Chicago’s Redline Presents: A Purge-Themed Rave Experience
By Lori Sapio
I first photographed Phantom 45 in 1995 at a rave thrown by Frankie Vega. A newer Chicago crew, Redline hosted “The Purge” at Morgan MFG and booked Phantom 45 and Frankie Vega in the pit... I had to check it out.
I have photographed at Morgan MFG many times for corporate and non-profit events. What Redline put together, that space was meant to be a nightclub. The sound was spot on, the lighting was so perfect it was almost as it was designed for the space. The pit was located in a downstairs area, and the booth was circular, the crowd in the round. I have always loved that set up and don’t see it often.
Phantom 45 is the OG of Drum and Bass in Chicago, and his set was dark, heavy and kept me moving in true Phantom style. He plays for the crowd, instead of a recorded set as most of the newcomers do. I was feeling nostalgic and decided to photograph their sets how I did in the 90s... while dancing.
I have not experienced a Frankie Vega set in a long time, and he didn’t disappoint. Heavy techno from the get go and by the third song he dropped, there was a line around the building.
This old lady appreciated the earlier set times, I got to dance and see some friends. I was impressed by the Redline crew, the production value was spot on. They put on a good party.
7/5/2025, Morgan MFG, Chicago
