Published: August 13, 2010
A further statement of their idealism is the last of their “Ten Commandments of Gilbert & George”: Thou Shalt Give Something Back.Their apparent humanism does not wash with critics such as David Lee. “They claim to be social commentators, but they’re not really,” he says. “It’s just shock tactics.”It is clearly in Gilbert and George’s interest to be seen as generous philanthropists, but the accusations of gimmickry for commercial gain will not worry them. They insist that their work represents nothing less than “a life development”, and there are queues of people who will testify to their sincerity.As Andrew Wilson, assistant editor of Art Monthly, says: “They have been living this life for the last 30 years You don’t do something like that as a joke”. The Ministry of Sound have given up their Saturday Rulin’ for tonight to accommodate this new gig. The brainchild of Mark Herman and associates, it promises to be a grandiose affair
The dress code for the night is “hope and pray” which sums up the vibe of the night – only the cream of the crop will gain entry. After spending most of his time separating the wheat from the chaff as the host for numerous London clubs, Mark Herman’s first party, Uninvited at the Hanover Grand, blew up big time.
It was mayhem with the queues stretching to Oxford Circus, but those who got in are still talking about it.
Future Bitch offers a different tangent but the same level of style. The world’s most famous club is about to have its interior transformed into a futuristic neo-industrial fantasy. The walkway that links the upstairs balcony with the main room will be re-opened for VIPs, but there’s sure to be something for everyone.The main room will champion a mature brand of deep garage while the main bar will showcase uplifting anthems. Danny Tenaglia, Jazzy M, Jon Marsh and Craig Bartlett feature on the decks with a live PA from WunmiTonight, MoS, 103 Gaunt St, SE1 (0171-378 6528) midnight to 9am pounds 12 mems/pounds 15 othersIn a sea of speed Garage you can visit a raft of real garage. Uplifting vocals and great mixing courtesy of the Zoo Crew and friends. This venue may not be the most spectacular in the capital, but the quality of the tunes more than make up for that.The smart-casual clientele here know their stuff and the compact design of the club gives the night a great “house party” appeal.
They also know how to party; you can strut your stuff until 6am.Saturdays, 36 Shaftesbury Ave, W1 (0171-287 2715) 9pm-6am. pounds 5 before 1pm/pounds 10 before midnight/pounds 12 after.This gig has taken a while to settle into new surroundings since an acrimonious move from Mayfair’s Iceni Things seem to be chill now.The new venue is quite strange. One of those places that has great potential but doesn’t quite pitch at the right level. The clientele reflect this and you’ll see a mixture of hard-core clubbers and a few sloane rangers who’ve stumbled in after the pubs shut.The sound here is decent and the music policy untaxing – handbag house and uplifting anthems.Fridays, the Broadway, Fulham Road SW6 (0171-378 6528) 9.30pm-3am pounds 12.The Aquarium is enjoying a bit of a renaissance of late and this Sunday night gem can take most of the plaudits. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly with everyone in the mood for socialising.It’s perfect for those who want to ease their way out of partying and into the beginning of the week. On second thoughts, forget that; you’ve got all week to catch up on sleep – bring your dancing shoes and leave the duvet at home.Sundays, 256 Old St, EC1 (0171-251 6136) 7pm-midnight pounds 7/pounds 5 mems.
eing old or fat (or just plain naff) is no impediment to a great flamenco performance. Angel Munoz is 23, he’s as lean as a whip, puckishly handsome and he performs in jeans Do I sound keen? I’m keen. Munoz made his stage debut in his native Cordoba when he was 16. His parents were thrilled at first but soon lost their enthusiasm when he decided on a stage career. His father, who had wanted him to join the family restaurant business, threw him out of the house.
They still aren’t speaking.
Flamenco has played havoc with Munoz’s domestic life. Two years ago, while appearing as a guest with Carlotta Santana’s New York flamenco company, he met Charo Espino and suddenly his marriage was over Eighteen months later, Angel and Charo are still together. They sleep together, they work together, and they touch each other almost constantly.It’s three in the afternoon, and I’m snatching a brief interview in a godawful coffee bar in Terminal Two of Heathrow Airport The couple have just endured a five-hour flight from Tblisi. In a few minutes, they’ll be on a two-hour flight to Madrid, and then there’s a mad rush across town to the nightclub where they star in tonight’s show. They are said to shut up shop on Christmas Day and Good Friday, but apart from that they seem to perform every day of the year. There is no such thing as free time, only rehearsal opportunities.Half of their year is spent touring with Paco Pena, one of the all-time greats of flamenco guitar, the rest is spent dancing on the tablao (literally a small, low stage) of the Madrid nightclub. Tablao: the very word sounds like a saffron-infused spoonful of old Spain.