LIVE FROM THE PIT: Smells Like Queer Spirit Club Night

For london-based LGBTQIA+ heavy music fans, events that celebrate both their queerness and also their tendencies for running headfirst into a mosh pit are very few and far between, which can unfortunately make it pretty difficult for these individuals to find people with similar interests. This lack of alternative-specific spaces in London and its surrounding areas prompted queer event organisers Glass Closet Events to partner up with Rockin’ Queers to create ‘Smells Like Queer Spirit’, an event specifically tailored to queer individuals with an alternative side. From insanely talented DJ’s and performers to up-and-coming artists/bands, ‘Smells Like Queer Spirit’ has something for every queer alternative human out there. The event gives queer alternative people the much-needed chance to socialise with others with common interests and dance til’ their docs are worn through in a safe and inclusive space, and also offer pay-what-you-can options for tickets to the event. Rockin’ Queers and Glass Closet Events also always work their hardest to ensure that each and every event space that they use is accessible and inclusive, so the event is open to absolutely everybody! 

‘Smells Like Queer Spirit’ launched on 16th March 2024, and has been making waves across the queer event scene ever since due to the event being one of the only queer spaces tailored exclusively to alternative individuals, not to mention it being an absolute rager of a night! Labelled as ‘part social, part dance party’, ‘Smells like Queer Spirit’ celebrated its first birthday with a jam-packed celebration at 229 in Euston, London. The event featured astonishing live performances, such as sets from Rockin’ Queers’ very own founder DJ GayMerGirl, who has hit the decks at Voodoo London which is one of the capitals largest alternative club nights, and DJ Luna Tunes from the queer DJ collective ‘She They Press Play’, who has performed sets at multiple festivals, namely Download Festival and 2000 trees. 

BE N!CE

Attendees were also mesmerized with performances from stunning local queer burlesque dancers Scarlet and April Alors, who left the room with everyone’s jaws hitting the floor and cheering in awe (and also pondering how a human being could possibly be that flexible). The featured band of the night was BE N!CE, an up-and-coming punk band with influences from post-punk and grunge from London, who took the stage by storm with their vigorous tracks and insane riffs leaving the room totally pumped for the remainder of the night, and are well worth checking out if you’re into the loud and high-energy punk vibes. 

On the flip side, the event featured a chilled-out quiet room with comfortable sofas and tables for attendees to quietly spend time together in a more relaxed environment, with fidget toys, temporary tattoos, bracelet making and more at their disposal. This specific edition of ‘Smells Like Queer Spirit’ also featured a table for BE N!CE in the quiet room where you could take a look at the bands’ merch and hear more about what they’ve got in the works at the moment such as future shows and new music. The quiet room also contained an alt clothing/gig t-shirt swap rail for guests to give up their old threads in return for a fresh new style, and as difficult as it can be choosing your newest ink, the room held a table full of the sickest temporary tattoos to try out from local queer artists’ flash designs, nothing makes a tattoo decision easier than being able to try it out for yourself!

So if you’re feeling like moshing the night away with other alternative queer individuals, then keep an eye out for the next ‘Smells Like Queer Spirit’, see you in the pit!

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Words and photos by Becca Wheeler