Ministry of Sound, London

Not many clubs can claim to have started a worldwide music and lifestyle brand while shaping the clubbing movement as we know it today. The vision upon opening Ministry of Sound, London (MoS) in 1991 was to import the world’s most famous DJs to the UK so that dance music fans could experience first hand the music and DJs they adored.

MoS quickly became to London what Studio 54 was to New York, and what transpired became the stimulus for the development of house music and superclubs in Britain. Over the years MoS London has established a cult following among clubbers that extends far beyond English borders, a sensation that has led to other MoS operations in the UK and overseas.

Give ‘em what they want
“What started as a single London warehouse-based nightclub has now expanded around the world and continues to do so,” says David Bradshaw, Head of Production, Ministry of Sound. “We are a dance music brand, and as such try to envelop all areas pertaining to that. Our philosophy is simple; we give our customers what they want.”

And what customers want is a top class sound and light system. Lighting is an important element in any nightclub and MoS is no different. “Lighting has a positive draw and we are continually trying to improve our offer for our customers. It is our philosophy to continually move forward, always improving, always trying new things, striving to look better than any other nightclub.”

Martin package
Martin Professional became involved with MoS London in 2002 with a Martin lighting and fog package that replaced existing equipment which had been in situ since the club’s opening. Ministry’s infamous Box, where DJ’s from around the world reign supreme over clubland’s trendiest clientele, and other areas like The Bar and Lounge Bar, are outfitted with award-winning MAC moving heads, Martin effect lights and atmospheric Jem smoke machines. (MAC 300s, MAC 250 Kryptons, MAC 250 Washes, MX-10 Extremes, Magnum Club Smoke, Jem StageHazer)

Decorative floor pattern, bar accent, scenic lighting, logo projection, and of course dancefloor drama, Martin lighting adds much more than illumination, it invites guests in, sets the mood, and takes them away to the wee hours of the morning.

More than a dance
MoS is more than a dance club however. Branding interests include Europe’s largest independent record label as well as online radio (broadcast on more than 150 terrestrial stations around the world - and on airliners too!). MoS also embodies a worldwide touring business that undertakes around 800 events each year along with electronics licensing, clothing licensing, and an internet dance music download store.

“Lighting is also important for other non club related activities at MoS London,” David Bradshaw explains. “A normal week can consist of magazine photo shoots, TV commercial recordings, corporate presentations and product launches, live bands, film launch parties - the list is pretty exhaustive. Our lighting helps us win private hire business because they are industry standard fixtures, easy to rig, reliable and well maintained. We’re not spending a huge amount of our budget on maintaining our lighting stock which means we can reduce to almost zero the amount of lighting we need to hire for any of our projects. We can do this because we have reliable equipment that is specified by the various LD’s who undertake events here. “

Market leading
David Bradshaw: “In a lighting vendor we look for market leading products, excellent technical support, and a worldwide supply network. The current generation of Martin products has been very reliable. That is why Martin Professional products feature in all MoS nightclub businesses worldwide, and why we insist upon them with our local partners.”