Preamble
I was forced to purchase my ticket online via clubzone.com... which was a harrowing experience. My browser crashed during the Checkout process and I was double-billed on my credit card. Nevertheless, a quick call to the ClubZone call centre and Priscilla at clubzone.com straighten things out for me. Thanks... I guess. While I was looking forward to checking out Darude at an intimate setting like the Courthouse, the venue left much to be desired. The audience numbered so few that the VIP section was closed prior to the superstar act even coming on stage. "We need everyone to be on the dance flooor," I was told by one bouncer while sitting upstairs prior to Darude coming on. Sort of sucked as I prefer to observe the interaction between the artist and the crowd from afar throughout the set. But so be it... I was destined to interact and dance amongst the masses. LOL
The Promoter and Venue
My heart really goes out to an artist of a magnitude like Darude. He is really considered to be a veteran in the trance scene, having released several artist albums and a mulititude of compilations. Unfortunately, the promoter failed to deliver to bring out the massive crowd that warrants such an artist's talents. In fact, in speaking to one of the bouncers, fewer than 300 attendees were on deck for Darude. Like... what? I think I had more classmates in Calculus 101!
The Set - Darude
As expected, Darude delivered a spectacular set. While dropping teases of the I Ran (So Far Away) Remix by A Flock of Seagulls, further populaized by Blake Lewis of American Idol stardom (a track which Blake himself picked out from a selectin of many), along with intros to the infamous Sandstrom track throughout, Darude left his audience completely anticipating the next track. While playing some trance classics and some artists favs, Darude showed his expertise in moving the crowd. Unfortunately, by 2am we had a dozen die-hard fans on the dance floor but our superstar DJ kept pumping us up... finally dropping Sandstrom on his final set. An awesome evening and set to say the least.
The Artist Himself
Ville Virtanen born July 17, 1975 and hails from Eura, Hinnerjoki, Finland. His breakthrough track was the hit single "Sandstorm" in late 1999 and subsequent album Before the Storm. While at a classmate's party, Ville played the song Swedish Leila K's sondG "Rude Boy", which gradually morphed into "Da Rude", and earned him his current stage name. He signS his autographs as 'Ville/Darude', but his friends and family call him 'Ville'. "It would be weird if they called me Darude."
I had the good fortune of grabbing a few minutes with Darude after his incredible set. In talks with him, he said he often prepares a track list of anywhere between 50 to 80 tracks before a set from from which he will draw his track list for the night. What is actually played will depend on the vibe from the crowd and how to get 'em going! This night was unlike many others and he managed the crowd like a pro. Before and during his sets he drinks water, but will chill out with a Heineken Light afterwards. He swears by his iPhone but wishes they would improve the camera! Might really help as I caught him videotaping the audience with a regular camcorder!
Chris Fly
