Harmony Reunion – Kelly’s Portrush 2013

This reunion brought together a legendary roster of artists who defined the Harmony sound:

Ramirez (ITL) – known for La Musika Tremenda and Orgasmico
Interactive (GER) – of Forever Young and Amok fame
Dream Frequency (ENG) – with anthems like Take Me and Live the Dream
Joe Inferno (ITL) – Tribal Church, Hysteria
Chill FM (SCO) – On and Beyond, StrobeLight
Dancing Divas (ENG) – Let the Rhythm Flow

And of course, the homegrown heroes:

X-ray, Gleave, Col Hamilton, Fred Underground, Shimmy, and more—each bringing their own flavour of euphoric chaos.

The Venue: Kelly’s, Portrush By 2013, Kelly’s was already hallowed ground. This reunion transformed it into a time machine—lasers, sweat, and basslines echoing the spirit of the early ‘90s. Ravers came from across the UK, Ireland, South America, and Southeast Asia to reconnect with old friends and relive the magic.

Captured by DVcrew The night was immortalized with footage like DJ X-ray’s set still pulsing on YouTube. You can feel the energy in every frame—hands in the air, whistles blowing, and that unmistakable Harmony vibe.

More Than Music Tony Cochrane and Ian Robertson, the original promoters, helped shape Harmony into a cultural force. Even during the Troubles, these nights brought people together across divides. The 2013 reunion wasn’t just nostalgic—it was a celebration of unity, peace, and the enduring power of dance.

Harmony Reunited: How Dance Culture Bridged Divides in Northern Ireland – and Caught Hollywood’s Eye

In a country once torn apart by political conflict and sectarian violence, a nightclub became an unlikely symbol of peace. Throughout the 1990s, the Harmony dance nights at Kelly’s in Portrush brought thousands together—across religious and cultural divides—for one shared purpose: to dance. Now, the story of those legendary nights is being told on the big screen, in a powerful new documentary that brings together local voices, global filmmakers, and even Hollywood star David Arquette.

The Harmony Story

During the height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Harmony emerged as more than just a rave—it became a cultural phenomenon. Promoted by Ian Robertson and backed by Scottish nightlife figure Tony Cochrane, the nights attracted massive crowds to Kelly’s in Portrush. Unlike anything the region had seen before, Harmony welcomed people from all backgrounds to lose themselves in music, leaving prejudice and politics at the door.

The Documentary: Peace, Dance and Harmony

That legacy is now the focus of an upcoming feature documentary, led by award-winning director Chris Atkins, with Tony Cochrane producing through his company TC Film Productions. The project is not just a trip down memory lane—it’s a social and cultural archive of how dance music played a vital role in healing a fractured society.

Joining the team from across the Atlantic is none other than David Arquette, actor, director, and producer, known worldwide for his roles in Scream and beyond. Arquette was drawn to the story’s universal message—that music, like art, can bring people together in ways politics never could.

“Harmony reminds me of what Bob Marley or John Lennon sang about—music uniting people, not dividing them,” said Arquette, who is co-producing the film from Los Angeles.

DVcrew Scotland: Behind the Lens

Crucial to the documentary’s authenticity and depth is the involvement of DVcrew Scotland, who played a central role in capturing the spirit of Harmony—both past and present. As part of the production, DVcrew supplied extensive archival footage, helped consult on the cultural context of the era, and provided video and photography throughout the making of the film.

Their contribution ensured that the memories of Harmony—from grainy VHS club shots to vivid contemporary reunion footage—were not only preserved but elevated to cinematic quality.

A Community-Driven Story

The production team has hosted Harmony reunion events—including one at Kelly’s itself—to reconnect with the people who made those nights so unforgettable. Attendees have shared personal stories, old flyers, photographs, and club footage, helping to build a documentary that truly belongs to its community.

The film also shines a light on other legendary venues from that era, including The Arena in Armagh and Circus Circus in Banbridge, painting a broader picture of Northern Ireland’s dance music movement during a time of social upheaval.