and Dance
It was good to see each of the bands staying to watch and support each other’s performances and having a good drink and a dance. Walking around the venue you had a chance to have a quick chat with all the bands, which again helped create a good vibe.
Marc Almond’s performance was the biggest act of the night, and he didn’t fail to get the crowd going. Like a kid in a sweet shop he was in his element on stage, loving every moment. This was that time of the night when everyone hit the dance floor.
Marc sang some new material, and after some persuading (chanting from the now tipsy crowd), revisited some old favourites including the big one, Tainted Love. Everyone was taken back in time and bounced around the room in alcoholic excitement.
Compact Dance Floor
Following Marc Almond was a perfect time to introduce Chicago’s DJ Pierre – the legend of House who took control for the post-midnight slot; the Revue bar by this stage was definitely a full-blown club night, making full use of the busy, compact dance floor immediately in front of the stage.
The night was a great success, and the crowd were very enthusiastic, particularly after a few complimentary San Miguels’. There was another bar upstairs, which was far more chilled out. But the action was definitely down in the the main bar all night. An excellent night was had by all.
