An exhibition showcasing the impact of Spiral Tribe on the free party movement will take place at Mikro Offspace in Zürich. The exhibition is scheduled to run for nine weeks starting October 13th, and, in the tradition of their parties, will be open 24/7. The event will include workshops, guest appearances, documentary screenings, book premieres, talks, live performances, and will culminate in a full SP23 crew closing party on December 16th.
Spiral Tribe originated in London but moved to the British countryside due to growing crowds, earning a reputation for their unwavering response to the government’s efforts to suppress the free festival and rave movements in 1990. They kept the spirit of music alive with their incredible sound system.
As the popularity of the tribe grew, their notoriety did as well. The police arrested 13 members of the tribe after the Castlemorton Common Free Festival of 1992. Authorities alleged that it was the largest illegal rave in the UK, with an estimated 20,000 attendees. The 4-month long trial hit the government with a £4 million bill. Following their acquittal, the group, along with their sound system and convoy of vehicles, fled to mainland Europe, where they continued to drum up interest in their cause.
The collective propelled the European free-party culture and pioneered the techno-punk identity movement merging with pagan culture. The Spiral Community recording studio was set up, which included mentorship programs by resident producers Crystal Distortion and 69DB. Several underground labels and distributors emerged from early creations at the studio, with the network operating under the name Network 23. In 2011, several original members reformed as SP23, running as a worker’s co-op, which organized grassroots and community activities in addition to raves. The group returned to the UK legally in 2013 at a highlight event held at Village Underground. To this day, they continue to raise money for charitable causes and host parties across Europe
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