In general talking about Rich is a dead end, or at least I try not to do it on this list - but since HP asked. ;) Likewise, Rich is still very much an inspiration. It's funny to me how popular it has become to slag him for media sensation this and that... he has always cared deeply for presentation, for putting his own stamp on the things he does. This is not news; that he has accumulated the success that affords him the ability to do bigger productions, make a bigger name for himself has absolutely nothing to do with anything other than that success. He earned it. Behind the decks or in the studio, he is a master. You can't buy that, nor can you promote it into existence.
The old days... ahh. Too much like the whole dancing about architecture cliche... Spastik, the Toronto live show.. just about religious experiences - euphoric. Toe-head Richie Rich in The Shelter. The Hard parties, the Jak parties, the free barn party, his little black hole of a room at the back of the warehouse in Toronto during the Autechre party, Jak 6 and the tribal speaker destruction, the amazing Jak o'lantern (I got there early and was in the main room when it was empty - The System was scary that night!) (he also had some rack-mounted stuff back in these days, to concur with Steve's observation.) Several events in SF, LA, Iowa, Pittsburgh, M1, others. All permanently stamped in my brain, part of who I am today. Earlier this month I spent a bunch of money so I could be back in Detroit for about 12 hours at the u1 party. Felt like a small homecoming and Rich laid down the law that night; no question whatsoever that he has become one of the world's best DJs. Worth every penny and every uncomfortable moment on the airplane. How glad I am that I got old(er) doing this and that spontaneous cross-country trips have become possible. Some people go fishing...
