Pandemonium

Pandemonium Starting up in 1989 Pandemonium kicked off by staging illegal parties. By then the promoters Paul Archer and Paul Dawkes had built up a dedicated following, and also found their first brush with the authorities over staging events. The illegal events had built up such a loyal crowd that they had caused serious traffic jams around the venue, an Old Church on lime street, Oakengates in Telford, (Some know it as 42's now). Paul Dawkes wound up in court and was fined and ordered not to put on any more events for at least 12 months. Suffering this blow and setback, Marcus Chamberlain became the third partner in Pandemonium ably armed with his knowledge of the music industry and staging events previously in Telford. Mark had a good relationship with the council and by fronting the events they were able to gain access to a few more venues, and the legal events started in style. A small sports centre in Madeley, Telford became the humble beginnings of Pandemonium drawing around 700 people. Immediately Mark went to see the Manager at Stirchley Recreation Centre. The Manager here was the old Manager from the Oakengates Town Hall in Telford where Mark had previously staged events. It was agreed, Pandemonium could stage an event in the Stirchley Sports Hall and pulling a huge 1400 or so crowd on the first event and an unbelievable 1800 on the next, Pandemonium Became a firm favourite with Ravers attending from all over the country. Pandemonium knew they needed a move... The sheer scale of the numbers enabled discussions to be held with the Council and successfully, Telford Ice Rink was secured. Pandemonium Presents Andromeda. August Bank Holiday weekend. 1991. This was a massive step up, but it put Pandemonium into Rave history. The venue packed out with 4500 ravers and not holding back, Pandemonium hit us with Andromeda2, Telford Ice Rink yet again on November 22nd 1991. Causing a real stir with all the authorities, as news reports hit the headlines and the National BBC NEWS & ITN of 6000 forged tickets sold on the streets around the country. Pandemonium completely sold out of 4000 tickets in eleven days, that was 3 and a half weeks before and another 6000 forgeries were out there and up to £100 was changing hands for a ticket. The police delayed the opening of the doors which causing a bigger queue, at 10.45pm they had around 2500 people inside with an estimated 8000 still outside. The police came in with plastic bin liners and took everything out of the office, ripped up the guest list and took over the venue. Even one of the bands playing Bizarre Inc with their smash dance track playing with knives, couldn't get in to perform.. Packing in a monstrous 6500 eventually into the rave, the event has gone down in one of the ultimate turning points for dance music and licensing. An event with this much bad publicity was bound to be stamped on and although the publicity Pandemonium felt was uncomfortable and wrong, this was when everyone was really taking notice of Pandemonium & the Andromeda events. Putting Pandemonium and Telford into rave history as one of the best....