P.L.U.R. more than just a phrase, concert-goers say it’s a way of life
Speaking to a crowd at a rave, DJ Frank Mitchell once said, “You better start showing some peace, love and unity, or I will break your f------ faces.”
This contradictory phrase sparked a movement in the subculture that is still alive today.
P.L.U.R. stands for peace, love, unity and respect, and it describes a philosophy that is associated with raves and clubs where electronic dance music is played.
For some people, the idea of P.L.U.R. is to establish a code of conduct for those attending the shows and to encourage a sense of community and togetherness among fans. For others, it is a way of life.
Auburn Hills resident Kelsey Perry, 18, works as a concert promoter for React Detroit. Her job is to publicize shows through flyers, social media and word of mouth. She has been active in the EDM scene for three years, and she believes P.L.U.R. is at the heart of the subculture.
“Once you're immersed in P.L.U.R. and experience the kindness your 'family' has to offer you, it makes you want to incorporate such ideas into your own life,” Perry said.
EDM can refer to a wide variety of electronic music genres, including dubstep, techno, industrial, house and trance.
Saginaw sophomore Leah Espinoza got involved in the EDM scene and the P.L.U.R. movement because of her love for the music. She attended the Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury, Mich., last summer, which was an experience she described as "life-changing."
"P.L.U.R. is about caring for your neighbor," the Saginaw native said. "We're like a community, so it's just a 'We're-all-in-this-together' kind of thing."
"Peace and Loveism" is a spiritual philosophy blog founded by author Paul Lenda. According to Lenda’s article, “P.L.U.R: A Raver’s Manifesto," the acronym P.L.U.R. was originally coined by Mitchell, better known as Frankie Bones, in the early 1990s.
Bones brought the rave scene from the United Kingdom to America with a series of shows called the Storm Raves. While Bones was performing one of these shows, a fight broke out in the crowd. He got the attention of the audience and delivered his famous speech about peace, love and unity. Over time, the final aspect of P.L.U.R. – respect, was added.
Grand Rapids senior Nathaniel Stegehuis said this movement is one that adds a sense of community to music festivals. It makes shows more memorable.
"It's a way to enhance the festival experience," he said.
