Prior to documenting the 90s rave scene, Photographer Tony Davis grew up on Nottingham’s Clifton Estate during the 1960s and 1970s. As a working-class kid, his first taste of music and subculture came by way of the football terraces, coming of age listening to Bowie and immersing himself in the Northern Soul scene around the Midlands and North West.
Documentary Photography
Although Tony had a great social life, he felt unfulfilled at work after taking on numerous jobs in his twenties. He decided to take action and enrolled as a mature student at his local college, signing up for a two-year BTEC Photography course. It was then when he developed an interest in documentary photography and everyday life, which he explored further through the course. Tony’s decision to become a mature student paid off in the end, giving him the opportunity to discover a passion and pursue a fulfilling career in photography.
Photo © Tony Davis.
One of his very first shots was of two girls on their BMX bikes in the Lenton suburb of Nottingham. They caught his eye in the street and were happy to have their picture taken. Tony was later offered a place on the prestigious photojournalism course in Newport. However, he had to turn it down due to the birth of his daughter.
90s Rave Scene
Tony’s passion for football took him to Italy and the Italia 90 World Cup. It was on his return to Nottingham that his time from the amphetamine fulled all-nighters at Wigan Casino stood him in good stead when he documented the 90s rave scene that blew up, in particular around the Midlands.
Photo © Tony Davis.
Tony captured the legendary rave nights held by Nottingham’s DiY free-party collective at the Marcus Garvey Centre and many other venues around the Midlands. Clubs such as The Kool Kat, Venus and the Eclipse in Coventry.
“It was a magical time when people were fully immersed in the moment. It was just pure love and hedonism for the music. A time when you went clubbing and left your ego at home.”
Photo © Tony Davis.
Shelley's Laserdome
Another legendary club at the time was Shelley’s (Laserdome) in Stoke. Devotees often travelled in a convoy from all over the UK, making the pilgrimage to the Longton venue to hear sets by the likes of Sasha and Carl Cox.
For anyone north of Stoke a post Shelley’s stop off at one of the M6 services of Knutsford or Sandbach was an essential part of the night, almost as eventful as the club itself. A place where ravers would congregate and carry on the night into the early hours.
Photo © Tony Davis.
Freedom
The arrival of acid house in the late 80s and the 90s rave scene was one of the last youth and cultural movements in the UK before the rise of mobile phones and social media. There was a sense of freedom and spirit among that generation that may never be seen again.
Gallery
Photo © Tony Davis.
Photo © Tony Davis.
Photo © Tony Davis.
Photo © Tony Davis.
Photo © Tony Davis.
Photo © Tony Davis.
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- Article first published
- October 28, 2020
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