Raving ’89

“More punk than punk ever was”

Gavin (snapper) and Neville (DJ) Watson are two talented brothers who were heavily connected to the birth and growth of acid house and rave culture in England in the late 80s.

They’ve just released a new book, Raving ’89, a brilliant ode to a period when social barriers were destroyed, and the young let rip in dirty warehouses and farmer’s fields, full of anecdotes and visuals that paint an intimate portrait of rave culture, 20 years since it began.

People disowned the 80s yuppie ideals of glamour, wealth and success, and instead embraced a new way of life centred around the idea of togetherness, exploration and the love of music. Big, messy times and all documented in the book.

As you can see from the gallery to the right, which you really must click on to enlarge, Raving ’89 is a uniquely personal look at the clothes, the music, the people and, of course, the drugs. It's all here: the crowds, the lasers, the villains, the crimes against fashion, starting with the organising of a party in a warehouse, and end with the demonstrations in Trafalgar Square which saw the late licensing laws change soon after.

The images document an important period within UK history that caused the government to panic, and resulted in the emergence of the Criminal Justice Bill, which changed the face of Britain forever.

‘Raving '89’ by Neville and Gavin Watson is published by djhistory.com and available for sale for £19.95 here.