Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened
Dr Seuss
This has been on the cards for a few years now – ever since I started to develop hyperacusis in my left ear, accompanying the tinnitus in both sides, I knew that it probably meant the beginning of the end to my DJing at events / parties. Recently, I have been trying to find a way that I could continue to play at home and record sets for posting online, but while practicing for playing at DJ Neuroflex’s 50th birthday party, it has become clear that even this isn’t viable – the increase in both my tinnitus and sensitivity to percussive noises has been significant, and I don’t want to continue down that path. I want to still be able to enjoy music and movies and conversation as I progress into (late) middle-age. To that end, I thought it fitting that the gig I played last Friday (27th September 2024) for my old friend Neuroflex would officially mark my retirement as a DJ. Andy (Neuroflex) is one of my oldest and dearest friends, and indeed I think my second ever gig in public was with him sometime in the late 90s, in the basement of Dr. Drakes where I also went on to co-run Triple Bass. I like a book-ended narrative!
It’s been an awesome ride, and even though it’s been a few years since I played out regularly, I still thought a few retro gigs might be fun to do, but I reckon a clear and clean break is best for me and my ears. I’m going to let my Soundcloud lapse at it’s next renewal date in 2025, but my website will stay live. My records will also be going at some point in the near future – not sure yet if I am going to keep some of them or just let them all go – that’s a decision for later.
There’s a whole bunch of events and people I have played with and for that I want to thank for making my time as a DJ memorable and fun – suffice to say I will probably miss someone – sorry if I have, but the memories of the heyday are a little fuzzy round the edges!
Darryl, Fred, Neil, Chewy and all the party people at Triple Bass. Some of the best times in my life spent in that hole in the ground
Davy, Andy (Biostasis) – our versus nights were always messy and fun
Dan, Bri, Sean (Dan-Sin) – we captured lightning in a bottle for a while there lads
Pearsall, Phil, Rob (Rampage) – the Wee Red Bar will always be the place I remember being able to rinse it, no holds barred
Cuffy (Subculture) – always a great trip over to NI, and one of the first places I got to play pure techno sets
Graeme, Pat (EUK) – without your forum, I don’t think I would have had half the opportunities I did
Nigel, Fuzzy (Ivy) – some of the best nights you could wish to play at
Bruce, Alan (Joy & Drum) – laughed my ass off most nights we played together
Piers, Dan, Chris, Richard, Ian (The London folks – Milk, Zoology, Redtrip) – thanks for taking a chance on a chancer from Aberdeen
HQ Amsterdam – still feels surreal I played here at 1am-3am so early on in my DJing life
All the other DJs and dancers I met, played alongside and chatted nonsense with on many occasions including, but not limited to – Al (Cyber Scotsman), Egg, Max Alientrax, Hammay, Keyte, Tez, Bass Monkey, …
Last, but definitely not least – Laura, Craig & The Marischal Street Massive.
Sad news! You were and are a brilliant dj, so the world of loud music is that bit sadder today.
So many fantastic memories of late nights at Rampage, probably my single favorite was the one where you, Phil, and I did the last set b2b2b at the upstairs at The Venue and the room was absolutely levitating. Great times! Plus there was the time we did the Beltane party at Studio 24, and I remember both of us going absolutely mad to Phil as he hammered out the last set in the main room. Or the b2b at Milk, complete with a very vivid memory of an extremely camp man in ski goggles explaining fisting to us on the rooftop, and your incredulous expression that no, actually, this is not what you wanted to hear at 11am after being up all night! Or that incredible party at that rich guy’s house on the Black Isle! … or the great fun I had playing at Triple Base that one time you had me up (including being propositioned by a local, uh, lady of the night literally 30 seconds after stepping out of the car) … I still remember the very first Rampage, and you coming back to our place on Dalkeith Road afterwards and us meeting Andy and Lizzy for the very first time … and Lizzy’s incredible 30th in the Cairngorms! I could go on, and on …
So many great party memories, I’m privileged to have shared them with you.
It was wonderful to see you for the Rez reunion two years ago, hope you’re good dude.