Acid House

Acid house in Britain developed through several connected routes. The music grew out of Chicago house, created by Black producers and shaped through the city’s Black, Latino and gay club cultures. Imported records, DJs and specialist shops carried the sound across the Atlantic, where it met established British traditions of Black dance music and all-night clubbing, alongside the Balearic influence brought back from Ibiza.

From late 1987, Shoom in London and The Haçienda in Manchester became two of the most prominent acid house night spots, although their histories, audiences and musical development were distinct. The scene didn’t spread from a single club or city. By the summer of 1988, acid house had extended through clubs, warehouse parties and temporary venues across Britain. Flyers, telephone lines and word of mouth helped people find events at short notice.

The summer of 1988 became known as the Second Summer of Love. Acid house changed the sound and social character of British club culture. Dancing became the central activity, while loose sportswear, bright colours and smiley graphics became visible markers of the scene. Its rapid growth also brought commercialisation, hostile press coverage and increasing scrutiny from the police and government.

The photographs in this gallery were contributed to The People’s Archive by Lisa Burke. Most were taken at Boy’s own parties put on by the Boy’s own collective which included Terry Farley, Andrew Weatherall, Cymon Eckel and Steve Mayes.