Is it true that 90s high school parties were crazy like you had kegs and people pissing in the front lawn?
While the notion of kegs and people using the front lawn as a makeshift urinal might bring to mind scenes of chaos and disorder, the reality of 90s high school parties is often quite different.
90s Partying: More Like the 70s and 80s
It's important to note that the party atmosphere in the 90s in suburban Los Angeles more closely resembled that of the 70s and 80s. Backyard parties with bands and kegs were the norm. For a moment, let's focus on the actual experience and the infrastructure that supported these gatherings.
The Rise of Backyard Parties
Backyard parties in the 90s were not just small gatherings of friends; they involved hundreds of people. Bands and musicians would distribute flyers to various high schools in the area, building a network of regular performers. Local bands, including future industry darlings like Van Halen and Motley Crue, started their careers in these backyards, preparing and showcasing their talents.
From Backyards to Nightclubs
These backyard parties served as a platform for aspiring musicians to hone their craft and gauge their popularity. Once successful enough, these acts would move on to perform at iconic venues like the Whiskey and other Hollywood nightclubs. The experience and skills gained from such vibrant community events laid the foundation for their future careers.
The Cost and Revenues of 90s Parties
Organizing a backyard party in the 90s was a costly affair but also came with significant perks. The host would typically charge an entry fee, with some parties boasting fees as high as $10 per person. At the first house I lived in after high school, we hosted parties approximately every two months, drawing in between 2000 to 3500 attendees. The costs were manageable, with kegs and supplies running to a few hundred dollars per event.
Perks and Rewards
The benefits of hosting such events were plentiful. Not only did they attract a large number of participants, but they also brought in a significant amount of revenue. Beyond the financial gain, hosting a successful party offered a myriad of social rewards. For starters, the atmosphere was predominantly outdoors, allowing for a fresh and lively environment. Additionally, being the host gave you the chance to mingle with some of the hottest girls and coolest people around.
Modern Perspectives on Kegs and Lawnmasses
Contrary to the popular imagery, modern party scenes still involve kegs, albeit in a more controlled and organized manner. Kegs continue to be the most efficient and practical way to supply a large crowd with refreshments. However, the behavior of people using the front lawn as a urinal is indeed less common, if not entirely obsolete, in today's more politically correct society.
Conclusion
The 90s high school party scene was a vibrant and organized part of the social fabric in suburban Los Angeles. Kegs provided a reliable means to supply refreshments, not to mention the memorable moments that came with hosting such large gatherings. While there may have been some instances of rowdy behavior, the overall experience was far more sophisticated and rewarding than the caricatured images suggest.