Marco from The Fridge talks about ‘that’ night and more
Reported by mostwantedkat
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Submitted 10-08-06 15:47
When most people clean out their fridge, it’s simply a matter of getting rid of something mouldy in the corner that used to resemble a cucumber and giving the shelves a quick wipe down. When Marco Barrancos, manager of The Fridge nightclub in Brixton had his done, it was with the ‘help’ of 200 police officers, and they weren’t wearing marigolds . . .
Three months on from the April shenanigans and it’s back to business as usual. With premier events such as Polysexual South on Saturday August 19th, Innovate (September 16th) and Twisted (September 2nd) using the venue for their massive parties, Marco is keen to dispel any myths, particularly those involving packs of police dogs, that portray The Fridge as no longer being clubber friendly.
Manager of The Fridge, Marco Barrancos Picture courtesy of M. Barrancos
Okay, let’s cut straight to it — what went down at The Fridge on April 15th? It must be every club manager’s worst nightmare?!
Sure thing! It was a very scary situation and we didn’t see it coming. But we had nothing to hide and after collaborating fully with the police we opened The Fridge again.
Everyone’s been asking, so can you clear it up once and for all — are there still police dogs on the doors?
The police dogs were scheduled to go three months after we reopened. They were there only to ensure that the club is working fully with the police, and it shows that we haven’t got anything to hide. The dogs come in on random occasions, but only when the club is closed to the public. We’re not the only club to do this either — Fabric do it once a month.
So the police won’t be carrying out random searches on the doors?
No. The police and The Fridge are working together to make clubbing a safe and fun environment to go, but no searches on the door.
What effect has it had on events at The Fridge?
I think it has been more the case of negative publicity against the club that bought the numbers down but we are recovering, especially considering summer is traditionally the worst time of the year for clubs. So for us to be alive and kicking it after everything that’s gone on is a testament to what an amazing venue it is and the kind of parties we throw.
The Fridge hots up on Boxing Day Picture courtesy of The Fridge
Do you think that it was a problem with The Fridge or more to do with the area you’re in?
Definitely it was more to do with the area we are in. Last year the police did a similar thing at Brixton tube station and we were probably next on their list. They’re just cracking down on a wider problem within Brixton. Plus I think the police wanted to show that there is no club bigger than them and they can raid it.
You got your 6am drinks licence back, that must have been a relief?
It totally is a relief, sure! People can have a drink and enjoy themselves, which is what we’re here for!
What would you say to clubbers who were staying away because of what happened?
I’d tell them to stop being silly and come back to one of the oldest and coolest clubs in London. There are only a handful of venues in London, even in the country that can create the kind of large scale atmosphere that The Fridge can. We have the biggest djs, the best parties and the most amazing venue — it doesn’t get any better than The Fridge when we’re on forming and at the moment we’re on fire!
Okay, let’s put the past behind us. What does the future hold for the Fridge?
To be honest, it couldn’t be any simpler. The best parties possible and a wicked night out for everyone that comes through our doors.
Being a club manager isn’t the most obvious choice for a career — how did you get in to it?
I do like it. It has its good parts and its bad parts. The stress, that bit’s not easy, but all in all it’s great fun.
What does a normal day entail?
During the week, paying bills, all the administration side, contacting new promoters and new suppliers etc., it never ends! On the weekend, making sure everything goes smoothly, that the promoters have everything they need, that it all goes off without a hitch and that everyone has the best possible time they can.
I imagine it’s a job that can get pretty stressful very quickly. How do you handle the pressure?
Start talking in Portuguese, my mother language . . . LOL so no one can understand me… lol!!
Who decides what parties get to use The Fridge? What do you look for?
They have to be able to create a good nights out and also bring a good crowd with them.
Just a typical night with your head in The Fridge Picture courtesy of The Fridge
Do you have good relationships with the promoters or are some of them a pain in your ass (mentioning no names obviously!!)?
There are some that are easier than others, certainly, but I am easy going anyway so I get along with every one.
What makes The Fridge such a special venue?
It’s one of the oldest venues in London, it’s steeped in dance floor history and you can feel it when you walk in the place. Plus, and not that I’m biased and you can ask anyone who’s ever been here, but when it’s bombing it is one of the best.
What’s going on upstairs at the Fridge?
We’re redecorating and making it a fabulous place for all our clubbers — watch this space!
What’s the best night you’ve even staged?
I must admit and say it was the Big Bank Holiday Orange, without a doubt, it totally went off!
What’s the worst?
Honey every night at The Fridge is good . . .
If you could have any party or artist perform at The Fridge, who would you love to have?
Madonna.
If you weren’t a club manager, what do you think you’d be doing right now?
Probably accounts, which is what I actually studied for, but I can see myself here for a few years yet.
Polysexual South The Rodeo Showdown hits the Fridge on Saturday August 19th Image courtesy of Most Wanted Events
Polysexual South is back party people, and this time she’s riding in to town on a big phat Hard House horse. That’s right, check your chaps, sling on your spurs and get your glow sticks at the ready cos she’s shooting from the hip and she’s taking no prisoners!
This is the ultimate hoe-down for the harder generation with a line-up of world class DJs that would make even John Wayne himself get off his horse and party! Check this lil’ line-up out for some serious badd-ass Hard House action!!!
Who better to headline this tootin’ rootin’ musical affair than one of the most up-for-it men in dance music – tip your hats with some respect for the Sheriff of Fridge City, Andy Farley. And he ain’t alone in his quest for the dance floor, oh no sirree. Backing him up all the way is Poly’s very own Magnificent Seven – Ian M, Ed Real, Greg Brookman, Lady Bianca, Mark H, Dr Duzzit and Section 2. You city slickers better watch out as these guys will be whupping your ass with the biggest, baddest tracks in town – dance boy, dance!
Head on up to the Icebox, and you won’t find no nambee pambee piano players in here! It gets harder the further in you go partner, as the Nu Energy Collective take you by the reins and give you a damn good Hardcore seeing to! Mark Ashley, K Complex, Ethos and Nemesis behind the wheels of steel with Rizla Dizla and Ethos MC spitting words faster than Billy the Kid on a good day!
So get yo’ hard house in order for the biggest night in all of London town, Polysexual South Presents the Rodeo Showdown, Saturday August 19th at The Fridge, Brixton. Cowboys and their cowgirls, – ain’t nobody knows how to party like Polysexual South knows how to party!
From: nige_non 10th Aug 2006 17:13.55 It would have been quite interesting to know the thoughts of the manager about what sounds like the racial segregation of the dancefloor at the fridge
From: TheDonon 10th Aug 2006 20:45.27 Nice bloke too, good on him.
From: Aaron_Moorishon 10th Aug 2006 22:27.41 Marco, Big ya!
From: Nishhh.....!on 11th Aug 2006 00:25.31 The Fridge is the best hard dance venue ever....Legendary!!
From: Claire99on 11th Aug 2006 08:33.29 yeah I must admit the fridge is my fave venue .....made for hardhouse 100%
From: Lisa Bon 11th Aug 2006 10:16.53 Long Live the Fridge. The Best hard dance venue In London. Thankyou Marco for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us
L xxxx
From: richbowenukon 11th Aug 2006 10:19.45 Fridge has really come on leaps and bounds!
From: anushka007on 11th Aug 2006 12:16.06 I like the club no matter what peeps say have had wicked moments there and I am hoping for many more
From: *cheeky chick*on 11th Aug 2006 12:49.51 I have always loved the Fridge,been back several times since the raid with no worries and had a fab time.
roll on polysexual
From: WEBBOon 11th Aug 2006 16:50.14 love live the fridge see you all on the 19th
From: onthebasson 12th Aug 2006 01:00.56 One of the best venues EVA. Congrats on getting back in order. Have heard nothing but praise since it re-opened
From: Jay.....on 12th Aug 2006 16:33.32 all good, but if its not the try hards its the triads
From: Andy Ton 13th Aug 2006 18:34.53 Great Read London just wouldn't be the same without The Fridge
Bring on Sept 30th
From: Dr DUZZITon 14th Aug 2006 16:39.23 best venue in london by a mile and its great to see it back up too its best. London scene took a big knock when it closed down and now its coming alive again..... roll on Polys!!!
From: Jennie Bon 15th Aug 2006 09:01.19 Great to see the fridge back, I must say I never really liked it but I went there on Friday night for Ignition and had one of the best night out this year!!!!!
Let get so rocking parties in there now!
From: sexyminxon 15th Aug 2006 18:24.01 I love the fridge and have always done so. Its a shame what happened. So glad that we have the fridge back and glad that its getting packed like it used to. Can't wait for upstairs to open, its wicked up there and you can see all the fantastic visuals etc. Keep up the god work
From: bobbelhaton 17th Aug 2006 16:17.15 top bananna marco. my love affair with the fridge is still strong. i have spent some of the most awesome nites of my life there. nice to c gary also. stay safe dude, c u at superfish, back home at last. bobbel
From: VinDieselon 20th Aug 2006 01:33.10 The Fridge has a fond place in my clubbing memories. Good to see Marco is working hard to make the The Fridge one of the premier dance venues in London. Good luck with all your future plans
From: Kezzaron 21st Aug 2006 16:14.30 We had a fantastic night Performing our shows at the fridge thanks for your trust & keep up the good work as the Venue is wicked.
From: nuttonyon 22nd Aug 2006 00:32.12 Well done Marco!!! My first ever night out in London was at the Fridge about 5 1/2 years ago and I immediately fell in love with the place. Most of my best nights were spent there and would be a shame to loose this place. Keep up the good work and the swearing in Portuguese, also my mother tongue
From: ~deleted12163on 22nd Aug 2006 18:00.37 So whats with wrong with the 'left hand side' of the Fridge?
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