Rave New World: Confessions of a Raving Reporter

This extended mix edition of Kirk Field's A Humble Bouncer's Story: Tales from the Front Line of Rave offers an even deeper dive into the hedonistic and often hilarious world of the early rave scene, as witnessed by a man who was right there from the explosion of acid house. Nominated for Audiobook of the Year at the 2024 ARIAS Awards, this book clearly strikes a chord with those who lived through it, with Fatboy Slim declaring, "Love this book! It triggers so many memories of the rave era. Thoroughly recommended." Judge Jules aptly calls it a read that "Captures the hedonism and humour of the nineties with a laugh-out-loud honesty. The perfect Ibiza holiday read...if you can get it through customs!" and Carl Cox simply states, "Some great stories from those early rave days. Really made me giggle."

Field's journey from humble barman at the legendary M25 Orbital raves to becoming a "raving" reporter for the clubbers' bible Mixmag provides a truly unique and insider perspective. Inspired to set the record straight against media sensationalism, Kirk became a chronicler of history in motion, covering the iconic parties from within the sweaty throng and dispatching vivid reports from dancefloors stretching across Europe and beyond as the scene relentlessly expanded.

What unfolds is a whirlwind account of the "naughty '90s" populated by an utterly surreal and unforgettable cast of characters. From Diego Maradona and Timothy Leary to the KLF and Michael Eavis, the narrative throws together Genesis P-Orridge, Brigitte Nielsen, Boris Yeltsin, Boy George, Saddam Hussein's wife, the president of Tunisia, the CIA, the KGB, Dave Courtney, Norman Lamont's dominatrix, and even (allegedly) Her Majesty the Queen.

Told through a compelling mixture of vivid first-person narrative, utterly bizarre insider anecdotes, and sharp social commentary, Field's honest, hilarious, and uncensored postcard from the edge of hedonism exposes the often-seedy underbelly of rave culture while simultaneously capturing the undeniably nostalgic spirit of the era. This extended mix edition promises even more tales from the front line, making it an essential read for anyone who ever threw their hands in the air like they just didn't care and wants a truly authentic and riotous account of a cultural phenomenon.