I went to see Vernon Kay DJ in Liverpool and what I saw after the show will stick with me
I never thought I'd be spending my Friday evening watching a Vernon Kay DJ set., but this is exactly what happened last night. The 50-year-old broadcaster brought his live version of hit Radio 2 show, Dance Sounds of the 90s, to the Liverpool Olympia yesterday.
In an interview with the ECHO before the show, Vernon pointed out how dance music, Liverpool and a Friday night was the perfect concoction for a good time and it piqued my interest to see how the show would pan out. I always love an opportunity to see a show in the historic surroundings of the Liverpool Olympia and was one of many who made the journey to West Derby Road last night for the nostalgic rave event.
As someone born in the 1990s, I wasn't old enough to properly experience the halcyon days of dance music so was excited to get a sample of what it must have been like to go out during one of the most vibrant decades for club music. Vernon arrived on stage to huge cheers as iconic clips from the decade that gave us Gazza's tears, Cool Britannia and New Labour played on the decks.
The crowd were thrilled as the presenter started his set with a track from dance music legends, Chemical Brothers, and everybody in attendance was transported back in time to 30 years ago. In his chat with the ECHO before the show, Vernon explained how his gig in Liverpool provided most food for thought as Scousers are so well versed in dance music.
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He told the ECHO In an exclusive interview: "The Merseyside audience is very knowing. They've got a great musical culture and a great musical history.
"It seems that when you get there, there's no messing about. You've got to know your stuff because there are so many great artists out there. There are loads of kids out there who are really pushing for success behind a set of turntables and they just need a break."
The extra attention the DJ paid to his Liverpool set paid off as the playlist was jam packed with classics that had the crowd bouncing all night. Whether its the heritage of being the birthplace of Cream or just the vibrant nature of Scousers, there's something about dance music and Liverpool that fits so well.
The event last night had a distinctly Liverpudlian flavour as it feels like the city have claimed ownership of songs such as Set You Free and Show Me Love, which went down a storm in the Olympia. People in attendance were those lucky enough to experience what it was like to go out during the best decade for club music and loved the opportunity to relive what would have been a special and formative time in their lives.
However, 90s dance music is not limited to one demographic and there were people from younger generations there to party to some of the best club classics ever produced. The Olympia is always one of my favourite venues in the city as it's an ideal size for a buzzing energy to filter around the room.
Vernon was inspired to take Dance Sounds of the 90s around the country after he saw how much fun his colleague, Gary Davies, was having while touring the show's 1980s counterpart. It was clear the DJ was having a great time on stage as he repeatedly praised the Liverpool crowd while moving between songs.
Apart from a debatable inclusion of the Venga Boys that seemed to divide some in the room, the playlist was flawless and kept the crowd dancing all night. People weren't ready for the party to stop and were disappointed when Vernon had to start drawing the show to a close and said "see you on Monday" - when he returns to the airwaves on Radio 2 at 9.30am.
The crowd weren't ready to start thinking about next week as they were all enjoying the moment of a fun and lively Friday night. The DJ was feeling similar as he told the crowd his party would be continuing when he headed to Albert's Schloss on Bold Street.
It turned out he wasn't just paying lip service to please the crowd, as we spotted him run past us to hail a cab after the show on our journey back to town. Seeing someone off the telly doing normal things shouldn't be so standout. However, I must admit, and this perhaps speaks to my own immaturity, that hearing Vernon's distinctive Boltonian tones stopping two taxis for his family and friends became the dominant talking point for the rest of my evening.
The surreal moment was a funny way to end an unexpected Friday night that was a great time for everyone in attendance. Sometimes the most unexpected experiences turn out to be the best ones.