A Man To Pet

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Greek Queer Cinema

This Friday THE QUEER ARCHIVE presents an after hours screening of the 18-rated and critically acclaimed Greek/U.K film production of HE LOVES ME by Greek director Konstantinos Menelaou. We caught up with Konstantinos ahead of tomorrow’s function:

Hi Konstantinos! Can you give us a brief overview of what to expect on Friday night?

Friday night we (The Queer Archive) join forces with Rio Cinema and Dalston Superstore for the UK premier of my first feature film He loves me a Greek/UK production. Along with my film we present two Greek short films by Yorgos Angelopoulos and Thanasis Tsimpinis. A Man to Pet with be the hostess, I will play some music and have lots of wine at Superstore before the screening and we will join Mints after the screening for a much needed plate-breaking session.

What prompted you to put on this event?

Rio Cinema and Dalston Superstore are two venues very close to my heart and He loves me was conceived and inspired by events, affairs and heartbreaks that happened in and around Dalston. So it makes total sense to show the film here. It’s like the murderer going back to the crime scene.

What are your earliest memories of film?

I remember Hammer Horror and Amicus Horror films. Both British production companies that made amazing horror films in the 70s. I remember finding the VHS of Monster’s Club in my parents drawer and watching it when i was 5 or 6. I remember The Exorcist, Who’s that girl… I remember the smell of plastic at the video store in my neighbourhood.

What was your journey to become a film-maker?

I studied fine arts and not film. I have always been too intimidated by the world of film. I always thought it was such a huge thing and that i could never be good enough to ever make a film. I was making shorts and working on abstract ideas and forms until i finally found the strength to make my first feature. Now i know that there is not one way of making films. It can be a personal and creative process that doesn’t necessarily involve a huge set and crew and a lot of stress.

What inspired He Loves Me?

It was a personal need to tell some stories based on my own experiences. It all became too confusing – relationships turned from innocent fun to heartbreaking nightmares, London was getting harder and harder and communication was very problematic. But i still had to share my thoughts and get a response so it was natural to me to put these thoughts into the film. It is an homage to the relationships that shaped me.

Can you tell us a little about the people behind the other two films?

The other two films are directed by Yorgos Angelopoulos and Thanasis Tsimpinis. Both of them are young directors based in Athens. Their films are amazing and their language is universal, thats why i thought it would be great to show them at our screening in London. There is a queer cinema scene in Athens inspired by this whole Greek cinema renaissance thats been happening the last ten years and it actually feels great to be a part of it.

Given the current political climate in Greece, and across much of Europe, why do you think it’s so important to keep making work about our queer identities?

It’s crucial to keep on having a strong voice and presence because there is still – and probably will always be – a force against the queer community. We need to keep our queer history safe, we need to keep on evolving, creating and celebrating our beautiful existence though making work that reveals the truth behind the lies and shows that love is not something that anyone should be afraid of.

For more info on the event check here.

For the afterparty check here.

Favourite Superstore moments from our special guest DJs!

Our East London queer-topia is diving head first into her tweens, and this Bank Holiday Sunday it’s our Ninth Birthday Bash! After nine years full of all-star special guests, heartwarming fundraisers, drag debauchery and all-nonsense brunch extravaganzas, we are cramming all the best of Dalston Superstore into TEN HOT HOURS OF MAD BIRTHDAY SHENANIGANS! This line-up of infamous faces including Wes Baggaley, Fannar, Rachael, Goldsnap, Chaka Khan’t, Super Drama, Michelle Manetti and A Man To Pet continue to be at the forefront of LGBTQ+ nightlife and have thrown some our most iconic BANGERS over the past nine years. But the real question is, what brings them back?

We asked them to spill the tea on what they really think of our homo-pleasure palace and what we can expect from them on Sunday!

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Fannar

My favourite experience or night in Superstore would have to be all the Meat nights, obvs! But when we did meat New Year’s Eve and my mother came down only to stay few hours but ended watching me for five hours while I pretending to be all cool and professional, and when she left that was the end of me, and I crashed out in the DJ booth! Very professional, innit! Til hamingju med afmælid Superstore!

Wes

Wes Baggaley

I love Dalston Superstore and feel really honoured to have been asked to play at the birthday bash for the second year running. I love it so much because it’s so much more than just a club. You can go there during the day and work on your laptop or just hang out, get food, have drinks or even look at the gallery. It’s all things to everybody. There’s a real sense of inclusivity and a proper community feel. No matter what time you go in you, will always see somebody you know. Not to mention the banging soundsystem in the basement with some of the best, most forward thinking LGBTQ+ nights in the country. My favourite memory of Superstore was playing back to back with Dan Beaumont at the eighth birthday party last year alongside my DJ heroes Derrick Carter and Luke Solomon. I’m really happy to have been asked back to play with the badass Nadia Ksaiba. Here’s a picture of my alter ego Tina Turnip with some of her best friends at Superstore.

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Rachael

I’ve been part of the Superstore family since the third birthday! The first time I was invited to play the birthday party (AKA the best party of the year), I was so honoured that I knew I had to pull a very special set out the bag. So I composed a vinyl love letter to Dalston Superstore. My set included Womack & Womack’s Teardrops because the very first week I worked there, we went bowling and all ended up in the karaoke booth in Rowan’s singing it at the top of our lungs. I played Sharon Redd – Can You Handle It cos Dan Beaumont bought me that record for my 30th birthday. I played Pointer Sisters – Dare Me ’cause that was basically on repeat on the disco daytime playlist every day for about three years straight. EVERY.SINGLE.RECORD I played during that set meant something to me about my time there, and every time I’m invited back to play is a goddamn delight!

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Goldsnap

Our favourite memory of Superstore is a hard one to pin down. One of them was at the beginning of Goldsnap. There was a lot of hype around it, and everyone was excited to have a new weekly night. People were so hyped they were falling off chairs, balconies… it was chaos, but so much fun! Also, I (Gin) distinctly remember playing Beyonce’s Blow and everyone going wild.

We keep coming back because of gigs and of the friends. It’s definitely a safe central spot to meet people, and we know the family. One of the most important things about having a queer space, is keeping it queer. I appreciate that Superstore has a safer spaces policies and actively tries to make sure the customers feel safe. We’ve also met a lot of new friends through Superstore, some of whom have really helped me throughout our respective careers and been there as support. I appreciate the family that keep Superstore going, and I hope they are able to celebrate with us on Sunday!

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Chaka Khan’t

Trying to isolate one memory at Dalston Superstore is near impossible, so I think I’ll have to settle on a few! I was stalking the Superstore website and dreaming about partying here long before I even arrived in London. When I started the job – first as a bartender – I knew that I had found an amazing queer family that was going to change the course of my time in London. In the last five years here, nearly all of my greatest memories are of parties in Superstore. Whether it’s setting up my own Tuesday night party Disco Spritz and DJing for the very first time, thrashing around on the bar countless times, discovering the genius that is Grizzle, establishing an incredible extended family of beautiful characters, or spending many hours well into the next day at my very first Superstore Birthday Bash, it has been a wild ride so far. I can’t wait to see what the next year holds in store!

Super Drama

After a chance meeting with Chaka Khan’t and Dance Armstrong in a tent in Wales, we soon began playing at Last Resort and Disco Spritz. Our favee memory of Superstore is the party last year when Jerome ripped the back of my (Jon’s) shirt in a perfect square and got multiple compliments off people thinking it was a really strong and fashion-forward look. We keep on returning to play Mints with our amazing dance troupe of K’wality, Kety Perry, Lexy and Pinky Bits who are all hosting the birthday party on Sunday.

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Nadia Ksaiba

My first memory of superstore was Jonjo’s Hot Boy Dancing Spot‘s construction party, I’m not sure they had finished building but I just remember being jealous of my friend Rory as he went. My favourite experience would have to be one of the Optimo parties back in 2010 that may have started on a Friday and carried on ’til Monday! The Superstore basement is still one of the most underrated clubs in London, there’s always something good going on for £5! I keep coming back because it really is like like family. It’s always good to hear a Dan Beaumont set at a Superstore birthday!

Michelle Manetti

Superstore is by far the most fabulous queer space in London. Fèmmme Fraîche has made a very comfortable home there and the DSS team have always been super supportive of what we do. It’s such an important venue for the London queer scene and i’ve made so many friends, danced wayyy too hard on far too many occasions, and had one-too-many sambucas countless times, but she’ll keep coming back for more. I’ve been partying hard at Superstore since its doors first opened nine years ago, and it’s always a pleasure to DJ and even more of an honour to play at the birthday party, so I’ll be spinning my finest tunes for such an auspicious occasion (just keep pouring me those sambucas!)

A Man To Pet

My first memory of Superstore was the first night that it opened! I remember every single person who was there, and now the most of them are way too old to go out I am so thankful that drinking the coconut water from the bar there keeps me youthful! My favourite memory is the salmon breakfast and the Basic Boys riming each other on the bar and synchronised swimming with John Sizzle! I won’t say anymore. Gurl is nine years old and I’ve spent more than 1000 nights either working or dancing there. LOVE SUPERSTORE, more than the glory. Thanx and bye.

Catch all these special guests and more at Dalston Superstore’s Ninth Birthday Bash this May Bank Holiday Sunday from 7pm-5am!

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GenderPacific

Down under the sea (or rather, above The Haggerston pub), Tony Hornecker of The Pale Blue Door has teamed up with that irrepresible sea witch A Man To Pet to present a bonkers dining and cabaret experience complete with authentic Greek cuisine cooked by A Man To Pet’s very own mother Mama Pet! Seeing as they’ve extended the run of GenderPacific and opened up more dinner opportunities we caught up with Tony and Pet to find out more…

Where is Gender Pacific and how long will it be running for?

Tony: GenderPacific could be anywhere, any sea from the Red to the North to our dearest Caspian!
Our main port is located above a pub randomly, The Haggerston, once all are onboard we head off to the depths in our wonderful traveling machine!

A Man To Pet: Is start the trip from Kingsland road above Hagerstown pub!!! Weird ha but yes is happenning you can experience under water life in the heart of Dalston!!! Trips will go on till 12 of July. You better get your tickets now, limited seats left.

What’s the signature dish?

Tyrosalata… spicy creamy feta cheese melt with herbs.

Is it true that A Man To Pet’s mum is doing all the cooking?

AMTP: Oh yes is Very True we wanted to have a real home made Greek food and put all the family in business. Also mama Hornecker she made hats for the gender pacific that everyone can wear!!!

What other dishes does Mama Pet have up her sleeve for us to try?

AMTP: Mama Pet’s dishes change daily and gaily, with Maria her right hand and Tony her left, she deftly conjures her kleftiko. Lachanodolmades, soutsoukakia, moussaka, keftedakia, and more… yum yum with genderless, slenderless decadence galore! Her dessert galaktoboureko is the best!!!

How does one get a seat at the Captain’s Table?

Tony: We have email address thepalebluedoor@gmail.com or find us on Facebook and msg us there!

What are you getting us drunk on? We heard talk of champagne cocktails…?

AMTP: With the arrival Straight after our magic cocktail base with champagne of course we take you to a different dimension you have to come and experience to understand what I mean.

If you were a deep sea creature, which would you be and why?

AMTP: I would be Miss Jelly fish Octopussy or Mr Crab actual creatures that you can see at Gender Pacific sub marine.

What can we expect from a night out at Gender Pacific?

Bored by sitting watching our country, our world, our beloved Dalston overtaken by bankers and wankers from far and wide, saddened by constant newspaper headlines dripping the same fear mongering words to our sweet open ears, Ms Pet and Tony decided to take things into their own hands, developing an oasis deep beneath the seas, where sexuality is irrelevant, immigrants are people not numbers and politicians great blunders. The journey to this land is a chance to collectively reflect, to be dazzled by simple pleasures of bygone eras, where theatre is god and friends are our air. Tony’s ship is hand built but sturdy and A Man To Pet’s show, handmade but blurry, Mama Pet flown in, sturdy and blurry, with teary eyes of joy has she watches her son, gender specific as male transform into a sea creature, not gay for sure but to her eyes as beautiful as any lady, so pure…

Happy faces dive each Thursday To Sunday, the subterranean SubMarine delights with under sea sights, imagine the Titanic’s delectable dining room, in a pocket of air still singing, still dancing as she sank to her doom..

Visit GenderPacific above The Haggerston Pub in Dalston before July 12th.

Find Tony Hornecker’s website here >> tonyhornecker.com

Pecker’s Last Spurts

“And now the end is near a so it’s time to draw the curtain” crooned ol’ glassy eyes Frankie S back in the day and it’s with tears in our own peepers that we bid a fond farewell to PECKER for a bit. We’ve had a blast at Superstore over the past year… we’ve fondled, caressed and shook the dance floors. We’ve boozed, bopped and surfed on and off the bar upstairs. Those Dirtbox boys Pork and Gibson have caressed and teased the limbs of all and sundry with their housey tunage whilst A Man To Pet and I have literally murdered many a superstars biggest hits with our enthusiastic lip-sunk performances. So it’s with a teary eye we bid you adieu and leave you with a collection of other FINAL SPURTS from pop-culture over the years.

Kisses,

John Sizzle x

NIC FISHER

The last Trade at Turnmills before the nightclub shut down, this place is now legendary. I even got myself a piece of the dance floor, literally, as a souvenir.

The last words of James French convicted murderer, sentence to the electric chair.

“Hey fellas how about this for a headline for tomorrow’s papers? French Fries” haha.

GIBSON

Death of Tribalism in fashion… ever since the ’50s there has been a youth movement with their own distinct style rockers, mods, hippies, punks, new romantics, ravers.

Death of Rik Mayall, 1958-2014, Death of post punk comic genius. Famed for his manic characters in The Young Ones, Drop Dead Fred and Bottom.

DUCHESS OF PORK

The 17 deaths of Kathryn Janeway, the fiercest Star Trek captain ever. So fierce she came back from the dead 17 times to make it back home to the alpha quadrant.

Myrtle Snow’s last words before being burned at the stake in American Horror Story.

A MAN TO PET

The last applause of Nana Mouskouri

Basically looking the same as she started never change

The Sound of Music’s “So Long Farewell” inspired me to be the performer you see today. I love nuns, I love children, I love their clothes. If only I was 20 years younger…I’d make a fabulous Maria.

JOHN SIZZLE

Aah Marilyn…. She copped it soon after being sacked from the last film she worked on – Something’s Got To Give. She certainly went out with a bang. Rumour has it the CIA helped her along. Either way I don’t think she was ready… Apparently she was looking her best on her final and uncompleted movie.

Remember Dynasty, that bonkers 80s soap with our Joanie C and co? Did you ever see the even more ridiculous spin-off, The Colby’s? It was shite…. BUT when it ended it threw away reality and had good daughter Fallon meet with some sexy aliens and get whisked off in a deluxe UF fucking O. Now that’s how you make a FINAL exit!

Join John Sizzle, A Man To Pet, Gibson, the Duchess Of Pork and special guest Nic Fisher at Pecker: The Final Spurt this Friday 1st August from 9pm – 3am at Dalston Superstore.

Summer Voyage

Ahead of Voyage Voyage’s Summer Special tomorrow night, we asked A Man To Pet, Johnny Kalifornia and Bob Chicalors to tell us about their dream summer holidays…

A MAN TO PET:

RIO DE JANEIRO, of cause! Cause the boys girls trans everybody and the clima are hot!!!!! Men there they are beyond belive – you never go back home alone and you’re always more than just 2!!!! Happy dance all night flipping and all that samba samba samba.

I don’t know the spelling but drinks are Mojitos or Capriccioso – full of sugar they make you sweat and give you energy!!! – and lots of ICE!

Tracks I will listen to are:

Kaoma – Lambada

and, of course, Dalida – Rio de Brasil

BOB CHICALORS:

SPAIN! – touring THE WHOLE COUNTRY, hitting the beaches, pretending I’m in an Almodovar film and stalking Fangoria…

We’ll be drinking Pina Coladas, obviously:

or Rum and Coca Cola:

Music-wise: beachside, it’s Vamos A La Playa (oh oh ohohoh)

and Serebro

And there’s a back alley pun somewhere, with Azis, Tarkan, Omer Adams…*swoon*

JOHNNY KALIFORNIA:

SAINT TROPEZ – C’est bon!

If it’s good enough for Brigitte Bardot, it’s good enough for me. I’d be yacht-hopping with a selection of European studs I’d pick up along the way (one from each European country should do it).

Unfortunately, I’m too old to be a rich man’s toyboy and too poor to be a rich man! But I’ll find a way to make to happen. If I was Elton John, that’s where I’d be, right now…

Drinks-wise – Sex On The Beach, obviously:

or maybe a Mai Tai??

…with the odd glass of Chablis in-between, to maintain the ‘illusion’ of ‘glamour’.

Music-wise, start off super-elegant with Genevieve Grad

…end up quite messy with the Army Of Lovers!

Join Johnny, Bob and Pet Thursday 24th July from 9pm – 2.30am for Voyage Voyage- Hot Summer at Dalston Superstore

Superstore & Voodoo Ray’s at Glastonbury

We are honoured to back at Glastonbury this year! The Superstore crew take over the Downlow Radio room on Saturday night – expect festival pumpers from Hannah Holland, Josh Caffe, The Lovely Jonjo and Mikki Most.

Also in the Downlow over the weekend you can catch Berghain residents Tama Sumo, ND_baumecker, a Frankie Knuckles tribute from David Morales, Luke Solomon, Danny Krivit, Seth Troxler, Jovonn, James Hillard, Luke Howard, Grizzle and loads more.

In case you were wondering the NYC Downlow is the wold’s only travelling gay disco and we think it’s probably the best place in the entire world.

If that wasn’t enough, our pizza sisters at Voodoo Ray’s are bringing down their brand new trailer and setting up shop in the Block9 field (right next to The Downlow). ALL your pizza needs will be fulfilled, in fact over the weekend the chefs will be making pizzas until 7am to refuel you and keep your hangover at bay.

Dalston Superstore at the NYC Downlow

Hannah Holland, The Lovely Jonjo, Josh Caffe, Mikki Most

Saturday night in the Downlow Radio room, Block9

Josh Caffe and The Lovely Jonjo at Glasto

Voodoo Ray’s at Block 9

– Wednesday 19:00-03:30

– Thursday 15:00-04:00

– Friday 15:00-07:00

– Saturday 15:00-07:00

– Sunday 15:00-07:00

– Monday 10:00-16:00

Join us this weekend in the Block9 Field at Glastonbury Festival, Pilton, Somerset.

Happy 5th Birthday DSS

By Cliff Joannou / reprinted from QX Magazine with kind permission

Dalston Superstore put queer East on the map five years ago. With an incredible array of club nights, combining explosive DJs with the most mentalist drag queens and trannies, you don’t get more bang for your buck than a weekend at the ‘Superstore. Owners Mikki Most and Dan Beaumont plied Cliff Joannou with plenty of prosecco and told him just how they pull it all together every week…

CLIFF: Why is Dalston Superstore the dog’s bollocks?

DAN: Come down to our birthday next Sunday and we’ll show you…

You’re on. How has Dalston itself evolved over the past five years, and what impact has the ‘Superstore had on the area…

DAN: When we started out people thought we were crazy trying to open a gay bar in Dalston!

MIKKI: Yes, we were pretty much the first bar in the area, and certainly the first gay bar, so I think people thought we were mental. We’ve opened up a lot of doors in the area for people though, and it’s been amazing to be part of helping make Dalston more diverse. It’s been stressful at times but the booze helps!

How have you set it apart from other gay venues?

DAN: Music, booze, food and fun! You never know what to expect at the ‘Superstore. You could find Grizzle reenacting the Human Centipede on the bar – don’t ask! – and then pop downstairs for dance courtesy of some hot young DJ we’ve found in New York or Berlin.

MIKKI: Yes, we’ve always tried to push things a bit here and not just do the obvious stuff. We both ran clubs before [TrailerTrash and Disco Bloodbath] and putting on great DJs is fundamental. We’re open day and night, and I like the idea you can come for a decent cocktail and some food early evening and still be here at 4am in the morning dancing… There’s not too many places offering that in London.

For such an intimate club spot, you’ve had some very cool DJs jump at the chance to play there…

DAN: The best thing about programming your own discotheque is that you get to bring all your favourite DJs over to play. Highlights for us have been an amazing set from Prosumer in the early days, Erol Alkan dropping a disco set, the legendary David Morales playing for four hours, and multiple visits from people like Optimo, Horse Meat Disco, Chloé and Spencer Parker. Plus, our amazing residents – it wouldn’t be the same without Hannah Holland, Borja Peña, the Little Gay Brother guys, Lovely Jonjo, Dave Kendrick, Jos Gibson and the Duchess of Pork et al.

MIKKI: Absolutely, we recently had the guys over from Members Club in Berlin for B(e)ast and the music was really amazing and fresh for London. It’s great to have the freedom to bring over international talent and introduce it to our scene over here.

And it’s the place to put a wig on it…

MIKKI: It’s part of what we are and to be honest all the best nights I can remember at ‘Superstore have involved wigs and heels flying around all over the place. So many of our regulars turn up in flats and leave in heels, it’s what gives the place its sparkle.

DAN: [Laughs] Yes, our bar very often gets mistaken for a stage by our bewigged regulars doesn’t it? We wouldn’t be the venue we are without the support of people like Jonny Woo, A Man To Pet, John Sizzle, Jacqui Potato and Glyn Famous. In fact we are still in awe of their talents… not to mention their ability to stage dive in heels on a Friday night without sustaining any injuries.

Dalston Superstore (117 Kingsland High St, E8 2PB) celebrates its 5th birthday over the May Bank Holiday weekend with the main party on Sunday 4th May.

Pecker Top Ten Dance Tracks (kind of)

Ahead of Pecker this Friday, the four residents, Dirtbox duo Gibson and The Duchess Of Pork plus Grizzle beauties John Sizzle and A Man To Pet share their favourite dance tracks…

A Man To Pet
Kylie Minogue – I Should Be So Lucky

“With Kylie I couldn’t understand a word back then, I was only 4.

So I was singing it in a Greek way that was meaning leave the pistol Laki, Laki as a boy’s name.

So Laki was a man with a pistol that he had to leave it.

I wanted to be beautiful like Kylie but I end up looking like A Man To Pet”

John Sizzle
Malcolm McLaren – Deep In Vogue

“And you thought Madonna was Queen Plagiarist! Step forward the genius that was McLaren. The vid for this track is j’maze and showcases the vogue we all aspired to way back in 1989. Check out the Orbit and Mark Moore remix… stunning, girl!”

Gibson
The Beloved – Sweet Harmony

“I find it hard to believe it’s 22 years old and it still as powerful and current now. The production is really simple production kinda like Hot Chip today. Always felt this track was really unifying with people.”

Tiga – Burning Down

“This track will always remind ME of the hotness that was The Cock at The Ghetto. And I can’t remember that much of what was going on there. But it was always rammed with hot guys. I think.”

A Man To Pet
Kim Wilde – You Came

“I came out to my cousin to this song don’t know why

I think was the white with that Kim wearing on that video with the red scarf something makes me come to this idea

also I wanted to fuck Kim

weird.”

John Sizzle
101 – Rock To The Beat

“Aciiiiiiid! We’re here in 1988 and sweating our nads off in THE summer of love. Pills were £20 each…. and were proper strong. This track used to smash it at legendary rave nights like Troll which was in the Soundshaft, adjoined to Heaven. You could go between the clubs and get totally trolled. Nice one matey.”

Gibson
Utah Saints – Something Good

“This track has so much energy, love the synths. Reminds me of my raving days and of course Kate Bush vocals make it a perfect collab.”

The Duchess of Pork
Company B – Fascinated

“It’s an old Dirtbox favourite that used to get played every single time. Really good with a sniff of amyl.”

A Man To Pet
Michael Jackson – In The Closet

“I came out to my school with keep it in the closet

my teachers expand me to the next level it was absolutly traumatic

last but not list was leaving the school for prostitution with this song.”

“Then I was officially out

but never to my dad and mum.”

Gibson
Fax Yourself feat Carrie Ann – Strut Your Techno Stuff

“This track is the seminal new beat track and really defines some of the early music I played when we first started Dirtbox.”

The Duchess of Pork
Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit

“This one’s not really a dance track but I’ll always remember 16 year old me going crazy to this at the local alternative bar and then having to cycle home in the freezing cold in a t-shirt because a tramp from the station next door had pissed on my tie-dye jumper and suede jacket in the corner.”

John Sizzle
Dionne – Come Get My Lovin’

“I’m not leaving the 2nd Summer Of Love! This groove from Dionne was everywhere and perfect for a big pile of chillin’ queens having a love-in on the banquettes of clubs from Ibiza to New York to Canvey Island. Proper gorgey surging house beats baby.”

Join the Pecker boys this Friday 4th April at Dalston Superstore from 9pm – 3am with special guest Colby B.

Blu Peter

After their last smash party with Miss Lina Bradford, Pecker is back! And they’ve coaxed ’90s legend Blu Peter(!!!) out east for an old-school laser basemet DJ set! He’ll be joined by Dirtbox duo the Duchess Of Pork and Gibson whilst upstairs John Sizzle and A Man To Pet aka Grizzle bring their unique blend of cabaret, insults and banging music to the top deck disco. Ahead of the party the residents posed a few questions to their special guest and of course all the sensible questions come from Gibson whereas the more… questionable… questions stem from Grizzle…

Gibson: You had some pretty legendary residencies in club history at both Heaven and Turnmills. What are your memories of those days?

Blu Peter: I think my memories are pretty cool. Imagine going to DJ at your favourite club. Unbelievable. And then to make a contribution to people’s memories is such an honour. When I first started at FF (the really cool Sunday nighter) the DJ booth was not enclosed and completely open and sitting overlooking the legendary dance floor. John Newman the owner used to come and do the lights for my set. He really loved the music and the light show was spectacular.

Playing Heaven’s main floor was like flying a massive jet. Another place with amazing light shows. It was so good talking to so many different people about the thing you had in common… the music. It’s this that drives you. I took my job seriously and my idea was and still is, to engage the whole and not the few, to take people on the journey and get to a safe and soft landing.

Sizzle: I lost a stillie at Trade in ’93… can I have it back now please?

No. Thought I’d got away with that. Funny how the past catches up!!

Gibson: One of the first times I remember seeing you DJ was right in front of 50,000 people at a rave, what does that energy feel like?

It feels otherworldly. But you know what, smaller and more intimate places suits me best. I like to see people’s faces and expressions. Get a connection with individuals and make it personal.

A Man To Pet: What is your favourite bird is it a BluTit or a Pea Cock?

A BluTit definitely!

Gibson: You were one of the first DJs to start using the Pioneer CDJ’s to mix with instead of Technics turntables. Would you say technology has revolutionised the way we mix now and did it start with that first CDJ?

CDs did open the door to change but at the end of the day, a CD is just a small record! What has made a real difference is the software solutions, which allow a DJ to be more creative in so many ways. It really is great. However, I will be mixing vinyl and CDs myself. Not sure if I’ll bring the laptop this time. Vinyl sounds great. You still can’t beat the sound of a needle on a record.

Gibson: How does all the new computer software/hardware options today compare to the old turntable days?

It’s just different. You can either use a program to do what you would do on decks or… you can get full on creative and make a whole new soundscape in a completely unique way.

Gibson: Digital or Vinyl?

Vinyl for sound and MP3 for doing something new. CDs for emergency!

Pet: There is a rumour that Hannah Holland is the lovechild of you and Mrs Wood. Is this true?

Come on! Really? Of course she is! Beauty brains and twice in rehab… it’s a no brainer!! Seriously though, she’s not, sadly. I can see how you thought that… I could adopt her though?

Gibson: You are also famed for pioneering the Nu-NRG sound in the ’90s, how has your music taste evolved and what/who are you interested in today?

It has evolved. Even the music of Melt back in 97/8 was different to FF, which preceded it. The music I played in 2001 was again different. Always changing to where I am now. But at Pecker it will be an old school vibe and I’m loving what I’ve selected so far!

Sizzle: Pet and I have incredibly unique singing voices… fancy producing an album of ballads for us?

(This I’d like to hear) Yeah, sure.

Gibson: You were signed to the amazing REACT records and remixed countless artists, what project has been your favourite and why?

The Reactivate series was great and contributing to that was such an honour. Elevator was a project that ended too soon. It should’ve kept going but there were some negative influences at the time. It would’ve been massive otherwise. Pictures In Your Mind was good. I may revisit that this year…

Sizzle: You want to buy some pills? They’re pucker mate…

I’ve heard that one before!!

Join Blu Peter at Pecker next Friday 7th March at Dalston Superstore from 9pm – 3am.

DJ Lina

Actual New York legend DJ Lina joins us at Dalston Superstore next week for a 2-day residency spanning the lesbian delights of Clam Jam on Thursday 5th February with resident DJ Cathal, followed by Pecker on Friday 6th in the laser basement alongside the Duchess Of Pork and Gibson (Grizzle host upstairs).

As the long-time resident DJ at Sip N Twirl in Fire Island Pines, a summer resort for NYC’s LGBT community, Lina Bradford knows a thing or two about making people dance. And so we’re taking advantage of her current winter sojourn here in London and getting her behind the decks two nights in a row! Ahead of her mini-residency we asked her a few questions about her hometown, her performances as Girlina in the ’90s and more!

How does one get to be the undisputed Queen Of Fire Island?

I find it funny to have any labels attached to me, ‘cuz when jew know me I am So Not That Gurl! I guess it’s because I came during a time when love and positive light was needed. The Island was very dark after the AIDs scare and morning parties, so people pulled away, and then in 2005 there was a new beginning… and me!

How much would you say Fire Island Pines has changed since you first went in the late 80s/early 90s? For better or worse?

Well it has changed a lot; I did have a huge part to play on that. For one, John Whyte, the OG back in the day, in the ‘70s and ‘80s was racist and didn’t like women or trans or drag queens… And so the birth of the 4th Of July event that is today known as The Invasion! Then when he died Eric [von Kuersteiner] and Tony [Roncalli] bought up everything and that’s when I brought life to it, as there was never a High Tea before, and that was also the birth of Lina’s Lounge.

You’re originally from Manhattan and have lived in NYC most of your life correct? Do you think people have a tendency now to romanticise New York’s gay scene in the ’90s? Or was it really that amazing? Tell us the truth please Miss Lina…

Yes, born and raised, so I have seen and done it all! The ‘70s and ‘80s amd YES early ‘90s were EVERYNESS!!!! The early ‘90s were the last good times of what I considered to be the end of NYC, till about ‘97ish. Now it’s very Middle America and not edgy at all! No artist can afford to live there and they have to move outside the city, NYC is a Dorian Gray of what it used to be, it’s sad!

Talk us through an average night at your night Twirlina at Sip N Twirl? What make it special?

What makes Twirlina so special to so many, including myself, is its COMMUNITY! Love and respect, there is Low Tea, Middle Tea and then there’s Twirlina! It’s Thursday through to Sunday, with a different vibe every night, as I have to make the music and visuals different for myself, or no one is gonna feel it if I am not!

Haha, so Thursday is Rewind Thursday- all ‘80s and my spin on ‘80s… it’s THE SHIT BABY! Friday is Lina’s Lounge- soulful house. Saturday is GBOGH! That’s Go Big Or Go Home! Bigger sound, factory beats. Sunday is TBS- Throw Black Sunday. Klassics All Klassic Disco. It’s the fact everyone comes upstairs as it’s all outside on a huge outdoor deck that’s packed and my DJ booth is in the center, everyone kisses and hugs me and takes photos. It’s just simply otherworldly and ALL LOVE!

And what brings you to the most expensive city in the world, LONDON?

What I love about Londouge is the feeling of old skool, jew all keep it so real and recognize good music! And culture! And always push it and keep it current!

What’s your Number 1 tip for maintaining a flawless public persona?

By ALWAYS keepin’ it 100% baby! I Love Love Love people and positive energy!

Is the DJ Lina shower curtain the best bit of DJ Lina merchandise or are there more amazing gems out there?

Haha there are DJ Lina t-shirts we do every year when I shoot the posters In March… the shower curtains came from those. There’s even a line of jeans on the way!

What’s one record people might be surprised to learn you know ALL THE WORDS to?

Not really any more but most may not know I am a huge klassic rock chick. Led Zepplin is MY EVERYNESS! I have everything and know every song to everything haha! LOVE THEM, PLANT ROCKS!!!!!!!

Your performances (and especially your dance moves) as Girlina are legendary in New York, what was the most memorable?

WOW, jew all did yo’ HOMEWERK! Girlina, wow haha! I would say The HX Awards… HX was a huge magazine that was around forever, it just folded a few years back but it was ‘92 I think and Girlina did Feel What Yo Want by my friend Kristine W. Junior gave it to Girlina and she put that song on the map and BROUGHT IT 2 LIFE! And herself and she won Best Performer of 92.

What’s your key look for early 2014 in London?

My lewk: it’s klassic fresh faced with a 1940’s vibe and a mix of ethnics and preppy!

And finally, share with us your signature dance move…

Well back in the day it was The Drop And Kick and Queen of The Runway! Now it’s a lil shimmy hahahaha!

Join DJ Lina for her Superstore 2-day residency on Thursday 6th February for Clam Jam and on Friday 7th February for Pecker.

Nancy’s

Nancy’s, a new Friday night of disco, pop, house and party bumps at Dalston Superstore featuring our new rotating cast of familiar fabulous residents!

Yes, it’s time to bring back the residents, those trusted DJs that can deliver the goods every week and know every inch of the club and the crowd like their own underpants. So we’re shaking things up at Superstore on Friday nights with new top deck disco Nancy’s, and welcoming back our favourite DJs to play week in, week out in the top deck disco. It’s going to be family vibes all the way as trusted DJs like The Lovely Jonjo, Jeffery Hinton, Martyn Fitzgerald, Grizzle (John Sizzle and A Man To Pet), HiFi Sean, Luke Howard, Johnny Kalifornia and Mikki Most play on rotation along with different hosts every week.

Nancy’s launches on Friday 31st January with an extra special line-up consisting of the legendary HiFi Sean, Johnny Kalifornia and Trailer Trash’s very own Mikki Most!

Start as you mean to go on we say. Coming up this month we have…

Friday 7th Feb: Grizzle crash-land into Nancy’s top deck disco.
Friday 14th Feb: The Lovely Jonjo and Kim Jakobsen To do a double-ender.
Friday 21st Feb: Dream-team Luke Howard and Jeffrey Hinton takeover (with special guest host DARKWAH!)
Friday 28th February: HiFi Sean and Martyn Fitzgerald show those queens how it’s done.

It starts every week at 9pm and is FREE before 11pm / £5 after

Join the Nancy’s Facebook group here for regular updates and join the Facebook event for the launch party here.

Illustration by Ego Rodriguez: egorodriguez.com

Duchess Of Pork’s Guide To Men

This Friday night welcomes a new night for manly men and their admirers… Pecker! Grizzle duo John Sizzle and A Man To Pet will be spitting feathers in the aviary bar whilst Dirtbox’s very own Gibson and the Duchess Of Pork are joined by special guest Dave Kendrick in the Bird Bath Basement. So to celebrate all types of manly men, we asked the Duchess Of Pork to give us a guided tour around all the types of (preferably topless) men you could meet in a dark sweaty basement…

The Early Arrivals

The first ones in the club, sitting around waiting for other people to turn up for an hour or more. Often the last ones to leave too.

The Mary Go Round

The Mary Go Round samples the delights any dark basement has to offer all night long, snogging everyone that lets him, inspecting the goods and picking the best one(s) to go home with at the end of the night.

The Hot Daddy

The swarthy older gentleman hanging around on his own in a corner, who is being swooned over by half the clientele. Often checking things out from another part of town, but sometimes local.

The Drag about Town

The resident drag queen that gets the party going by being generous with their prosecco and dancing on the bar.

The Chatty Cathy

A gay so talkative he spends all night talking to anyone who cares to listen (or not), completely oblivious to the fact everyone’s looking out for a fumble in the dark corners.

The Nerdy Hipster

Wouldn’t ever dream of taking his top off, until it gets too hot and sweaty and he doesn’t have a choice.

The Grindr Queen

That’s the one who goes out to a steamy dark basement, to then spend the night having his face illuminated by his phone screen. If he has any reception.

Join the Duchess Of Pork in the laser basement at Pecker on Friday 8th November from 9pm – 3am at Dalston Superstore.