The biggest people in dance music speak to Update. We begin with a DJ that deserves an Olympic medal for his duties over the years behind the decks – Mr… Danny Rampling
You are one of the original founders of the UK club scene, kicking off your DJing career in the early 80s – and then that now infamous holiday to Ibiza in 1987 with mates including Paul Oakenfold and Nicky Holloway. What are your memories from that trip – and it was a trip!
“The memories of that trip will stay with me fondly forever. We arrived in high spirits into Ibiza full of expectation and came home to the UK greatly inspired by DJ Alfredo’s music whilst in an ecstatic free state of open air clubbing all week, we danced ’til sunrise, experienced music played in a way like never before – the experience gave the four of us a burning passion to create a new scene on return within a few months. The acid house Balearic music scene exploded across the country. Ibiza will always be part of my life as it always inspires – I love the place.
Shoom highlights please…
“Every night at the Fitness Centre was like the best party you ever experienced – the energy and spirit in that basement had a profoundly positive effect on everyone who just got lost in the strobes and smoke jacking every Saturday night. High points. Hmm, bringing in Tony Humphries for his first UK performance he rocked playing 3 decks and reel to reel mixing – a spectacular night. The closing night at The Park where we spent the entire door takings on champagne which was handed out to all present.”
Your Lovegroove Dance Party show… good and then bad times?
“Yes it was fun for many years. It was an amazing time going to the top of UK radio presenting to the club nation every Saturday. I loved the show and promoted the UK scene every weekend. I remember how strong the UK scene was through that golden period. I broke many records on the Love Groove Dance Party which was a core driver fueling the UK dance music economy from Indie labels to promoters clubs and associated industry. I remember being taken upstairs to meet DJ John Peel who was my teenage hero and being completely lost for words which I regret not having more to say. Sadly the powers that be at Radio One didn’t appreciate how influential the LGDP was and blew it – Saturdays were have been the same. National radio continues to be dreadfully dull on Saturday night’s but it’s still not stopped the party.”
You announced your retirement from DJing in 205 – and then returned a couple of years later – what’s the story there then?
“Two years ago after experiencing many changes in my personal life, I thought it was the right thing to do and move on from music to concentrate and explore other business opportunities which has greatly benefited my life. Therefore I have grown much richer in character and mindset – 3/4 years ago I lost the gratitude focus momentum for a while whilst at times it felt it had become a job and therefore questioned what I was doing as a DJ and life generally. To be honest, I was going through a major mid-life crisis point of restless change along with aspirations of becoming the next Gordon Ramsay. The couple of years away, have helped me realise how blessed I am to have the music as an integral part of my life. Every gig I now play is all about enjoyment, fun and gratitude – the music has changed to a more techy electronic direction that feels greatly inspiring. Many people make exits from long term careers and miss it dearly and that’s the story I missed it too much and it’s great to be back. I am working with Steve Mac on a new production at present, plan to tour South Africa in December and looking at more radio presenting. 2009 is my goal to go and full fill a long term ambition to tour the USA and rocking it.”
So your book you have brought out,’ Everything you need to know about DJ’ing and Success’ – everyone has a book in them, what made you penn this corker?
“My time spent away from DJing emersed myself in many personal development Information Seminars and also became a member of Success University Development Business – subsequently I have become very passionate about the subject. I looked into Internet marketing info along with being mentored by world leading coach David Cavanagh and decided to produce a 330 page e-book on 25 years of DJ experience and success and what it takes to make it happen. Knowledge is power but without taking action it can be worthless. We spent over 6 months producing the book and feel that anyone who reads it will find it inspiring helpful. I’m passing on the experience and at the same time gaining much experience by marketing the e-book. Through empowerment and becoming a coach trainer at a new DJ course through The Ministry of sound teaching aspiring DJS, it all looks good…”
What’s been your worst job you’ve ever had before stepping up to the decks…?
“1980 working for a poultry supplier. Gutting turkeys was something I refused to do. I thankfully got sacked for lobbing a chicken through the office window which completely smashed. Thank god the chicken was already dead…”
You are known for your love of fine wine. What’s the best bottle of plonk you’ve ever savoured?
“Chat Petrus – exquisite at a night at the Petrus restaurant. It was only a glass on that special occasion. If it’s not quality, don’t drink it. In my opinion it’s simply a question of taste.”
What’s the best record that’s ever been made?
“‘Life On Mars’ – Bowie, easy
Your all time DJ hero
“David Morales”
When and where in your life have you been most happiest?
“When I held my son Claudio for the first time as he was delivered in 2004. Totally overcome with love, joy and happiness – nothing can compare.”
What’s the most expensive gift you’ve bought yourself recently?
“A Cartier watch at Heathrow recently for my birthday. It’s important to treat yourself occasionally, even if you do take on a little bit of debt!”
What gets your goat?
“Public apathy over UK introduction ID cards, Iris Scans, fingerprinting at airports, e-mail telephoning, text message monitoring, just outright civil liberties abuse. It’s time to wake up out the comfort zone before its too late as it will be an uncomfortable zone in the very near future.”
If you could enter the world of time travel, what period of time would you go back to?
“I would go back to 1988 and re-live that period all over again. We shifted a paradise, musical year of parties and became the grandfather of Acid-House at the same time. What a year it was.”
21 Years on. It’s great isn’t it still?
“With respect to clubs DJs, so many have – and will continue to inspire the dancefloor, celebrating life and so many more will come to create the best fun. Saturday night is party night – and long may it continue.”