Trade - The All Night Bender

[@zuplaton]

Trade was magical. You'd walk down those stairs at Turnmills at 5am and you'd be transported into another word, of thumping beats & beautiful men. I know Trade was known for its hard house sound, but my home was always in the small room, Trade Lite, where the DJ's would play the funkiest soulful house. I've never danced so much or had more fun in a club than in that room, boys, girls, black, white. DJ Chris McKoy was the wonderfully talented resident. The London Frankie Knuckles. He became a friend. The fun stopped at the very end of December 2001, when I arrived early at Trade and was told "Chris died yesterday, falling in a canal in Amsterdam". I sat shell-shocked in a corner of the club for a while. After that, I couldn't bring myself to go to Trade anymore, and even clubbing became difficult. RIP Chris McKoy. I still think about you.

[@ZX300BoY]

Did 8 years of Trade when Trade was Trade.... 1990 onwards.... loved every second of it.... R.I.P Tony De Vit.....❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@HarryFlowerrs]

Brummie Lad Tony, loved Turnmills, The Gallery/Trade/FF ! ❤ Makes me emotional thinking about the times I had there!❤

[@brad1740]

What a time to be alive , those of us who were there, have the memories… 😍😍😍

[@alexcollins4293]

I was a member for 8 years and went every week up to late 1998. Even to the point of coming back from holiday and dropping the girlfriend home and going straight to Trade (oops, forgot to mention I’m straight - I was one of the few straights with a m/ship). Trade was like a church that you were devoted to. You spent the week counting down in anticipation. There is a lot I could say about Trade but a public forum probably isn't the best place but if you've been to Trade you will know what I mean. One thing I will say is Trade had absolutely no attitude, the music was...well there is no comparison. Back in the day Smokin Jo would start with house and garage, then Daz, then Malcome (all three got progressively harder) then at about 9am someone like TDV (RIP), Ian M, or Dave Randell would come on and for the next few hours it just got harder and faster with ABSOLUTELY NO LET UP - no soft or slow tunes, just harder and more manic until close usually at around 12 noon or 1pm. Nowhere else does it so well and few clubs even try. Respects to TDV but for me the Don was Ian M, with Dave Randal close behind (odd that Dave Randal was not mentioned in this program?). Those guys were awesome. If you watched or listened carefully to their mixing everything was 4, 8, 16, 32 with every beat bang on the button. They would pick a tune, cue it in seconds, stand waiting (sometimes looking a bit bored) and then in seconds mix it in perfectly. They made it look so easy. Its just incredible how good these guys are - they have probably forgotten more about mixing than I will ever know! At that time I used to collect 12"s (I call them my souvenirs!) and when they saw me coming with my paper and pen to ask the name of the tune they would just hold the record up without my having to ask. Then that week I would go out and buy whatever was on my list. Many great tunes were played at Trade and often weeks before getting played at any other club. The music really was cutting edge. At the 10th birthday Ian M did the main set and it seriously rocks. For me that set is a perfect example of what the music was like each week. I think it can be found online. One of the things that I think made it work was that it opened at 3.30 am on Sunday morning so it wasn't somewhere that people left "a pub and went on too" so this meant that everyone who was there was committed and really wanted to be there. You didn't end up at Trade by accident! I used to go to bed for a few hours before Trade and there were so many times when the clock went off at 3am and I’m thinking "staying in bed would be soooooo easy" but I still got up and went. And every time, when I eventually got home that afternoon (or evening!!), I was always glad I had gone. Also mentioned in this program was FF on Sunday night. FF was different both in terms of music and membership. Fortunately it closed at 3am as by that stage of the weekend you were pretty wrecked! And yes, FF does mean....(use yr imagination!) I met many great people and far too many to mention. One person I do recall, and i'm sure many of you will also remember, is cafe Dave who had the tea/coffee/etc trailer outside. Sadly some wanker nicked his trailer. He was very upset about that but he still came most weeks. Trade was more than a club. It was different. There was no attitude, everyone respected each other, and never any fights or violence. When you walked it and went down the stairs the atmosphere just hit you. Trade was just unique and it really was everything you wanted in a club. You could easily call it a community as regulars knew most other regulars and sometimes hung out together away from trade. You could also call it an institution or a religion but they probably aren't the best choice of words. Buts that is what it was like. You lived for it.

[@alanwisdom7777]

Hello I just love what you said about trade, I spend so many nights down there , for sure we been many times on the dancefloor. Ej doubell playing best music. Love and take care

[@MrHoweller]

I to was a straight guy who found myself in Trade often, maybe not as much as yourself as I don't live in London. The first time I went it wasn't just a night out it was a sort of life changing experience or at least a pinnacle moment I will never forget. The big problem for me is that I compare every other club to Trade and none come close. It was a combination of the music, lights, lasers, people, atmosphere, venue and other bits we can not mention and the fact it went on until ridiculous o'clock the next day, to the point work on Monday got in the got in the way of your Saturday night out. I have been to Trade in a couple of other venues but its not the same also tried Fire but not yet been to Egg. Cheers Ian

[@paulgduckworth]

Alex Collins Agree with Alex 100 percent. I was a vinyl collector too. I loved the early days of Smokin' Joe, Malcom, Daz and Trev. You put it very nicely. ❤️👌

[@enemyofthestatewearein7945]

Dave Randal had a bit of a falling out with Laurence over a business issue, around 1994 IIRC. Probably why he wasn't mentioned!

[@PHealey1981]

Dave Randall! Epic music

[@bajanboinoho5378]

Trade was the place to be in the early 90s. I was living in London working on the west end and would got to trade after Heaven closed and dance until 11am. I am so glad I have my memories of those amazing times when the E was the best quality and everyone was vibing off the incredible music. 30 years later I now live in Los Angeles and it’s nothing like my time in the uk.

[@aviationstack]

I first went to Trade at Turnmills at the age of 17 (fake ID in hand) in 1998. I had just started college, just come out, Queer as Folk on tv a few months later, the 90s rave culture was still going strong. It was a time to be alive. For a 17 year old, in his bubble all his life, it was certainly an awakening . I carried on going to Trade until it finished at Turnmills in 2008. By then I’d partied hard and love every minute of it. Trade at Turnmills, there was no other place like it. Sadly I hadn’t been Trade anywhere else since. It was Turnmills for me. I remember seeing the fireman and his wife there all the time. I wonder what’s happened to most of the people that were interviewed: the young lad with his mum from Oxford, he must be in his 40s, the lad from Braintree struggling with his sexuality and the couple fighting to stay together - if only they knew then - the huge changes that were to come! Plus Lawrence - what a great guy! Great documentary.

[@simonsansome4100]

Great documentary! Remember Trade with much fondness - and a tear in the eye seeing Tony De Vit.

[@Debagio]

Got taken there by my brother Chris (RIP) in 1992 as a very naive 18 year-old. Completely changed my perception of clubbing could be and the music phenomenal. Dictated my taste in tunes for the next decade. Some of the most memorable clubbing in that sweaty place. Those who were there, well.. you just KNOW. :-)

[@emmaw8763]

ahhhhh Tony de Vit 😢😢 miss him so much

[@alanwisdom7777]

Trade was Turnmills and Turnmills was Trade the only place for Trade was its only home Turnmills, 16 March 2008 was the end of Trade because nothing can't replace Turnmills... I'm pretty at night people who live in the new Turnmills building, must hear screams of joy, laughter, and music.. Trade Forever 💙🙏💙

[@hawcubites]

Troll at Heaven and then Trade....Ho what a night!! I miss it....!!

[@erbr1082]

hawcubites ans then villa stephano for the After

[@curtisducati]

Trade was amazing , did a few years dancing in there omg !

[@AquaFonic]

So many memories loved the place MISS IT SO MUCH 🥺🥺💔💔💔

[@gaiacalls3593]

Greetings Trade babies hope your all well and still with us I remember trade I use to go from 1991 til 1996 those days it was wild fun and I used to have butterflies before I went and dance all night it was great good memories and great energy to be honest I have never been to a nightclub like it in the world it does rank at top club even til today now we are faced going into a new era who would ever think from 3113bc til 2012ad was the era of the dark ages now we have gone into the Golden age it does not feel like it but the powers that be are destroying our planet I'm sure we will all get through it my God bless you all and a huge Thanks to Lawrence for hosting the best super underground nightclub in the UK... I remember most of these guys ... 🙏

[@h21c10]

that feeling of slight apprehension as you first came down the stairs @ 4 am ish, especially if you hadn't been out out beforehand

[@gaiacalls3593]

@@h21c10 fab are you in London now

[@DM-py7pj]

Happy times. Wish there had been more slow footage of inside the club rather than fast jumping footage. The last few seconds of footage really brought the club back for me.

[@HarryFlowerrs]

Turnmills, The Gallery I had so many absolutely brilliant nights there! Big shout out to Jason!❤

[@michaelforster6518]

the gay scene back then,they were were so far more ahead with there music than the regular underground clubs... it was the closest sound and energy to that of the original rave scene.. and you could really get your groove on to it

[@nd_m75]

There were some straight Hard House nights in that era that were as on point musically as Trade and with a full on party crowd..... Strawberry Sundae and Sunny Side Up being two.

[@Madyetmellow]

Nick M strawberry sundae came way after trade. Mad thing is I was living on the streets along with the guy that started Strawberry Sundae and we both used to go to trade as it was the only “legal” club open at those hours. So if it wasn’t for Trade maybe Strawberry Sundae wouldn’t of even happened :)

[@timpravda6548]

good memories never been a club like it since.

[@leemccourt1604]

The best nights I can and can’t remember. A true trade baby. My stop was next to the dj box My first home.

[@mancavant]

R.I.P. tony never forgotten

[@LouisePlusOne]

Brilliant documentary. Nice one for posting. :)

[@leebenstead7171]

I loved this placed and that banging base, I'd go every few months right through the nineties. I had a mad crush on Smokin Jo, still have now after seeing her on First Dates Hotel the other night although i didn't recognise her with all that hair. Unbelievable club I remember just standing there and thinking, this place is just fucking nuts lol I loved it. I ended up in Medication one weekend after going to Trade and Heaven before that, Medication was another bonkers place... that weekend the carnival was on so getting home was a nightmare after a very messy weekend, I never did like walking out of a club in to daylight especially on a Monday with only one contact lens, in to thousands of people. I can laugh about it now but at the time I didn't have clue what to do next lol What a weekend though, goods times such good times, people and music.

[@moscow1995]

MediKaton to be precise about the name

[@tonyboys8054]

Went for years,Tony De Vit best ever

[@karma2023findsU]

I was at trade all through 90s when Tim stapler ran it. Toni devito and Cali's,doves n rhubarb n custards. Great days

[@JM-cf8zy]

Doves and rhubard and custard lol

[@terryjordan11]

Forgive me for being pedantic but Tim’s surname was Stabler. Very sadly he passed away this year. Many fond memories of hanging out with him and the mischief n shenanigans that ensued! And it’s important to note how key Tim was in Trade’s success. He physically slogged his guts out, week in, week out so that everything would be ready n set to roll every Sunday morning. RIP Tim. Hope you and Tony are together once again up there, having a blast creating much mischief! ❤

[@karma2023findsU]

@@terryjordan11 No need to ask forgiveness, you're totally right. It was a spelling mistake,i should've read my post before uploading it. R.I.P Tim and thankyou for many great memories.

[@jennahcollings1174]

Omg just found this....I'm ex Heaven security...tis true nearly 30 years later you're all in my heart still....those who have gone still live in my heart deeply!❤❤❤

[@MrHoweller]

I only went to trade a few times, in my opinion there never has been, isn't now and never will be a club like it! it was so much more than just a night out, it rocked from start to finish every time the doors were open!

[@gageohrn]

miss trade everyday. was such a great time to be living and working on the gay scene in london

[@anthonymarvell153]

Wow the memories 🎉❤🎉

[@micknorris1999]

I went there in early 90s, was best late night place gay or straight in London at that time.

[@myke3332001]

Best club ever .

[@jordistek2059]

Gay night clubs play the best tunes.

[@benarlanda373]

Anyone know the tune at 35.13? Such a banger

[@Adam-hi8vn]

E-Trax - Let's Rock (Tony de Vit mix)

[@mallerywallinger1096]

I still have my trade baby key ring. They gave these out to clubbers on their 1st or 2nd birthday.

[@scottlovegrove1204]

I think it was their 1st b/day... I have one too ☺️

[@robhumphreys9113]

Turnmills. Turn the fucking heating off. Hottest club ever

[@MRTr0nik]

oooff! zero B Lock up , the Porn Kings Amour, Tony De vit are you all ready? think mrs woods joanna is in there somewhere too :P and hiphoperation! Wish I was old enough to have gone. This would have been sundissential X10 and to have seen Tony De Vit live would have been phenomenal

[@londonnow5054]

been told that Madonna went there once at least.

[@brummieviking9541]

@DirtyBollix Ninety nine all stars- soakin wet

[@bintusify]

Hey, does anybody know the name of the track that is playing over the beginning of the documentary - ta!

[@Ghoulies]

Zero B - Lock Up (Original Mix)

[@Matthew-r9u]

I wonder what happened to Tony and Marian?

[@alisonshaw7165]

That music

[@adcashmo]

Doc seems to have come out 1998, not '97. It mentions TDV's death in 1998.

[@Meltdown555]

Great times

[@deerheart87]

It was way too fast for me I liked my happy house uplifting house , trade was hard core

[@leesimmons9091]

I wish I went

[@PHealey1981]

Track ID 50:37 please

[@stephenyoung1782]

Used. To. Love Going. To. Trade. Used. To. Go. Once. A. Month. Sad. It. Closed Great. Time. Used. To. Talk. To. Tony. Devote

[@gaiacalls3593]

I remember Tony devit from Birmingham we was from the same city Birmingham then I moved to London and we used to doves , rhubarb and custards danced till we sweated all night shocked still today that tony passover God bless you man and the transexuals on the dance floor the memories are wild and out this world I'm still touched by it here we are 2020 hunting stuff on trade it was warm loving and wild atmosphere Huge Thanks to Lawrence for playing a huge roll in my nightlife... I hope we get all the bullshit in 2020 with this isolation and ridiculous global elite destroying us all and the planet they will not succeed and must not we today in the beginning of the Golden Age it does not feel like it at all ... anyway guys stay safe and be strong Peace 🙏✌😛 sorry for all this pratel man ! Any old trade babies give me a shout !

[@gaiacalls3593]

@@plewin4681 I remember pink new Yorkers how you doing bro ...

[@brittania1974]

the host in the sun glasses is a vampire

[@lauriegresty3211]

💥💥💥💖💖💖💖💖💕💕

[@wordscontrolminds]

wonder if fireman and woman from eastenders are still married since Trade ended?

[@jessicajames1523]

They are x

[@AmbientWanderer]

@@jessicajames1523 How do you know? :)

[@kevintroll4307]

Troll was so much better than Trade.

[@ixxi7774]

12:59 puke

[@newspeak1978]

Tony Blair?