Planes, Trains & Amphetamines: Clubbing Holiday Confessions

by Kirk Field

Rave may be the middle word in travel, but when raving reporter Kirk Field created the rave new world’s first holiday company catering exclusively for clubbers, the rave new world threw everything it could at 9/11, volcanic ash clouds, suspicious customs officers, avalanche’s, North Sea storms, pandemics, fraudulent accountants and even Derek Acorah.

From high jinks on the high seas and insanity in Ibiza, to playing in the powder in the Austrian alps and psychic silliness on the Costa Del this is the story of a new kind of tourism for guests who weren’t interested in spending the night in a 5-star luxury bed (or any bed for that matter!), when a glowing tan raised suspicion rather than envy, suggesting the owner had spent more time on the lounger than the lash. This is a story of survival in a turbulent world; strap in tight for an uncensored white-knuckle ride through the side of holidays the brochures don’t show you.

Audible Audio

Published August 27, 2025

About the author

Kirk Field was Mixmag’s first rave-focused journalist and was embedded in the scene, initially as a bar-man but soon an in-the-field reporter.

Reviews

[Gavin Baskett]

I listened to the audiobook, read by the author. It’s actually an entertaining jaunt. I would have given a higher score if not for the parts about bilking sick/dying/naive/ folks out of their money by promoting psychics and con artist events. To the author’s credit, he does give his honest opinion that the vast majority of these grifters and charlatans are just that… however, that implies that there are REAL psychics out there. I think, and correct me if I’m wrong, that he states as much when he embarks on this portion of the narrative. I get it that this book is the authors story to tell. He can write whatever he likes. And I was entertained throughout most of the book. But since this review is MY story to tell, I will say felt stupid for going along for the ride at this point. Much the same when you’re having drinks with someone, griping about the government, having a political discussion where you are on the same page, finishing each-other’s every other sentence, when he says, “and Donald Trump is JUST the man to clean all of this up, right?” Or “and don’t get me started on the Jews”… you know where you instantly feel unwashed in your soul and/or crotchal regions for being in bed with this guy… It would have felt better if Field expressed some sort of remorse for being involved with this fraud, but he doesn’t (from what I remember. Please correct me if I’m wrong).
And then he casually brings up maniac, David Icke, and repeats his insane anecdotes about him being followed by secret service agents, who, according to Icke, attempted to threaten him in order to stop him from “exposing” GWBush- I’m not going to repeat it because it’s ridiculous. But Field paints Icke like he’s NOT insane. Maybe he’s a nice guy and/or a fun guy to do an 8 ball with, but I guess I’m tired of letting these liars and grifters off of the hook. (And yes, I DO realize I’ve been triggered by this relatively small portion of this, otherwise enjoyable memoir… but like I said, I’m sick and tired of hearing or reading someone say something insane, shrugging and saying, “welp, I guess everyone is entitled to their own reality…”)
I almost stopped listening as soon as it was obvious that the author wasn’t having a laugh at “Lizard People are EVERYWHERE”-Man’s expense… but I’m glad I didn’t, as there were still fun stories to be told.
Ok, my unhinged rant is over. My obligations to my Psychic Lizardian Overlords is now Complete.
Good book, Mr. Field!

[Philip Pietrowski,]

Listened to the audiobook on Spotify.

There are some amusing stories but this book is too long by about 40%. Not enough content to fill the pages.

[Abbeylawson]

Loved this book so interesting to do with the events world. Will definitely be reading more of this genre. Also loved the song suggestions at the end of each chapter