In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we sit down with Quentin Chambers, one of the UK’s original acid house promoters and a central figure behind some of the most legendary illegal raves of the late 80s and early 90s. From warehouse parties and motorway shutdowns to evading police surveillance, fake decoy convoys and 25,000-strong outdoor raves, Quentin shares the unfiltered truth about how the UK rave scene was really built.

The conversation traces the rise of Energy, the infamous M25 raves, moral panic headlines, arrests, police infiltration and how early acid house events broke down barriers of class, race and culture. Quentin also reflects on why those moments can never be recreated, how underground culture continues to evolve, and what today’s promoters can still learn from the chaos and creativity of that era.

Beyond raves, the episode explores Quentin’s later work as a DJ, producer, music tech pioneer and his role in early digital radio, online music platforms and the relaunch of OpenLab, founded by the late Robert Miles.

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Key Moments:
0:00 – Introduction & Podcast Overview
01:05 – Guest Introduction: Quentin Chambers, UK’s OG Rave Promoter
02:19 – Early Musical Influences and Discovery of Electro
03:28 – The Birth of Acid House & London’s Club Culture Shift
06:24 – The Acid House Explosion: Community and Social Barriers Broken
10:11 – From Dancefloor to Event Promoter
12:40 – Organising Massive Raves: Logistics, Sound, and Police Evasion
19:22 – Ticketing, Promotion, and Party Operations
22:12 – Police, Law Evasion Tactics, and Decoy Trucks
28:22 – Health, Safety, and Law: Production and Party Experiences
29:09 – Media Sensation, Public Perception & Moral Panic
35:04 – Legalisation of Raves and Venue Evolution
44:39 – DJ, Producer, Groove Tech & The Dawn of Online Radio
49:46 – Open Lab and Honouring Robert Miles’ Legacy
00:53:34 – Expanding Open Lab: Future Plans & Growth
54:36 – Quickfire Q&A: Influential Clubs, Records, DJs
58:07 – Closing Thoughts & Final Reflections