Our 25th birthday party has got us nostalgia tripping about all of the acts we’ve had nestled in our booths over the years
Ministry of Sound has seen small names turn develop into festival headliners; in some cases, we’d even take a punt at claiming responsibility.
There have been countless acts who have played poignant parts in our development as a clubbing institution. People who’ve bared their souls via their records and later, USB sticks to open up minds on the dancefloor.
Our pal illustrator Ben Gore has reimagined some of our favourites over the last quarter century, complete with some of the things synonymous with their personalities.
You’ll be able to catch a few of them over our birthday weekend too, tickets for which can be found here and here.
Larry Levan
Ministry of Sound wouldn't be here without Larry Levan. Having lived in New York, big man Justin Berkmann returned home with a head full of ideas inspired by the Paradise Garage. Not long after MoS opened, Levan was brought to the UK to play in The Box, staying in London for a further three months to help lay the groundwork that has helped make the club what it is today. We'll be first in the queue when the film dedicated to Levan's spiritual home comes out, but for now, we leave you with this.
Danny Rampling
Danny Rampling's 'Shoom' nights helped put Southwark on the map. After returning from Ibiza in the late 80s, he wanted to replicate the feeling of the White Isle and found the industrial landscape of SE1 to be the perfect setting for anonymity and hedonism. Soon, Ministry followed with the likes of Cable, turning the area into an after dark destination for anyone looking to lose themselves. Revisit the guide to acid house he wrote for us right here.
Erick Morillo
When Erick Morillo makes it rain, it pours. That is to say, there are no half measures with this guy. A regular all nighter at Ministry of Sound, the Columbian-American DJ has had a reputation for hitting it hard-musically and personally- on a global scale. He's powered on through regardless, and we respect him all the more for it. It's difficult to forget the impact this Morillo-produced banger has had on over two decades of dancefloors, Hollywood films, weddings and school discos alike. #neverforget.
NERVO
Ministry of Sound has always held its weight in Australia, though it's sister act Nervo who have continued to impress us. So much so that in 2014, they were able to put together an Inspired album for us, consisting of tracks that they hold close to their hearts. They've sold out the club every damn time they've played, and we fully expect them to do the same as they kick off our birthday weekender this Friday. Relive them discussing their compilation for us in these videos.
Todd Terje
You'll know by now that Todd Terje is headlining our 'fucking birthday'. A shy guy who makes bold music, we've been hooked ever since that one track he makes you wait until the end of his set to hear. You know the one. Since the release of It's Album Time in 2014, he's continued to release relentlessly fruity music, blending visuals, dancers and live instrumentation to make his the only party you want to click attending.
Dimitri from Paris
Nobody brings pizzazz to The Box like Dimitri from Paris. A purveyor of flair, he's headlined alongside the likes of Horse Meat Disco and recently and righteously as part of Glitterbox. He's been rattling disco round our hallowed halls for as long as we can remember; check out this oddly old school video filmed in the club in 2003.
Illustrations by Ben Gore
Celebrate our 25th birthday with NERVO on Friday or Todd Terje on Saturday.
