Rave is regarded as one of the most extreme underground movements in music. It was dominant during 80s and 90s. Even though these parties were wild at one point, they eventually died out. Of course, there are still a lot of rave parties going on but they are not as significant and massive as they once were. However, these events had another important significance. They propelled electronic music and made it what it is today.
Rave parties were based around acid house. This music genre was first created in Chicago. During that time, many artists experimented with new sounds. New technologies allowed individuals to use electronic devices in order to create music. One of the first and definitely most significant devices of this kind was Roland TB-303. It was an amazing music generator that could produce numerous sounds. Even though it was fairly difficult to use and it required a music expert, it allowed single individual to become a concert maestro. In other words, one person could perform task of an entire band. One of these enthusiasts that first started using the generator thus creating acid house was DJ Pierre. He often performed in Music Box. After a while, this trend spread to neighboring countries.
Certain music experts claim that the Great Britain was the one that set up basis for modern techno. According to data, rave was actually used to describe events that were going on all over the London. These were known as wild bohemian parties that combined rock and electronic sounds. At first, these events were under the radar, known only to selected groups of people. After some time, influence of this music spread to other parts of England. In Northern England, there were many textile and other industrial plants that were being shut down. People who were organizing events decided to use them as a good place to throw a party. Most of the plants were secluded, partially isolated making them a great choice. Like with many other things, there is still an active dispute between US and GB as to who was the first that invented rave parties.
Like most other types of underground music, rave attracted certain groups of people and created its own subculture. People who are going to these parties are easily recognizable due to fluorescent colors which they are wearing. Seeing that ravers are prepared to spend hefty sum to dress up properly, companies started selling things such as rave pants, fury leg warmers, hair extensions and other specific products. It also gave birth to various dances. Unlike other forms of dancing, rave uses additional accessories such as glowing sticks. Some of the popular styles are Para Para, Hakken, Melbourne Shuffle, Gloving etc.
Unfortunately, these parties also led to some negative things. Rave events quickly became notorious because of the drugs that were present. For example, ecstasy was first introduced during one of these parties. After that, it spread like a wild fire. Rave, in its original form, was very popular during 80s and 90s. There is still a lot of clubs that are hosting these kinds of parties but they never managed to regain their previous popularity.