Tom Harding

Now in this situation many people would consider phoning up the office and explaining that sorry, but they couldn’t come in that day and could someone possibly cover their work? No problem, unless your ‘office’ happens to be a nightclub with 1,500 people in, all having paid good money to come and watch you play, it in a completely different country. Puts a slightly different perspective on things doesn’t it? Anyway, to cut a long story short, I stocked up on medicinal supplies, flew to Amsterdam, went straight to bed when I got there, woke up at 1am, and was on the decks by 2am doing my best. I am not trying to paint a picture of martyrdom here, but what’s the alternative?

Generally if you are a DJ and you don’t turn up top a gig you are immediately branded a w@@ker and it is assumed that either a. You couldn’t be bothered, b. You are in a drug-addled mess somewhere from the night before or c You have had a better offer. Now I am not saying that some DJs do not deserve this reputation, but for the majority it is entirely untrue and perhaps a DJ not showing up may be for a damned good reason. Just something to bear in mind. And also spare a thought for the DJ who feels like utter shit due to illness but has soldiered on and is still playing his set. Let’s face it they are hardly going to be the most enthusiastic of characters, so just remember that next time DJ ‘X’ has an off day, and maybe even looks a little bit grumpy, then that may be why.