On the Guest List at Berghain
One of Our artists Reveals what it’s like attending Berlin’s Most iconic nightclub “The proper way”
It’s Monday at 2:20 pm, I’ve been dancing since midnight at the most famous club in the world. Calling it a club is wrong though. It’s the basilica of Techno, a kind of Mecca. People queue for hours and hours in all conditions just to be considered for entry. I say ‘Considered’ because many are declined after waiting anything between one and eight hours. In line, everyone is serious, quiet, no phones. The mood is almost solemn, you might say.
Tonight is the big “night” of the week and non-Berliners have a very slim chance of getting in. Last week I was denied, this week, thanks to Shibumi Records, my name was on the door. No waiting, straight in. It didn’t stop me feeling extremely nervous though. Until you’re actually inside, the staff are an intimidating lot, like the gargoyles on a cathedral, positioned to ward off the unworthy. Once inside, the security check is thorough, strict, airport style but even more serious. The woman checking me over told me off for the size of my bag.
Paid up, wrist tag on, I’m in. Men and women all getting changed in the one atrium, taking off winter layers, some taking off everything, others don latex outfits, masks, beautiful lingerie, all manner of leather outfits. At one point during the night a group of people came in clad in latex dog outfits.
Once bags are checked in you make your way up steel stairs onto the main floor. This is Berghain. There’s actually a second area, the Panorama bar. While Berghain is principally Techno, Panorama offers different beats. The difference is important. It refreshes you, especially if you need a break from the main floor, or vice versa.
Each DJ plays for four hours - a solid set - just my style. I’ve spent most of the night/day in the proper part of Berghain. It’s a hollowed out power station and in some parts, like the bars, there are reminders of its old life like the industrial piping, cog wheels… When you think about it, it’s still a power station of sorts, with the thriving energy of this great hall of dancers, entranced by the pounding bass that ripples through every fibre of your being. On the floor, speakers surround you, pumping out deep yet crisp sound while powerful lights, some like a million fine threads of colour, sweep across the bodies of dancers, many glistening with sweat. Spotlights come down like lasers for us to play with, my hands want to weave the light.
Having clocked up 12 hours on the floor, fuelled only by coffee and some chocolate, I’m tempted to call it a day though I have to give this next set a go. It’s calling me! The last one, by AMORAL, and Barker at the start, were simply wonderful.
Post script: I ended up leaving at 5pm. The need for a proper healthy meal won over. Walking out the door hundreds were still lined up all hoping. My feet clocked over 75,000 steps, longer than a marathon. I left feeling light, refreshed, inspired.
