DRUMSHEDS, the brainchild of Broadwick Live, embarked on its inaugural Autumn Winter 2023 season with the promise of reshaping London’s cultural scene. A colossal 608,000 sq ft space, boasting a 15,000-person capacity week in, week out, stood as a testament to Broadwick Live’s commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries. As the first season concludes, it’s evident that DRUMSHEDS has not only met but exceeded expectations.
Trailblazing Shows and Experiences
The inaugural season of DRUMSHEDS was a groundbreaking journey that left an indelible mark on London’s cultural landscape. The monumental multi-room warehouse space played host to a diverse array of shows, each meticulously crafted to offer a unique and immersive experience for music enthusiasts across genres.
1. Worried About Henry: A Bass Extravaganza
Worried About Henry kicked off the season with a resounding bass boom that reverberated across the X, Y, and Z rooms. The lineup featured heavyweights like Andy C and Sub Focus, delivering electrifying sets that had the crowd in a frenzy. However, the highlight of the night was the unexpected appearance of Dizzee Rascal, JME, and D Double E during Turno‘s set. This surprise collaboration added an extra layer of excitement, showcasing DRUMSHEDS’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of live performances.
2. Paradise Party with Jamie Jones: A Tech/House Spectacle
Jamie Jones made a triumphant return to London, headlining the Paradise party that drew tech/house royalty from around the world. The sold-out showcase featured stellar performances from Marco Carola, Hot Since 82, and a special back-to-back set from Seb Zito & Archie Hamilton. Jamie Jones himself graced the stage, solidifying DRUMSHEDS’ reputation as a global hub for cutting-edge electronic music.
3. Piano People: A South African Groove Marathon
Piano People took center stage, bringing the vibrant sounds of Amapiano to the heart of London. The indoor winter festival transformed DRUMSHEDS into the largest Amapiano gathering in the UK, boasting a golden lineup that included Major League DJz, special guest DJ Maphorisa, and Charisse C. The 10-hour groove marathon created an atmosphere of unparalleled energy on the dance floor, underscoring DRUMSHEDS’ commitment to showcasing diverse musical genres.
4. False Idols: A Queer Stamp on DRUMSHEDS
False Idols, masterminded by the team behind Little Gay Brother, Percolate, and Broadwick Live, brought divine chaos to DRUMSHEDS. This groundbreaking party promised to evolve the club landscape, and it delivered in style. With performances from Sugababes, Shygirl, Job Jobse b2b Saoirse, Jamz Supernova, and more, False Idols left an indelible mark, uniting partygoers, dancers, performers, and scene stalwarts in a celebration of queer culture.
5. The Hydra Curated by BICEP: A Bass, Dubstep, and Techno Extravaganza
The long-running institution, The Hydra, made its DRUMSHEDS debut curated by BICEP. The metal industrial space provided the backdrop for a late-night session featuring bass, dubstep, grime, jungle, and techno. Kessler, Jay Carder, Special Request, SHERELLE, and Daphni graced the stage, creating a wild, show-stopping finish with the remarkable audio-visual works of CHROMA.
6. Más Tiempo: A House History Lesson with Skepta and Jammer
Ending the season on a high note, Más Tiempo, presented by Skepta and Jammer, returned to its North London roots with a sold-out takeover. The powerhouse duo delivered a masterclass in house history alongside cherished talents like Green Velvet and Loco Dice. DJ EZ, a UK Bass and House extraordinaire, shut down the Y room with high-energy selects and edits, leaving the audience with memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights of the Season
- Worried About Henry: An explosive start featuring heavy hitters from the bass realm, with headliners Andy C and Sub Focus, and a surprise appearance from Dizzee Rascal, JME, and D Double E during Turno’s set.
- Paradise Party with Jamie Jones: A sold-out showcase with tech/house royalty from around the world, including Marco Carola, Hot Since 82, and a special b2b from Seb Zito & Archie Hamilton.
- Piano People: A 10-hour South African groove marathon, the largest Amapiano gathering in the UK, featuring Major League DJz, DJ Maphorisa, and Charisse C.
- False Idols: A groundbreaking party uniting party people, dancers, performers, and live acts, featuring Sugababes, Shygirl, Job Jobse b2b Saoirse, Jamz Supernova, and more.
- The Hydra Curated by BICEP: A late-night session of bass, dubstep, grime, jungle, and techno with leading names like Kessler, Jay Carder, Special Request, and SHERELLE.
- Más Tiempo presented by Skepta and Jammer: Ending the season on a high with a sold-out takeover featuring Green Velvet, Loco Dice, and DJ EZ.
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Looking Ahead to SS24
As the first season concludes on a high note, DRUMSHEDS has already set the stage for an even more spectacular second season in 2024. Some of the upcoming events include:
- Chase and Status live show
- Drumcode‘s biggest show in the UK with Adam Beyer, Kölsch, and Rebūke
- Worried About Henry celebrating 10 years of bass with Wilkinson, Shy FX, and special guest Netsky
- Craig David’s TS5 indoor festival with Jax Jones and more
- Radio 1 Dance featuring trance heroes Above and Beyond
- Amelie Lens bringing her techno paradise EXHALE with a lineup including VTSS
- Bonobo presenting his curation, Outliner, with a special b2b from Kerri Chandler and DJ Tennis
- James Hype and MEDUZA are bringing ‘OUR HOUSE‘ for a day of contemporary house and tech.
Tickets are already on sale for DRUMSHEDS’ 2024 Spring and Summer season.
What Lies Ahead for DRUMSHEDS in 2024
As the curtain falls on DRUMSHEDS’ first season, it’s evident that Broadwick Live has delivered on its promise to revolutionize London’s cultural landscape. With an impressive lineup of shows, unique experiences, and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of live entertainment, DRUMSHEDS has firmly established itself as a cultural powerhouse.
As the second season approaches, London can look forward to another round of unforgettable moments in the heart of the industrial Meridian Water zone.
DRUMSHEDS is an experience that continues to redefine the intersection of music, art, and technology.
Get ready for more groundbreaking memories in 2024!
