For 21 years, Dementia is crazy!

Oct. 18 2013

by Marc Dedonder

The Dementia? This now legendary party brings together every month, in the heart of Brussels, between 2,000 and 3,000 boys from all over Europe, for nearly 14 hours of clubbing. An exceptional longevity in the world of the gay night.

On the occasion of this anniversary, we interviewed the creator of the Dementia, Thierry Coppens. He talks about his beginnings, more than 20 years ago, the recipes of this success, the ravages of GHB in the gay night scene, but also his projects, including a cruise in the Mediterranean...

How did the Dementia start ?
Thierry Coppens : The very first party took place in October 89, in a castle transformed into discotheque, near Kortrijk in Belgium. I was barman there, and I took in charge this evening, which was called then "The Delirium" and which was a gay evening, every Sunday.
It was doing well but I felt we could do a lot better so after a year, I left, and I organized my own party. I did it all over Belgium, before finally finding a place in Brussels, a latino club in the Blaesstraat. On the 1st of January 92, I started in this place that would become the Fuse, and the party became monthly. And 18 years later, the Dementia still takes place at the same place.

And what about the name ? How did you find it?
TC: When I stopped "Le Délire" and went to organize my party, I wanted a name that was close. So I took a French dictionary and I came across "dementia" and I thought that word was perfect! Because Dementia is crazy!

And how do you explain that Dementia is still so successful?
TC: What makes Dementia different from all other gay parties is the atmosphere. That's probably why it lasts so long.
The public is very mixed, there are all styles, leathers, bears, musculars, travelers, fashionistas. There are all ages, from 18 to 65. And people come from everywhere. From Paris, Amsterdam and Cologne of course, by train or bus. But also from Italy and Spain thanks to low-cost flights.
Everyone feels comfortable at the Dementia because everyone is there. And since there is this international audience, people have the feeling of being on vacation.
Of course, there is also the fact that the team is nice, that the sound is good, that the prices are low, but what really counts is this "family" spirit.

And then there's something else: with all the musical atmospheres, the different rooms, the different floors, the corridors, the nooks and crannies, you never get bored, there's always something to discover.

La Démence has the reputation of being a very hot night!
TC: It 's true, but it's recent. Ten years ago, it wasn't like that at all! The boys weren't shirtless. There were themes, people came dressed up, to party, it was fun. And then it evolved, now it's more sexual. Not only at the Dementia, everywhere in the gay parties, I think.

The other big evolution lately is GHB. This drug is killing the night. And one, there are serious health problems, with people going into comas. As a result, many discotheques don't want to host gay parties anymore. Secondly, those who use it do not consume alcohol, and this is a real problem for the establishments. What's more, it prevents the atmosphere to rise in the parties, the DJs complain about it. Finally, it must be said that this drug has really devastating effects in terms of HIV transmission.

On this subject, are you aware that there is a lot of bareback in the backrooms of the Dementia?
TC: You know, every Dementia, there are 2,000 condoms and 2,000 doses of gel that go out. I make sure that there are some available throughout the evening. But of course I realize that not all of them are consumed on site. I know that many gay men are sick of condoms. It's everyone's choice but there's a real sloppiness.

How many guests are you expecting?
TC: Over the course of the three nights, there will be 5,000 people. I was looking at the pre-sales this morning, there will be above all Belgians, then the most represented foreigners will be Italians, then the English, the French, the Dutch, less than usual because many stay in Amsterdam for the Rapido, then the Germans and the Swiss.

Doesn't it bother you that the Rapido (another big European party, which takes place in Amsterdam)takes place at the same time as your birthday party?
TC: Yes, I do, and I'm sorry, I've always organized Dementia on October 31st. Now they do the Rapido on October 31st too... It's a pity because it forces the guys to choose one or the other party when often they would like to go to both, me first.

What are your projects for the Dementia ? Is there still a question of a cruise?
TC: Yes! If all goes well, it should take place next year in the Mediterranean, for a week.
If not, we will continue with these special weekends, two a year, at All Saints' Day and Easter. I am preparing a very big party for the next Saturday of Easter, in a new place... but I won't say more for now!
And then we are thinking about a new pool party, like for the 20th anniversary. At the beginning I had the feeling that people didn't like this party too much but now I'm asked again so I'll see...

Aren't you bored after all this time ?
TC: NO!!! I love this party! It's my baby. I don't get tired of it at all. I really like what I do. It's a lot of fun to put it together. And I'll continue as long as possible. As long as people follow me. And if they don't follow me anymore, then I'll know that it's my fault, and that I don't know what I like anymore.

Program for the special anniversary weekend of La Démence:
29/10 at K-NAL, Brussels - Opening Party 22h-08h, with Steven Redant, Pagano, Phil Romano, Dikky Vendetta, Elias and Ben Manson (shuttles from the center of Brussels)
30/10 at RED & BLUE, Antwerp - La Démence visits Lovechild 23h-08h, with Elof de Neve, Tony English, Fabio White and Steven Redant (shuttles from Brussels)
31/10 at FUSE, Brussels - Main Party 20h-12h, with Oliver M, Steven Redant, Micky Friedmann, Phil Romano, John Doe, Antoine de la Cruz, Dikky Vendetta, Elias, Ben Manson, Bubu and Kennith

All practical details on the official website of the Dementia