50 Years of Sonic Shock - A Celebration of Cabaret Voltaire

In May 1975 Cabaret Voltaire played their first ever gig in Sheffield Students Union Refectory. Despite sustaining injuries from the unimpressed audience throwing projectiles at them, the band would go on to become Sheffield legends.  Now, 50 years on, things have come full circle with a free event and exhibition at Sheffield University’s Drama Studio held to mark the date and celebrate the history of Cabaret Voltaire deeply and their impact on the history of experimental and electronic music. “In true Cabaret Voltaire fashion, expect shock, experimentation and sonic terror” they promise.

The main event is on Friday 16th May from 7pm, with live performances from Russell Haswell, Prangers, and Synth Club (featuring members of fellow Sheffield acts Hula and Clock DVA), an ‘In Conversation’ with “two very special guests” (as there are only two surviving members of Cabaret Voltaire, expect no surprises there!) and a DJ set by Do It Thissen Records' Jon Downing.  A wheelchair accessible viewing area will be available on the ground floor for those who require it.

There is also a free exhibition of items celebrating the history of Cabaret Voltaire – posters, tickets and other memorabilia, and twice daily screenings of the film noir short Johnny YesNo.  That runs from Thursday 15th -  Sunday 18th May at the Theatre Workshop, Shearwood Road 10-1pm & 2-5pm daily.  If you are in Sheffield, it’s a no brainer.

Essential Information:
Book tickets for the main event  here
Book free tickets for the exhibition here