In the mid-90s it was simply the ONLY place to be. Love Muscle at The Fridge in Brixton on a Saturday night was a queue-round-the-block affair with thousands of up-for-it gay men (mostly, though everyone was welcome) freezing their toned butts off in their best skimpy-wear to avoid the coat check in what was the busiest, buzziest spot in all the gay world.
And now it’s back! And back in Brixton, this time it’s at The Electric Brixton, which is in fact just The Fridge under a different name. Celebrating ‘no circuit music’ – the music was always great – and with a show starring the incorrigible Yvette, who used to share a stage with multiple muscle boys all with – how do we put this politely… oh, we can’t – full erections, it’s set to be one hell of a night out.
A live PA from 1990s dance act Amen UK will feature their Love Muscle XX single Passion. The line‑up also includes headline DJ Rachel Auburn — a veteran of London gay nights and 1990s club residencies — who has agreed to come out of retirement for a ‘strictly one‑off greatest hits set’. Long‑time resident Dorain and newcomer Simonontherun will also play, with tribute sets to original DJs Gareth and Marc Andrews.
Promoters are emphasising staging and visuals, saying the night will include state‑of‑the‑art lasers, pyrotechnics and lighting, plus new artwork and stage canvases by artists including Trademark (Mark Wardel), Paul Heron and Yvette. The event will be hosted by Mamma Yvette and feature go‑go dancers and other performers. Entry will be by photo ID.
The comeback taps into a wider appetite for nostalgia in club culture, as promoters revisit and rebrand nights from the 1990s and early 2000s for audiences now in their 40s and beyond. Whether the event attracts a predominantly original crowd or a newer generation seeking a retro club experience is likely to be closely watched by observers of London’s nightlife scene.
And because they are lovely people, they are giving us at JAKE tickets for just £15 (a huge saving!) Just use the code letsdojake when you get to checkout.
Image: Andrew Czezowski
