People in their late teens and 20s may still head to the club these days, but the experience is a far cry from what it used to be.
The 1990s were a golden era for clubbing, as anyone who was there for it will tell you. It was a time when the nightlife scene felt alive in a way that’s hard to replicate today. Thanks to a pretty magical combo of music, fashion, and a cultural revolution, clubbing in the ’90s was an unforgettable experience that left its mark. But today’s younger generation, Gen Z, will never truly understand what it was like. Here’s why.
1. The music was a journey.
Unlike today’s playlists that are curated for instant hits, ’90s club music was a journey of genres and rhythms. DJs would mix house, techno, trance, and garage, taking you on a musical adventure that could go from mellow to euphoric in just a few moments. The energy of the night was often driven by the flow of the DJ’s set, creating an immersive experience that Gen Z’s quick-hit, playlist-driven listening culture can’t quite grasp.
2. The fashion was all about boldness.
The ’90s were the era of bold fashion choices on the dance floor. Think baggy jeans, neon crop tops, bucket hats, and platform shoes. It wasn’t about comfort, but about standing out. Gen Z’s minimalist, athleisure-driven style could never compare to the wild mix of colours, shapes, and textures that defined the ’90s club scene. The clothing wasn’t just for dancing—it was part of the statement you made when you walked into the club.
3. Clubs had a sense of exclusivity.
Getting into the hottest ’90s club wasn’t as easy as booking a reservation on your phone. It involved long queues, sometimes a bit of elbow grease, and knowing someone who knew someone. The sense of exclusivity was real—getting into a club felt like earning your way in. Gen Z’s instant access to almost every venue through social media and apps doesn’t carry the same weight or thrill.
4. The clubbing was a full experience, not just a night out.
Clubbing in the ’90s wasn’t just about the music or the dancing—it was about the full experience. From pre-drinks at someone’s house to the after-party that could stretch into the early morning, it was a multi-layered event. Gen Z’s clubbing experience is often a one-night-only thing with limited engagement beyond the event, but in the 90s, it was a culture that spanned days, not hours.
5. Raves were an underground movement.
Before rave culture became mainstream, the ’90s rave scene was very much underground. Secret locations, word-of-mouth invitations, and late-night drives to remote areas were all part of the thrill. Gen Z’s rave scene, while vibrant, doesn’t quite capture the same rebellious spirit or thrill of sneaking into hidden parties, especially in the era before social media made everything public.
6. The smoking section was almost a club of its own.
In the ’90s, smoking indoors at clubs was still a thing. The smoking section wasn’t just a small part of the venue—it was its own unique space. People would gather, chat, and often meet new people in this smoky, dimly lit area. Gen Z will never experience the blend of cigarette smoke and dance beats that created such a distinctive atmosphere at 90s clubs.
7. The vibe was more organic, less curated.
Unlike today’s social media-driven nights where everything is heavily curated, ’90s clubbing had an organic, unpredictable vibe. It was about finding the right spot on the dance floor, connecting with strangers, and seeing where the night took you. Gen Z’s club culture is far more driven by Instagram and Snapchat stories, with people often more focused on documenting the night than experiencing it fully.
8. The camaraderie was unmatched.
Clubbing in the ’90s was about the collective experience. Everyone was there to lose themselves in the music, and the energy of the crowd was contagious. The camaraderie among strangers, whether on the dance floor or in the smoking area, is something Gen Z will never fully understand. Today’s clubbing culture often feels more individualistic, with people focused on their phones or their social media profiles.
9. The absence of smartphones allowed for real connections.
Before smartphones became an essential part of nightlife, you actually had to talk to people to make connections. Sure, you might have written down a number on a napkin, but you couldn’t just swipe right or post a story about your night. 90s clubbing was all about those fleeting, authentic moments with strangers who might become lifelong friends—or just a fun part of the night. Gen Z’s connection to clubbing is often mediated by their phones, which can limit true, face-to-face interactions.
10. The afterparties were legendary.
The night didn’t end when the club closed. For those who knew where to go, the after-party was where the real magic happened. Whether it was at a friend’s flat or a secret location, these were the moments that solidified the memories. Gen Z has afterparties, but the atmosphere isn’t quite the same—thanks to social media and the ease of getting information, the mystery of a hidden after-party is a thing of the past.
