Looking forward to the party but haven't decided on an outfit yet. What is everyone else going to wear?

I notice that Gods Kitchen is on the day after Sleaze. They are calling it Boombox and it is a rather large lighting and projection rig. I'm wondering if New Mardi Gras will be using the same rig? It looks pretty impressive!

Now will I be a cricketer or a sleazy footballer?

Maybe. Mardi Gras have certainly split costs with other events following Sleaze before. I remember after Zirkus there was an after party at the Hordern on the Sunday following Parklife,

Thing is though they didn't want the dance floor and they ripped out half the lighting rig because they didn't want there patrons getting used to such luxuries!

@ $61 a ticket for Boombox the following day you would certainly think that the luxuries would be removed.....?

I'm going as a swimmer. Ok, I'm a tight arse.... lol

Bingo! I bought the swimmers yesterday. What a brilliant excuse for wearing next to nothing! Now, what time does the Dome go off?

Seems horribly empty with no countdown boy.

Jock strap. Nothing else!

At least buy some swimming goggles so you don't look completely nekkid

Where is countdown boy ?

Countdown boy was great - i think he got heckled to death on the last mardi gras pinkboard: Too colourful, too loud, too much - blah blah blah.

I think it had more to do with each day being a whole screen and some on dial up or slow servers etc took ages.
He downsized it and then seemed to be less complaints.

Might sound silly but when the count starts at say 60 days it mean you had 30-50 screens of just a countdown.

Countdown Boy excelled himself for Mardi Gras - absolutely wonderful. He then said he was retiring at the end of it, so unfortunately we won't have his help in building the excitement for Sleaze. I suspect he'll be watching us though ... it's hard to keep away from Pinkboard.

Its about 5 weeks to Sleaze, not sure about everyone, but we definately do not feel the "intensity" leading up to the event. We already bought tickets to Sleaze but none of our friends are going. People seem to choose the Big parties at Phoenix/Q Bar rather than Sleaze this year. What is eveyone think? Maybe because of economic downturn? Or the bad experience from Sleaze last year? Patrick

where
are
you
countdownboy

we
miss
you

all
is
forgiven

we're
sorry
we
critisised
you

now
that
you're
gone
we
realise
how
great
you
were.

We
can't
countdown
without
you.

*Cry*

Yeah, not all our friends are doing Sleaze this year - only about half rest are going to alternate parties. Even interstate friends are staying home this one round. Noticed NMG have even emailed out advertising cheap flights through Flight Centre to Sleaze.

Hope they do sell out and the party meets all the hype.

oh c'mon !!!

Just one little countdown please .... c'moooooon !

Well I for one am excited about sleaze ball!
Its been ages since ive been out, and i cant wait to have a great time there (as i have done in the ones i have been to previously).

Cant wait!!

Its the same with most parties.

A month or more out there is not much excitement but the closer you get the more excitement comes.

Sleaze is a great party. I go to it no matter what. If Sleaze is a dud then MG is in danger as well. Over the last 20 years of doing these parties there has been more great ones than duds. Even at the duds people complained off I still managed to find a hall/dj playing what I wanted and enjoy being out with my mates.

I'll probably get howled down but those that do the alternative parties which are on the same weekends ast MH or Sleaze would be the first to complain if NMG bit the dust.

Most of of my local friends have decided to miss Sleaze this year however I have a swag of friends flying in from interstate and also from o/s.

should be a fun night.

I don't know if it really IS Countdown Boy behind the Sport-of-the-Day pictures, or if somebody is giving him the sincerest form of flattery - emulation! Whatever the case, thanks and keep the pictures coming - they're great and are certainly adding to the build-up to what should be a great party weekend.

Second round tickets about to sell out.

Get ready for a great new space at Sleaze Ball this year. As well as the two big dance venues, 3 major shows, Project Sleazeway, the hugely talented iOTA, DJ Sammy Jo (Scissor Sisters DJ) and many more we are adding a unique steamy, sexy space at this year's sporty party.

It's called "The Ring" and it will play host to some of our hottest community sports groups going head to head to settle old rivalries and create new ones. There will be ripped boys and girls boxing, wrestling and indulging in more exotic - indeed erotic - forms of combat.

But it’s not all about organised sports teams. We are looking for other types of games and performance as part of THE RING programme and would love to hear your ideas and invite you to compete.

Maybe you have a score to settle? Maybe you want to prove that you’re top dog in front of an audience of thousands? The possibilities are endless – east versus west, boys versus girls, slave versus master, backs versus forwards, top versus bottom, Madonna versus Kylie.

You choose the contest. It could be boxing, a tug-of-war, dodgeball, a dance-off, a sumo bout, a cock fight, drag wrestling or twister. It is only limited by your imagination.

Submissions will be assessed for safety, creativity and suitability before a final list of participants is decided upon. All competitors in THE RING will receive free entry to the party.

Submissions and enquiries should be directed to thering@mardigras.org.au by September 20th.

Small club venues doesn't do it for me. Big parties with plenty of space to move and groove and chill out is my thang! Plus I'm a big supporter for NMG.

Happy Sleaze 2009 everyone!!

Ok, so anybody bought a ticket recently? If so any idea on how many have been sold yet - ticket numbers?

I know it's not an exact science.....

Just checked with Ticketek and they are now selling 3rd release.

Can't wait to see all those sexy boys in footy shorts and speedos and wrestling costumes... mmmmmm

Sleaze last year was appalling bad...I decided not to do anyother one... but then MG was so amazing I thought I'd give Sleaze one more chance given that they have bought the Dome back. Got my ticket already. Bring on Game On.

my ticket numbers are 3876 & 3877

Considered the most popular sport in the world.

Considered the most popular sport in the world.

And if you are one of those millions round the globe who agree with that statement then you would know that those millions find the term "soccer" insulting.

To the purists it is simply football.

And looking hot. They'll be giving away some tickets and offering their balls up for your pleasure.

I just bought tickets with 212 and 213 on them. WTF!!!! Surely there are more than that many going???

Don't know how their ticketing works. Mine is in the 5000s.

Here we go again.......sigh!!!

That is just the batch number. It doesn't represent the actual number of tickets sold. That is commercially sensitive information and is nowhere on the ticket. Ticketek give MG a daily report of ticket sales.

Russia's Aleksandr Ivanov - IAAF World Athletics Championships - Osaka 2007

Nice lance ... and the buns aren't bad either ... so he'll be performing where and when?

what a huge rod that man has

I don't know if it's really Countdown Boy in disguise or not, but either way, I'm enjoying the efforts from the person I'm calling "Sportdown Boy". Keep up the good work! And if there are any more pictures of cutaway wetsuits, let's see them. The picture at the top of this wall is hot!

Dannii Minogue was going to be a big suprise at Sleaze, but due to her busy schedule is going to be replaced by Kyle Sandilands for the 3am show.

Kyle Motormouth does Sleaze? Now there's a rumour. So I'm guessing everyone will head to the Dome at 03:00 then?

I heard that Kyle was doing the 3am show in the Dome, though.

It's about time we had a bear headlining the 3am show

There's definitely an extra artist planned for one of the shows but I don't know who it is. Nobody is saying

There frequenty is

I managed to pick up second release tickets this arvo from Ticketek in the CBD. Go figure!

HORDERN - UPLIFTING ANTHEMS AND HOUSE

9pm - 12am Alex Taylor
12am - 4am* Paul Goodyear
4am - 6am DJ Sammy Jo
6am - 8am Greg Boladian

DOME - DARK AND DIRTY

9pm - 12am Sveta
12am - 3am* Feisty
3am - 5am Mandy Rollins
5am - 7am Scott Pullen

* - Don't forget the clock goes forward one hour at 2am!

shall I do a guest countdown, just for one day ?

World record holder Caster Semenya has lived as a woman all her life. Tests have indicated she may be intersexual.

So you're not "Sportsdown Boy" then? Well, I hope you feel flattered that somebody has picked up your legacy. You gave us all some great memories and have been missed. Indeed, why not do a guest spot?! Without you, I don't know how many sleeps to go ...

Countdown Boy always wrote his name in full. In fact, he wasn't a boy at all.

Countdown Boy requested that I retain the registration and change the password so no one else could use the name.

So "Sport of the Day" isn't "Countdown Boy" in disguise after all. Well, at least that's clear, and we all now know "CD Boy" isn't who we thought he might be either. Whatever the case, we loved the excitement "Countdown Boy" brought us, and "Sport of the Day" has his/her own allure.

After last years debacle, I hope NMG pulls one out of the hat. I said I wouldnt go again, but I have faith in the system for change and in that change there are people in the system, who can make a change that most of us want.

I had the same feelings until I saw the DJ lineup. For me it seems a little laclustre. And I already have my ticket

Ice Hockey is not a sport , It's thuggery

When will Sleaze ice the cake again the way the "Beyond" boys apparently did in Melbourne? (See "Party Wall 62")

There are only 19 days to ..... ummm.... errrr.... No, wait a minute , I'm retired.

you are NOT a retread!

Wow! So now we have our own sporting competition right here at Pinkboard. "Sport-of-the-Day" v "Countdownboy". Do we vote for our favourite at the end of the comp?

Go CDB after the last MG monster effort any wonder he needed a rest. The count down is totally different to the sport pix so they cant really be compared. Whats the point of trying to compare them anyway.

Back to biz, sides Home and the usual suspects, does anyone know anything about the 'Chinese Laundry' after Sleaze or any other fab reco.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is a disgrace after her hissy fit the other day abusing the linesperson. She is not appropriate for the sport of the day picture in my opinion.

Yes, but everybody makes mistakes. She's had an amazing career up until now and it's her temper that let her down, not her tennis skills.

yo brah, I'm really happy for you and I'mma let you finish, but John McEnroe had the best hissy fits of all time.

Re: "Nah.....leave it out and flop it about" from "Party Graffiti Wall 62"

Sounds like my kind of party ... so now we just have to hone the details. Seems like a new thread on the "Sleaze" wall would be the right place to start ...

Stephen Hendry of Scotland

Michael Schumacher in a Ferrari

So how do you say "yummo" in French?

So what to do for recovery? I'm hearing good comments about "Extra Dirty". Anybody here have any experience? Crowd? Music? Lights? Action? Other?

Oooh La La

I don't see Sleaze generating a lot of interest here.

No, there's not much, is there? Perhaps as the deadline draws nearer?

I dont get the sporting photos??? I thought this wall was about sleaze. Maybe I miss the point but I dont see much talk about Sleaze!!!!

Is anyone excited about the line up, theme ??? What are you wearing?

same old dj's

sounds a bit dull?

The theme is "Game On!". It's a sports theme! Hence the photos which somebody has been entertaining us with for the past week or two.

Excited? Yes! Wearing? Swim wear.

Ben St. Larence of Australia

Boys tugging on things ... that's getting into the spirit

no won't be doing sleaze - been there don that

Enjoying yourself is all in your mind so get to it.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

cant wait

Glad you're not going.

Dont need sad sacks walking around.

Its gonna be fun......................

I won't be eating dinner tomorrow. Been there done that.

Biathlon usually refers to the winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.

Those posters make me laugh . Yes they are entitled to their opinion as am I.

Not going to Sleaze same old same old or been there done that.

These parties are on once per year. Some have been duds but majority have been good to awesome.

Going out on Oxford St every weekend would get boring after awhile but I fail to see how attending a big party
once per year can get labelled as boring/same old etc.

Already Oxford St is falling apart but hey can you walk/stand around holding hands with another guy/girl ?
kiss another guy/girl ? around Oxford St ? NO.

The big parties are a contained safety zone where you can be what you want to be and within reason ! do what you want to do without the worry of yobbo's attacking you.

And whats wrong with the same DJ's ? I would much rather dance to a DJ I know than some of the crap stuff they have bought in as International DJ's or some DJ I have never heard off before. After all its a major party so you have to have major DJ's to attract. I seriously doubt a party would sell on complete unknown DJ's. Has there ever been a major party with all unknown DJ's ??????

Fine if the big parties are not you or you dont like them but dont slag them.

Or maybe we should start a slag campaign against Bananas in Cabanas and see how you like it ?

Sleaze Ball is also the main fundraiser for MardiGras. So if you dont support it then there wont be either a Sleaze Ball or MardiGras. And then who will you bitch about?!

Sure is Zakalwe.

Then if no Mardi Gras and the way Oxford St is going ,
Sydney will no longer be on the Gay map.

And so many parties piggy back off Mardi Gras and Sleaze will they survive ? sure ones like Toybox will but dont forget if no Mardi Gras/no Sleaze then would the Internationals and inter-staters come to Sydney just for a Toybox ? or any of those other parties ?

These parties are the one time of the year where we can be with other like minded party goers and be in a relatively safe environment. With multiple choices of halls and music.

If only we could get back June long weekend and NYE parties at venues like Fox Studios where its away from ugly Oxford St.

It just irks me the way posters slag off on parties or
is it just other promoters ? There are a number of parties I have no interest in but I dont get on here and slag them off.

Well, I'm looking forward to Sleaze!...and a few of my friends are too. We're all very excited, and love the bigger parties.

Sure, every year is different, and some are better than others, but Sleaze and Mardi Gras are one time of year when a lot of guys come out to play that don't normally do the party scene. There's just something special about these parties, always fun, and great memories of years past, all ages, all types, in a very friendly and tolerant place.

The music? the lighting? the shows? For me its about the experience of getting together with several thousand other like-minded people and just having fun.

Then pick a recovery with music that you relate to, if you want to party some more.

Yep same here.

They are the only time all the gang gets together and you catch up with friends from the past who dont do Oxford St anymore and its all in together all ages/all sorts.

People watching while having a break is just as much fun.

I've got some nice short shorts to wear for the night. I'm so glad short shorts are back in.

Me too. Much more comfortable ... and accessible ... and ...

Keep up the good work

Anybody know anything about this one? Worth going? Try the Last Dance @ Shift instead?

192kbs mp3 1 hour:15 mins:42 secs

www.acidjasmine.com to get the mp3

Agnes - Release Me - (Acapella)
Wolfgang_Gartner & Francis_Preve vs La Roux - Yin For The Kill (Dave Spoon Bootleg)
Here I Am (Mark Picchiotti Vocal) - Eric Kupper ft. Peyton
Lily Allen - Fuck You (Ralphi Rosario & Craig J Explicit Club Mix)
Chris Salvatore - I Kissed A Boy (Hector Fonseca Remix)
Jean Claude Ades feat Dannii Minogue - I Begin To Wonder (Plastik Funk Mix)
The Saturdays - Forever is Over (Buzz Junkies Remix)
Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone (Bimbo Jones Club Mix)
Jordin Sparks - S.O.S.(Let The Music Play) Jason Nevins Remix
Agnes - Release Me (Sound Factory Club Mix)
Cascada - Dangerous (Cahill Mix)
Alexandra Burke - Bad Boys

Hey gang I reckon its Daywash for the Sun/bumday.
And listen dont worry bout the sad sacks they are quite entitled not to go to Sleaze. They can sit home and jerk off to SBS instead.

Mountain Unicycling

Yes, yes and no

Thanks, thanks and thanks

I'm Bored.

I can't wait for Sleaze, especially to get some action going on with some nice boys in the mens toilets, oh yeah baby, BRING IT ON!!!!!

Sometimes that happens in retirement ...

Indeed! But why restrict yourself to the brightly lit confines of the Hordern basement? What about the Dome? When are we going to see that go off like it used to?

Cadel Evans in Tour de France

I wish..... I think those days are long gone baby. Oh well, the toilets will have to make do LOL LOL LOL.

Life/Lust is what you make of it ... a "critical mass" semed to develop at Mardi Gras. Why shouldn't we try to create one at Sleaze?

I can't decide between going as
1) Joanna Grigg
2) Brett Stewart
3) Venus Williams
4) John Macenroe

Im just wondering why the person attaching the sport pics has to tell us what the sport is? Give us a break.

Because some of us have no idea who some of these people are. I can recognise a bike rider, but I found it interesting to find out who he was. Did you know what "MUni" was before this? Did you know the sports practised in a biathlon? I didn't know either of them. At least this person is taking the time to entertain us each day with a theme leading up to Sleaze now that Countdown Boy has retired (and is apparently bored). What have you contributed aside from a snide comment? (and no, I'm not the person doing the postings)

Many people have images turned off on their pc's so they 1. Conserve download limits, and 2. Avoid porn/smut.

Jake Boex

Only three more sleeps peeps, till Game On.......I'm so excited, I just can't hide it.

Now where is my bog snorkelling outfit?

Anyone up for some toe wrestling or cheese rolling?

Perhaps not cheese rolling, but I'm sure there'll be some sausage rolling in the Dome

Or even turd burglaring

One pin balling

Now now, no need for a hissy fit.

11 lasers in the Hordern firing from all sides of the dance floor!!!

So excited now...

Three big shows will punctuate the night in the Hordern including one with the multi-talented iOTA as you have never seen him before. We'll also have eleven lasers firing from all sides of the venue and twenty-four mirror balls to make sure this space goes off!

It's time to take a shower with the team as we turn the Dome into a sexy locker room and bath house for the night. To get you bumping and grinding through the night we have the dark and dirty sounds of four of Sydney's favourite DJs...

I know there might be crowd control concerns, but is there anyway of knowing when the shows are on? It's frustrating to stand around expecting a midnight show that doesn't come on until 01:00. And despite the fun to be had in the Dome, I still like to move around and catch the shows if I can.

Is there a members entrance to Sleaze this year?

Got my perfect melon for the 'melon tossing'

George Gogshelidze (red) of Georgia and Roman Amoyan (blue) of Armenia

Sigh , Not Going, maybe next year.

According to the latest NMG email, Steph and Nick will be just inside the members entrance from 9 till 11...

Brave souls they are!

I must say the last few Sleaze ball and Mardi Gras grafitti walls have been very dissapointing with how many people use it to talk about the parties. I am thinking no one really cares and gets overly excited about these events anymore (its just another party).
There use to be a flurry of blogs leading up to the events, but now it is just taken up by photo's.
What do you think?
cum on everybody let's get pumped up for the long weekend!!!!

I agree. Where's the buzz, the excitement, the looking forward-to-a-good-timeness?

I certainly am.... got my footy gear ready to go...

The lasers are locked in (11!) so the Hordern is going to go off!!!

Can't wait to see (and play) with all the sexy boys and girls... game on!

Oh no weather report for Saturday is heavy rain and top temp of just 18c. Hopefully too wet for the cops to bring the doggies out...

Now where is my winter sports gear? Will still be heaps of fun.

From an MG email:

It's time to take a shower with the team as we turn the Dome into a sexy locker room and bath house for the night. To get you bumping and grinding through the night we have the dark and dirty sounds of four of Sydney's favourite DJs:
9pm - 12am Sveta
12am - 3am* Feisty
3am - 5am Mandy Rollins
5am - 7am Scott Pullen
* - Don't forget the clock goes forward one hour at 2am!

That's getting me excited ... hope it does the same for you! See you in the steam ...

What are the DJ times for the Hordern? Anyone?

HORDERN

9pm - 12am Alex Taylor
12am - 4am* Paul Goodyear
4am - 6am DJ Sammy Jo
6am - 8am Greg Boladian

DOME

9pm - 12am Sveta
12am - 3am* Feisty
3am - 5am Mandy Rollins
5am - 7am Scott Pullen

* - Don't forget the clock goes forward one hour at 2am!

Has anyone listened to the warm-up mix sent out via email today from NMG.

http://soundcloud.com/user37907/pre-game-on-sleaze-ball-2009

Full respect to the DJs, but, if this mix represents what they are playing on the night in the Hordern or Dome, I am selling my ticket.

This sound is not what Sleaze is all about and the organisers need to step aside and get a good kick up the arse.

SHAME SHAME SHAME on NMG.

I hope that's not an indication of the music for tomorrow night,
I can feel another flatlining incident coming on if that's played!

http://www.mardigras.org.au/item.cfm?id=422&nav=Sleaze%20Ball&sub=Sleaze%20Ball

The site says:

A collaboration between Scissor Sisters Tour DJ Sammy Jo and Sydney's very own goddess of the decks, Sveta.

Sveta will be playing dark and dirty in the Dome at Sleaze Ball while Sammy Jo is headlining in the Hordern where uplifting house and anthems will rein.

For this warm-up Sveta and Sammy Jo have put together a warm, fun disco set to get you toe-tapping at your desk or at the gym as you count down the minutes till Sleaze Ball weekend.

Nothing says it is going to be like tomorrows music.

I'd go to Sleaze if I wasn't scared of the dogs. They've ruined it for me.

I understand what you mean, but I can't imagine Sveta, Feisty or Mandy playing that sort of stuff in their sets. Let's take it at face value ... a warm-up to play in the background tomorrow while you're relaxing and saving your strength for the real thing ...

WTF!

I was thinking I might buy a last minute ticket to Sleaze to support NMG but after listening to that horrible Sleaze Ball Warm up mix, I think I will just stay at home and inject myself with some more Botox and Juvederm.

Seriously, what is happening to this city? That sleaze ball mix would clear the dance floor at a desperate and dateless dance party at Albion Park! Surely this is a joke? Is it the 1st April?

lol settle down...that will not be played in the Dome...at least not from the other 3 djs....ha!...god only knows why they have it as a warm up mix....disco?...lol....

Pity Alex Taylor and Paul Goodyear weren't the last two DJ's playing. They would bring it home better.

Oh please !!!!!!!!!!!!!

what rainshower did you lot come down in ????????????

Since when has Sveta played that fluff ?

Sure Sammy will but not the Hordern.

Just relax and enjoy....... you have 2 venues to choose from. The DJ's have been announced for ages so you know what styles are going to be played.

Surprised you thought thats what the night would be like Laserboy.

But if posters judge the whole party from 1 track then we dont need sad sacks walking around the party so dont buy a ticket.

Oh and as Arti posted - read the email.

Well it's wet and miserable out there, and as yet I don't have a costume, but hey, it's Sleaze Ball, whooo!
Most excited about Paul Goodyear playing tonight. When he did the RHI at Mardi Gras a few years back he backed up a SLAMMIN' remix of Kylie's 2Hearts with an equally SLAMMIN' remix of ABBA's The Visitors. More of that kinda thing tonight and I will be happy!

... so perhaps now we can all show some excitement?!!

What are you/aren't you wearing? What are you looking forward to the most? Let's get some energy happening! Bring on the men!!

I'm looking forward to Paul Goodyear and Greg Boladian. Not sure what to expect from Sammy Jo but if it's anything like that warm up mix then I'll be leaving early!

Got my sexy sports kit ready - Game on!

Got my raincoat and brolly for some 'singin and dancin in the rain'.

Looking forward to a fun night with the gang of mates........that's what i'ts all about.

Japan's Ryosuke Irie

This will be the 3rd Sleaze I've missed due to geographical factors. Ah well. Sorry I can't be there mixing it up with my mates and listening to Paul Goodyear who has always had a little corner on the dancefloor that is my heart. Have a fantastic and safe time, and take care of yourselves and each other.

Oh, and one more thing to some of you. Stop bitching like a bunch of hard done by schoolgirls about this dj, that dj, ticket cost, venue, cost of drinks, organisers, lycra chafe and so on ad infinitum ad nauseaum. Be thankful that Sydney offers you a greater choice of possibilities for entertainment and self expression than some other places in this country and the world. If you want Sydney to be seen as a cuddly and inclusive city like the majority of its cuddly and inclusive gayhabitants, you do yourself no favours by carrying on this way. Trust me, the world watches us and sometimes shakes its head at the level of insular bitchiness that filters out of Emerald City.

Well, I think I've squeezed out a few drops of fedup-edness that was swimming around within my psyche and will get back to my established persona of sweetness and light with a retro tinge. The main point of my post still applies - have a fantastic time and embrace all our differences. And a few hot blokes on the dance floor

The 2016 Olympics will be in Rio de Janiero. It will be the first time the Olympics have been hosted in South America. I think this goes perfectly with tonight's theme. I think I'll dump my footy shorts and switch to a feathered headdress.

Hey Just Busting I never suggested that the warm up mix would be the same as the music played at the party, but from a marketing point of view the warm up mix does not inspire me to get a ticket. However 11 Lasers in the Hordern does excite me!

Have a great night Just Busting and don't forget to tell me that I look hot as I pass you on the dance floor.

its RAINING MEN no really it is have a look out your window

wonder if I should do a token countdown ... nah , you're all better off without me

I'm sure we'll see some of those tonight, although perhaps not of the style an Olympic judging panel might expect.

Was that taken at the Flinders friday night?

No, not better off - it's just been a different countdown this time. Perhaps you'll make a comeback for MG 2010?

Goodbye footy shorts, hello ski paints....

Have an excellent time and a dance for me. I'm too worn out to attend but I'll be thinking about you all.

Enjoy!

At least the coat check is in the RHI (well it usually is), but it might be a bit cold and wet getting over to the Hordern.

Just off to a friends for a pre party drink. See you all at the party and have a fun night.

See you in the steamy locker room ...

I'll might change my costume into Joyce Maynge's in bathrobe

Goodbye ski pants, hello wet suit...!

well despite the weather that was actually a brilliant party.. horden rocked scenic lasers and most importantly music was hot.. especially loved the raised seating... kudos to all involved.. thanx

Please tell us all about how the party went - who you pashed in the Dome, who you felt up in the Hordern. I want all the gruesome details!

here here
it was a 100 times better than last year
great lights and lasers generally good music and great friendly crowd
overall a good night out despite the weather ( and dogs!)

Would have to go down as the WORST weather ever, the torrential downpours and all, but it didn't put anybody off attending.

The only thing missing were the speedos (I'm sure a lot of people cose to wear long pants instead) but it was red hot

Music hit the mark. Hall decoration was minimalistic but effective, showing that often 'less is more'. Lighting was great and everybody was happy and cheerful.

Bit too much fog in the Dome at times though... what was that all about?

Got to say it was the best party NMG has put on for a very very long time. The music was just spot on and pumping, aside for the last half hour of Sammy Jo's. A good mixture and new and classics. The lasers were mind blowing all night. And the crowd was the friendliest and happiest and hottest I've seen and I've been going for a lot of years. Great job.

Well if NMG shared the bump in with Gods Kitchen lets hope they do it again for other parties or put their own Sun day parties on.

The Hordern was like the days of old. The big high bleachers, podiums and great lighting and stage/DJ box all decorated and some decorations hanging above the dance floor with the mirror balls.

Liked Alex set, next 2 DJ's OK for me but went to dome and got there just as Mandy's set started and had a good grind........... sitting back in the bleachers up high like that was great to just sit and catch up then back to Dome for some more great tribal.

I liked the crowd, quite a few dressed up and what I like about the big dance parties over a Club is its all ages , all types and nobody gives a @#$@#. Cold as crap outside so nobody seem to hang around out there for long so halls pretty full all night.

Thanks NMG great party and please if possible share the bump in costs again ( if thats what happened ) it made the Hordern look fantastic. Like the old girl should.

Didnt mind the fog..........gave you the out of there feeling with just shadows dancing.............

What a night! The Hordern totally went off.
Great music (not too fast, really danceable), tonnes of happy people without attitude, lasers were just incredible. So many footy shorts!
Paul Goodyear's set was awesome.
It was the type of party that we have been begging Mardi Gras to return to. Thank god they did!

Thanks NMG for a great party last night. You really hit the nail on the head with this one. Great crowd, great music (agree Paul Godyears set was amazing), Sammy Jo and Greg Boladian carried it on. Lighting was superb - mind blowing watching it from up high in the bleachers.

And IOTA you rock mate - what a great voice this guy has got.

One of the best Sleaze parties in years - stick to this formula NMG cause you are onto a winner.

The party was great. Everybody just seemed to be in such a great mood and the Hordern was packed - but in a good way! All the hotties that have been in hibernation were obviously out and about. Agree with one of the above posts that the music was very danceable for the most part. Abosutely LOVED the 2am show and it seemed so did most of the crowd. What a great pick up! Good to see the gay scene in Sydney is still alive and well when it wants to be (despite the death of Oxford Street)

Great party, but fuck, the police presence was out of control. We got to the party early and the dogs came through the Hordern dancefloor *three* times. They were inside the gates for hours and hours as well. Saw a few people taken away.
Music was good! Loved "When Doves Cry" and "Filthy/Gorgeous" in the Hordern. Most SHOCKING costume was the guy who appeared about 6am, completely naked except for his cock and balls tucked into a split-open tennis ball. That was Sleaze Ball # 14 for me, and I'd never seen anything like it.

The Hordern was definitely laid out well. Dance floor could have been slightly bigger as it was very packed.
Congratulations to the Police for their constant stream of presence during the evening... it made for a safe nite.
Music was good, slightly lacking in trance, but good. Shows and lighting great.
Nice to see that a big number of the crowd did dress up!
I got totally soaked on the way in, but hey, it was part of the fun.

The dogs have scared us off at previous parties by being at the front gate but we've always felt safe once in the venue and on the dance floor. Sadly no more.

Dogs going thru the dancefloor last night was appalling. This is the beginning of the end for our dance parties. It's clearly going to scare off thousands of us from attending again in the future.

RIP Fox Studio dance parties.

Obviously pays to arrive late (waited till rain passed over).....got there around midnight - no police or doggies at the gates then. And only saw minimal police presence during the night, which was good.

What a fab night it was - kudos to the lighting guys and dj's for fab night dancing. Last night was like the parties of old - great formula NMG now stick to it for Mardi Gras next year and you will have a bumper crowd there.

And plaudits to the great shows, especially IOTA and the Sydney Convicts.

The Hordern really is the best venue for partying.

I must have missed something. The sound quality was ordinary at best and there was virtually no scenic. It seemed to me like a party on a budget. Was good to see so many people taking up the theme and getting in costume though.

yer it was a party on a budget however i think the money was spent wisely. almost everything came together and just worked well.. much better than the hot messes of previous years

I wasn't there but the party sounds really great. I'm looking forward to MG already and will be there with my friends. We've been away for 3 years now but it sounds time to come back. The dogs sound scary (they're meant to be I guess) but still 99.999% of people get through. I have no idea what makes them pick on some people. Is it just quantity or something else?

Alex Taylor was a great opener for Sleaze Ball, he does great closes too! Paul Goodyear is always good... it's a given
Sammy Jo.... WTF? Rather average for a headliner. The mix that was played of "Filthy/Gorgeous" wasn't enough to save what was done
Greg Boladian was incredible. The tennis racket was crazy but loved it. Best DJ of the night by far!

The Dome was fun. Great tribal sounds from great tribal DJs

Bring back The Forecourt. Yes it might rain, but last year it was undercover. 3 areas would be great

Damn, I knew it would be a good party but still had to opt out. I reckon the rain has some effect on the DJs and they play better. Just love those big parties.

Thumbs up to Sleaze Ball 2009. Fabulous Fabulous night. Happy songs at hordern. Laser lighting was faaaaaantastic. Lots of hot men in footy short.yummy.... I felt a bit weird dancing at the Dome where all of them dressed up in sports gear. Dome has always been full of leather gear, hairy men and muscly bulky men in there. My fav venue at Sleaze was Hordern. IOTA had a great performance, and sydney convicts were hot. thanks for those bubbly muscly butts

Hey guys

Big thanks for all the lighting comments, always great to know the work is appreciated. I designed the Hordern and Dome (with Paul Marin operating in the Dome) and it was a bunch of fun to operate.

While I can't speak officially about it I think I can say is that nothing that you saw last night was for Boombox - the lighting and scenic designs were all totally unique to Sleaze and with the exception of a few lights staying back for the Boombox, everything was put in there solely for Sleaze. There was talk of using elements for both productions but that didn't end up happening so what you saw was the result of a very similar team to the last few years.

Was great to work with Katrina, the Aztech team as well as Justin and the NMG guys too. Having done the last five years of parties I think the atmosphere last night was fantastic, and the extra seats helped open up the Hordern a bit more too which was nice.

Always a pleasure to work on MG events and thanks to everyone who came up and said hi at control... really makes it all worthwhile with the feedback. (Except for the woman who abused me screaming at me about the sound quality - if she was such an audio expert then why was she yelling at the lighting and laser operators? :P)

See you all at MG10!

Richard Neville
www.mandylights.com

well, really ordinary, as indeed was that midnight show. Sorry, gentle readers, it wasn't the best show, from a production values point of view. How you stuff up the MAJOR opening cue to "we are the champions" is beyond me, it's SO bloody obvious; wtf were they thinking giving poor Iota a hand held mic? That just got in his way! and it failed at one point. Whilst it was a extremely good idea to use the gay sporting teams as part of the act, they aren't dancers and the six professional dancers flanking Iota looked entirely put of place. It was a messy show which lacked cohesion. It had a couple of good bits in it but it didn't go much beyond a "meh"! for me.

Well I arrive a little after 10pm and no dogs. Never saw any on the dance floor.
As for the comment about police dogs causing the death of dance parties - PUH-LEASE. They have been to a number of parties now so why was Sleaze packed ? they have been to Big Day out for years as well. Why is it still going ?
its part and parcel of the scene now and people know how to stash their stuff and treat it as part of going out now.

To the poster who said they must have missed something.
YOU DID. Sorry but just have to read all the other comments on here and SameSame. Majority all saying one of the better parties, how NMG have got their act together etc. Was certainly one of the better parties I have been to over the last 20 years.

IOTA by Pussy Galore . Well maybe you are a professional but going by the roar of the crowd throughout the shows the ordinary punter would not have noticed those things.
Great show.

My first Dance Party was a sleaze party and the theme was Sleaze in uniform, After last year I was un sure whether to try again, but luckly I have found a way to go to parties for free, simply volunteer some of your time, any way after I finish at 130 I got to play but I was at the party since 930pm and may I say it was a good party and good music in the Horden. Even with the waterfall in the Horden over one of the doors, if you were not there early enough you would of not seen it,

I missed the first show as I was helping some person in a G Coma to medical, but the Bring it on Show was really Camp and I loved it until I was told it was the same show they used for Gay Games, well at least shows can be recycled,

Sammy Jo set was great, It was reported that Sleaze was going to use God Kitchens Boom Box set up for sleaze in stead you can see where it was and that the sleaze staging was right in front of it,

All and all a great night,

Over the past 10+ years I have been reading the party blogs on pink pages the reviews form everybody have been the most positive. Alex Taylor done a great opening set (you can slot him into any time and he always does the job), Paul Goodyear really mixed his set up with loads of new and old remixes and vocals with great driving beats, this kept everyone happy, Sammy Jo, started off a little slow (something happened to the sound system where the volume went down) which forced quite a few people to walk off, including myself and Greg Boladian done a fantastic closing set.
Only went into the Dome early in the night but looked really dark and hazy with great tribal music ( I can imagine it would have going off at 4am).
The lighting in the Hordern was one of the best rigs i've seen and the grandstand seating was great not to mention the most important aspect, the crowd. Everyone was well up for a good night, loads of people made a great effort to dressed for the theme.
Well done to NMG and everyone associated with the party, keep this winning formula and you will have a great MG 2010.
Shame about the police dogs on the dance floor, something has to be done about this. I bet they don't take dogs onto a dance floor at the Logies after parties....

"I have no idea what makes them pick on some people. Is it just quantity or something else?"

One girl was picked up inside the party with something green in her pocket. Another guy lit up on the dancefloor! Are you both insane? 1. don't bring that into a dance party and 2. don't do that on a crowded dancefloor so everyone around you then smells like a can of PAL!

I agree the party was very good. Thanks NMG you've redeemed yourself after last year's debacle!

got busted at sleaze by the wall too wall dogs. how would you suggest stashing stuff?

I almost got busted the other night in a club. If I hadn't've been generous and given some goodies away to friends, I would be facing the courts right now.

I blame it on GHB. Well, maybe. That and the damn dogs. And what good does it do? It messes up your travel plans and costs you money, time and embarrasment.

Up your ass in a condom!!! Trust me it works....

Oh yeah forgot, have to tie a big knot on the end so you don't lose it. What an unpleasant thought!!! LOL!!!

Mon 05 Oct 2009 12:54:13 - what do you mean ? what were they doing in the middle of the dance floor ????????????

David - what happened ? what did they do ? did you get taken away or what ? and can I ask what you had and where you had it ?

Best place for arriving is to shove it in a condom and put it you know where. If with a girl where they can
"accommodate" better ? When I went in no police, no
dogs at all. Saw Police all night walking around but no dogs.

And yeah why target dance parties only ? go to the Logies and all those red carpet type events as well

or better still........... if its personal stash leave the people alone to enjoy themselves.

Police could be used to fight real crime instead of piss ant small charges like this.

Even an ex Police Chief from USA who is coming to Australia to talk says drugs should be decriminalised as no country is winning the war on drugs and that Police spend too much time and wasted dollars and if decriminalised wont be as much crime. Imagine if the Pharmaceutical companies could make the stuff ? how genuine it would be.

Anyway good luck David. Hope you come out of it OK.

hi all
can you let us all know the links as these go up over the week?
thanks

Great Sleaze Ball photos here -

http://www.samesame.com.au/gallery/sydney

I had to look up how old Computer Games by Mi-Sex, the song for the closing show, was. I sort of remembered 70's. It was released 1 October 1979 and went to #1. Happy Birthday! I must rip that vinyl.

hahahahahaaa


walking to the party with that knot hanging out is such a pain.

I wonder if you wrapped your stuff in 2-3-4 condoms would the dogs be able to sniff that out ? if you just had it under yr balls ?

hi, in your msg i thought you said 'we all know where to stash it'..when we walked into that wall of dogs there was not a good place to be stashing anything anywhere...i had an e on me.......saw one guy saying no he had no drugs, then being asked by police were they up his bum as they took him away........it was pretty full on. thanks.

Not a chance in the world the dogs can smell them when up yr bum.

Do the police just pick on a few as come on , you could almost guarantee 90% of the crowd walked in with something.

I cant see any cop sticking his finger up yr butt. Are they that desperate for an arrest ?

And wish they would just leave personal stashes alone. Was there any crime there ? no ! let the Police get out amongst all those hideous bashers and people causing problems instead of someone just out to enjoy themselves.

So if you had an e on you where was it ? did the dogs just walk past you ?

I know the sniffer dogs are good but come on , a pill or 2 in a couple of plastic bags ?

There has to be someway around all this crap.

hi all
what were your top two or three songs of the night on sat?
mine were probably (there were a few!)
relax-fgth
best thing- boom crash opera redone version

what were yours?

hey hordern djs- alex paul sammy and greg
can you post your set lists up from sat night?
i am sure many would appreciate it

Fully agree ! Alex kick started a great night , Paul was amazing the we got SAMMY JO ...... WTF was that all about !!

The cops were being total idiots at Sleaze.

We all expect a police presence but for them to drag a dog that was obviously confused and scared into the crowded Hordern is just cruel.

Suggest that everyone writes to their local member. And the RSPCA too.

How can anyone respect the police when their tactics just suck.

we all know that will achieve nothing

The cops think they are perfect, despite ALL the evidence that sniffer dogs are ineffective.

New Mardi Gras (NMG) CEO Anna McInerney today commented on the success of last weekend’s Sleaze Ball, ticket sales and the police presence at the party.

On general feedback on the event:

“Overall we are delighted with the event,” said McInerney. “The weather conditions could hardly have been worse, yet the party generated a real buzz and so far the feedback has been very positive, particularly with respect to our lighting and our amazing DJs.”

“It was great to see so many people respond to the theme. For several years we have positioned Sleaze Ball as Sydney’s dress up night of the year and I think Game On succeeded in persuading a much larger proportion of partygoers to get into costume. I saw all sorts of exotic sports represented, from polo ponies to a man in a kilt tossing a caber!”

“We will be putting out a detailed survey for partygoers within the next few days which will give us a much more robust way to assess people’s view of the party and to help us plan for the future.”

“We want to ensure our parties really reflect the evolving tastes of our community. For this reason research and consultation will play a key role in how we do things going forward, including Mardi Gras Party next year. If you have ideas about how we can do things better we want to hear from you.”

On ticket sales:

“Ultimately Sleaze is a fundraiser for the Parade and it has to be judged on that basis. The rain on Friday and Saturday drastically reduced the number of tickets sold on these two crucial days. Historically they have together accounted for around a fifth of total sales. We would have really liked to sell out the party, but in the end maintained comparable sales to last year’s party.”

On the police presence at the party:

“Overwhelmingly the most commonly expressed feedback on the party has been that the police presence was heavy handed. There is clearly a lot of concern about this and again we’ll be seeking feedback from the community on this and investigating the details and rationale of the police operation before formulating a formal response.”

Those wishing to share their ideas for future NMG parties should contact feedback@mardigras.org.au.

Yes you could give feed back to the Police.

Firstly I have total respect for the Police
but why dont they go fight some real crime.

Personal usage should not be a chargeable offence or a criminal offence.

Someone has a pill or two or some powders and just want to have a good time as the majority do and they end up with either a criminal record or a run through the expensive courts and placed on a bond etc.

The Police presence was criminal in itself and I'm sure most of them would agree but the laws are ridiculous and should be changed.

I've changed the way I approach parties these days because of the dogs. I tend to turn up later (12-1ish) and have a pill as I get close to the event. If I see the dogs at the entry or have been texted by friends already inside that the dogs are present I will also take my second one rather than wait till half way through the night.

From my perspective I would rather risk a trip to the medical tent than a trip to court.

Now there is good feedback that can be passed onto the Police -

"From my perspective I would rather risk a trip to the medical tent than a trip to court."

Well said. I hadn't thought about using text messages for that. The modern-day equivalent of flashing your headlights, only better.

we all know that will achieve nothing

The cops think they are perfect, despite ALL the evidence that sniffer dogs are ineffective.....

Sitting behind your computer and complaining anonymously will achieve even less. The police enforce the laws made by politicians. Let your local member know that you do not approve and also let the local member of the opposition know. While it is unlikely that these laws will be changed you should let the politicians know wheat you think.

The cops didnt worry me at all. I got pulled up by the over zealous security and had to wait for the medical officer to authorise my entry, just for having a blister pack of prescription drugs, that are actually prescribed to me.

That aside the first 2 j's did the job, I didnt like the flow and wasnt that fussed about No.3, so I left after a while. Daywash was jumpn, good ole Dean Murphy he knows how to throw one. Lookn 4wd fwd Rogue for more of the same.

Firstly, thankyou to NMG for organising the event.
Having attended Sleaze parties for the last twenty years I can state that although it was a good party it was definitely not a Sleaze party.
Times and attitudes have changed from when the term Sleaze had specific meaning to that of today when its just a word to distinguish it from other events.
The Sleaze parties of past years were more gay,edgy and naturally very sexual both in it's presentation and its content.
I'm from the old fundamentalist school that believes in segregation and that believes in Gays celebrating within their own community according to their values.
I noticed that high profile groups such as bears and leathermen were visibly missing.Nor could I identify many of our sisters either.
The days that the dome was the hunting ground has passed.
Although I am a strong supporter of NMG, these parties have nothing to offer me anymore as they no longer celebrate or reflect gay culture to the extent as in previous years.
I am still a firm believer that only members and guests should attend these parties.Nor do I support opening the party to the general public who do not necessarily share or support our values.
Times have changed and I accept the fact that the hardcore element from yester year is no longer relevant or appreciated.
I wish NMG well and only hope that the younger generation are as passionate and commited as those who came before.
Best regards.

The police should be there to prevent anti-social, threatening behaviour and not to distress the attendees.

Let's face it they no longer offer you anything because you are 20 years older and not in the same head space you were in your youth.

Everybody harks to the "old days" and claims things aren't as good as they used to be.

Saying that "the hardcore element from yesteryear is no longer appreciated" is misleading. People do not need to get their rocks off at a Sleaze party anymore. They can just go to enjoy the music and the atmosphere.

Even Manacle is closing again because there is no hardcore crowd anymore. No huge leather/fetish scene, and this is reflected in the shrinking of Inquisition.

dare I say the gay community has grown up and no longer needs to dress in outlandish outfits and do outlandish things. We are more mainstream and all that is rather passe as we head into the second decade of the 2000's

( sorry if this is posted twice, got error response )

Oh please -

"the hardcore element from yesteryear is no longer appreciated " and its no longer relevant.

Segregation can work both ways so do you want that ?

Todays younger generation no longer need gay bars all the time when they go out. The young guys I work with have gay and straight friends and probably go to more straight venues than gay ones. They dont need a 100% gay venue to do this in.

The whole world is evolving and you want to live in the past ?

I agree with Wed 7 Oct 23:56:41 in that all those outlandish outfits/statements are passe now. A thing of the past. Something still to be proud of but not something we should still be living while the rest of the world passes us by.

The reason places like Manacle and parties like Inquisition have closed/devolved is because of the lack of support and because now we have lots of monthly parties that cater to specific groups. Not everyone can afford to go out every weekend and these monthly or so parties cater for that and you get the music you want and the crowd that you want. The hardcore party crowd is there , you just are not attending the right parties.

Sleaze was great , Hordern looked the best it has in years and I had some great dances in Dome which is more my music style. Loved the higher bleaches in the Hordern.
Looking down on that throbbing crowd with the lasers going is unbeatable !

As for the poster who commented we should contact our local MP's instead of posting on here. To say what ???
" I use recreational drugs and the Police should leave us alone " puh-lease !

Its feedback from sites like Pinkboard that allow an Org like NMG approach the Police with our concerns.

Personal use should not be a chargeable offence. The Police would much rather be out fighting real crime like what is happening on Oxford St every week.

"we’ll be seeking feedback from the community on this and investigating the details and rationale of the police operation before formulating a formal response.” Quote from NMG Anna McInerney from above postings. I have emailed NMG and wait the response.

I ask you all to do the same.

Some of my own questions to NMG - Can i take it from this quote that NMG did not know about 1. the hidden police van (including hidden arrests, hidden questioning, no independent observation, and no NMG peoples in attendance? - when my friend was taken off to an area unknown by two police, the remaining police would not tell me where he had been taken or why or when he would be returned) 2. the wall to wall dogs at the entrance when i arrived and 3. the dogs roaming all over the dancefloors? 4. how this heavy handed policeness accomodates harm minimisation, or is this not an NMG policy?

I understand from sso the arrests at sleaze = 14. That would mean that there were more police and dogs attending than those arrested, or for the arrests to make only 1% of the attendees, there would only needed to have been 1400 people at sleaze (there was more, so we are now under 1%). Not a 'successful' police operation i would have thought.

NMG has a lot of answers to supply and i look forward to them. No way do i think the police were there for attendee safety. From my experience it was for intimidation of attendees.

When Police confiscated my sleaze tix after arrest procedures, they said it was at direction of NMG. Did the police lie to me? Is it NMG policy?, and why wasnt NMG at the hidden arrest point to confiscate my member ticket themselves if it was NMG policy, why hand it over so gutlessly to the police to intimidate the ticket out of me?

All is questions. I some how doubt there will be any satisfactory answers from anyone. Email NMG to 'please explain' and complain.

Thx finally to the 'good lucks' received on this board. See you at Mardi Gras.

You are making assumptions about everyone using recreational drugs.

Not everyone does.

Regardless, it is a civil liberties issue. Most people who get searched are found to have nothing in their possession. Why should they have their night ruined?

Hey David,

hope it all goes well for you . Can you keep us updated on what happens ?

I know where my stuff goes next time, somewhere where the sun dont shine !

So where was your mate taken to and what happened ?

mardi gras have emailed me - they did not know about the hidden police van, they had a shed inside the gates for patrons to be searched, nmg have no control over policing, warned all thru their site (which i have not been able to find and yes, i receive the nmg emails), and do not confiscate tickets - this is apparently confusion between the police and staff, and nmg will clear up that for next event ie no tix confiscation i assume.

and no, i am not making assumptions about all patrons consuming drugs. my point was that for a small number of arrests per head, it hardly seems to have been worth it.

my friend was searched by two police in a disabled toilet, alone, behind the hidden police van. scary.

regarding the 'most searched but have nothing in their possession", tell that to the young man saying he had nothing, being questioned as to whether it was up his bum. you are right, i am sure it ruined his night, thinking he was about to be internally searched

You said:
I agree with Wed 7 Oct 23:56:41 in that all those outlandish outfits/statements are passe now. A thing of the past. Something still to be proud of but not something we should still be living while the rest of the world passes us by.

The craze in end of year parties is, and has been for the past few years, to dress up to some theme: gangsta, 60s, tropical, etc. Dress-ups are not passé at all. In fact they are eternal.

More people appeared to be dressed up for this Sleaze than any other I have been to (and that it a lot). A good costume theme is one where it is easy to be in theme, but those that want to can go to more effort.

Spending time preparing for a party creates excitement and anticipation. This puts people in a great mood when they arrive, and helps to create a party atmosphere.

Today many people prepare their body: in the gym, waxing, hair, etc. Some people, though, enjoy creating something special to be seen in and to be talked about. It has nothing to do with being "a thing of the past" it has to do with anticipation and enjoyment.

No one forces you to dress in theme, or to wear something outlandish. But those that do should be respected for their different views, not denigrated for being passé.

Look thanks for your post mate. As unsavoury as the whole thing is, it's important to tell the story publicly and get some discussion going about it.

This is not supposed to be a police state. When I arrived there were no cops or dogs at the gate at all but did I ever see heaps of them leaning against handrails eyeing everybody off in the Hordern and Dome and making it feel like Long Bay jail rather than the Entertainment Quarter.

And I told MG the same in the survey they sent today. Policing was completely unsatisfactory.

I felt safe in the party because of the frisk search by security. there was NO need for roving police or dogs, that was just stupid.

And no I took no drugs or alcohol because I had a bad case of sinusitis and was lucky just to be there rather than sick in bed.

My apologies Arti, I wrote the original comment about outlandish outfits.

The OTT outlandish HAS given way to the more fun ideas. Sleaze tends to be more of a Halloween type party than anything else nowadays.

Gone are the extreme rubber/leather/fetish costumes is what I was saying. They are yesterday's salami (pun intended)

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm Arti

missed the one word darls - outlandish.

As another poster just replied to you what they and I meant.

I love these themes for Sleaze and appreciate the way people dress up for them.

What we were talking about was the outlandish outfits/
statements people used to dress in with from leather to chains to dog collars to being chained to each other then
the whole range for the ladies. We hardly see that anymore.

Now its just fun dressing up.

Sports clothing, footy shorts etc. is a big fetish for a lot of gay men, just brows Gaydar etc. for evidence of that. So in that sense, it was a very successful fetish party!

Again the word you seem to miss also Zakalwe is

Outlandish

maybe you guys were not partying back then to know what we are talking about.

No offence was aimed at the Sports theme.

I think you would look great in Footy Shorts!!! LOL!!! After all you look fabulous in your King Gees...

I see the Glitter M made an appearance at the party ... I take it that means you tirelessly worked hard hard on scenic yet again. Thanks for always backing up and volunteering, parties are always better when you're involved... You are a true star!!!

I think you are having some sort of mid life crisis going on, your post reeks of the " I'm older so I know better than you".

I'm 30 and have been going to those parties for 15 year now, the standard and quality of production including crowd themes are so much higher now than it was.

It's people like Zakalwe who put these parties on, volunteer tirelessly behind the scenes with little or no credit.

We really should respect the fact that like him people are willing to put their own time in for free. Our community is continually changing and evolving, we can choose to go with those changes or remain stagnant focusing on the past.

Also can we all stop bitching, move forward and embrace our community as it is today. Only then does true change happen, by doing this we ensure our community and parties will be sustainable for the Gay and Lesbian youth of today... Think outside the box, the bigger picture is far greater than our own egos and self satisfaction.

Now surely that does matter to you???

Is it Eccy Tue today or did some peoples IQ drop ?

To make it clear to those who cannot understand and for you to stop your bitching.........

No one has slammed Sleaze

No one has slammed Zakalwe

And no one as slammed the theme/costumes

Maybe the only thing being older has given me is the ability to read and understand a post.

All that has been commented on is that years ago the costumes used be OUTLANDISH repeat again OUTLANDISH.
They were Sleazy and sometimes confronting but sadly lacking now and it is missed.

Being 30 you would not have seen what we are talking about. No superiority , just an observation.

What is "outlandish" to you is not necessarily "outlandish" to others. Again I urge you to respect other people's choices, especially in an environment like Sleaze.

Being 30 you would not have seen what we are talking about. No superiority , just an observation.

- Fri 9 Oct 2009 13:43:38 Replies: add

My point exactly... You are making a very large assumption based on few facts.

In fact just how on earth would you know what I have seen. You know absolutely nothing about my background, family or anything.

I may have a gay dad or brother who went to those parties, seen many pictures, heard stories and know exactly what you are referring to.

"OUTLANDISH" is open to interpretation depending on our differing cultural views. As Arti explains your idea of "Outlandish" may be totally different to mine.

You are referring to a culture of fetish I believe which exists in both homosexual and heterosexual worlds. The culture of fetish historically goes back centuries and probably in one form or another way back to the days of The Roman Empire and even Cavemen.

It is minimising to state this doesn't exist at parties or in our communities when quite frankly I am sure many would disagree with you. May I suggest that you are just not as open to it now as possibly back then. (Whenever that was?). That this little factor means you are walking around parties with blinkers on.

Personally, aspects of this culture are seen at every Mardi Gras and Sleazeball I attend.

So really I don't know what you mean by OUTLANDISH however am sure it will be clarified for me!

I wait in anticipation for clarification...

now look Arti you can sit in the corner with Harry Connick Jr if you're going to get all PC on us

Calling someone PC (politically correct) is just an attempt to legitimise your own prejudices. Which is what you are exposing: prejudice against those who don't fit your idea of the world.

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." (Hamlet)

I cant believe the stupid argument over costumes.

The original poster is correct and I am sure most readers would hear people say Sleaze is not Sleazy anymore and not talking about sex.

Going back say 15 years ago at least Sleaze had a whole
different look to it and it was not themed back then.

The 30 yr old says he "may" have seen his dads or brothers pics from back then ? well honey if you did you wouldnt be carrying on your stupid argument as you would have seen what posters are saying so its obvious you havent seen any pics.

Sleaze was a great fun party but even with its themed costumes its hardly different to what people wear to Mardi Gras escpecially when all the people in the Parade wear their costumes at the party.

And this from the Mardi Gras Website on the History of
Sleaze Ball -

"A little bit of history. The first Sleaze Ball was held in September 1982 in the grand ballroom at Paddington Town Hall. It was an overwhelming success and 500 party goers had to be turned away. The following year it headed to the Showgrounds for the first time, numbers rocketed and Sydney had it's other great gay party.

While Mardi Gras Party is all wonder, celebration and light, the Sleaze Ball is darker and edgier. There's room for everything from high camp to S&M, as long as it's sleazy. Sleaze Ball is also the great dress-up night of the year; an opportunity to flex your creative muscles (and any other muscles you have at your disposal)."

So it was high camp to S&M ( probably what the other poster means by Outlandish ). Having attended them since
mid 80's I know what they mean.
And certainly the parties are no longer darker and edgier.

Still I did enjoy Sleaze . Its not much different to other dance parties and I enjoy them all but yes there is something missing.

This is a personal opinion, bound to upset some, but I'll put it out there anyway, to offer a viewpoint:
My early Sleaze and Mardi Gras party experiences were in the mid 90s, and tickets were hard to come by - through membership only. Attending the parties was almost like an admission to being gay or lesbian. As a party attendee, I believed that most attendees were probably gay or lesbian, or ensconced in the scene. So a big part of the sexiness of the parties was the shared sexuality, and the 'sameness' I felt at the party and nowhere else in my life.
These days the parties are for a collection of friends of whatever persuasion. In many ways they are probably not vastly different from other 'straight' parties. If I choose to attend these parties, I have to accept that. I do, and I have a great time. But they don't have that same sexiness they once had.
I think the only way to recapture the 'Sleaze' element of the parties is to hold events for those of us who would choose to party selectively, on this occasion, with other Gay and Lesbian people. And if you wish to party with your straight friends, choose a different party. I wonder if Mardi Gras would be interested in exploring such an option?
Thanks to all members of the Sydney community who contribute to great parties for Mardi Gras and Sleaze. If we don't have those elements that, for me, were the best of the 'good old days', then these parties are a satisfying alternative.

Acutally Honey I do have Family that were at the very first party in Paddington Town Hall!!!

Progress and change is a very slow process in parts of our community... I guess one has to get some acceptance first though.

Game over!

Please join us for the Mardi Gras Graffiti Wall in early 2010.