Tales From A Disappearing City

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the mind of Philip Sallon, legendary club impresario, the original bin-liner wearer, and the man Johnny Rotten called a friend. In this unflinching, hilarious, and brutally honest conversation, Philip isn't here to mourn the "good old days." He's here to diagnose exactly why London is disappearing and why your favourite club probably deserved to close. From the dance floors of the Sombrero and early punk hangout Club Louise to the birth of the Mud Club, Philip recalls his encounters with Vivienne Westwood, Malcolm McLaren, Sid Vicious, and the so-called Bromley Contingent — and he pulls no punches. He explains why he was "too old" for the Sex Pistols at 23, why he chose to turn down drugs in favour of "real happiness," and why the first VIP room arrived the same year as Margaret Thatcher. If you're looking for nostalgia, go elsewhere. Philip is looking forward. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail From a "dirty punk" being shamed in his Newcastle school assembly to sharing a beer with the Sex Pistols, Johny Brown lived the explosive birth of UK punk. But that was only the beginning. In this episode of Tales of a Disappearing City, Johny takes us on a wild journey through underground culture. He recounts jumping out of his window to escape being grounded for a TV appearance, only to be handed a ticket to a Sex Pistols gig in Middlesborough by Steve Jones himself. We follow him to London, where he immersed himself in the squatting scene, the industrial noise of Test Department, legendary clubs like The Beat Route and Flim Flam, and the anarchic warehouse parties of the Mutoid Waste collective. This is a story of creative reinvention, from homemade clothes and experimental cassette tapes to forming the beloved band Holy Joy, launching a groundbreaking radio show on Resonance FM, and creating avant-garde theatre. It’s a firsthand account of 80s and 90s London, a city of chaos, community, and relentless creativity, and a powerful reminder to always "keep the faith". Some great subcultural links mentioned in this episode: https://www.boredteenagers.co.uk/speed.htm https://briangibson.yolasite.com https://www.instagram.com/cindy_stern_11/ https://www.instagram.com/soulboyssoulgirls/ Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Neil sits down with Kevin Foakes (aka Strictly Kev and DJ Food) - legendary DJ, graphic artist, and archivist of UK counterculture - for a deep dive into four decades of music, raves, graffiti, and psychedelic experimentation. Kevin's journey is a masterclass in underground creativity, spanning from Adam and the Ants fandom to hip-hop graffiti, from acid house squats to Ninja Tune's golden era. After discovering hip-hop through the legendary Subway Art book, he traces his path into graffiti culture, documenting pieces in Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove, and recalls the pivotal Freestyle '85 hip-hop jam. The conversation shifts to the rave and acid house years, where Kevin recounts his experiences raving at squats, founding the influential Telepathic Fish chill-out parties, and crossing paths with scene legends like Mixmaster Morris and Coldcut's Matt Black. He reflects on his design work for Ninja Tune, co-hosting the iconic Solid Steel radio show, and the label's legendary Stealth nights at Hoxton's Blue Note. Along the way, Kevin shares vivid anecdotes about Megatripolis' psychedelic chaos, the record shop culture of Ambient Soho, and his current projects—including a Telepathic Fish compilation released in September 2024 and his forthcoming book on psychedelic light shows. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we take a deep-dive into Britain's underground festival counterculture with filmmaker Aaron Trinder, creator of the groundbreaking documentary "Free Party: A Folk History." Aaron reveals how the free festival culture of the 60s and 70s collided with the explosive rave scene of the late 80s and 90s, creating a movement so powerful that the government literally rewrote the law to stop it. From the legendary Castlemorton Common Festival of 1992 - a 50,000-strong gathering that triggered the Criminal Justice Act - to the chaotic Spiral Tribe NYE party at the Roundhouse, Aaron shares stories from the frontlines of cultural warfare and his 7-year DIY odyssey to preserve these forgotten histories. Aaron's grassroots filmmaking journey, battling music licensing and mainstream media, mirrors the same DIY spirit that built the free party movement. Shaped by childhood experiences in West London squats and punk venues, he brings an insider's perspective that no academic could replicate. The film explores how the Criminal Justice Act wasn't just about noise complaints but was a direct assault on the radical idea that people could gather freely without corporate or state control. "This film is a unique look at a much-underrepresented moment in cultural history. It was the last great unifying youth movement before the digital age, one that challenged the authorities, connected environmental awareness with music, and questioned laws on land rights and trespass. With new laws criminalising trespass and protest across Europe, the story is more relevant than ever." Director - Aaron Trinder Links to show your support https://youtu.be/YGy_lDDqO9E?si=5iZLuBeaApQvH4nA https://freepartydoc.info/ https://www.instagram.com/freepartydocumentary/ https://www.facebook.com/aaron.trinder.5/ https://alanlodge.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/tashuk Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In the second part of our chat, we continue our conversation with Chris (aka Dexta), following his journey from aspiring DJ to co-founder of Planet Wax, the New Cross institution that has become a cornerstone of London's underground dance music scene. "Record shops aren't just about selling vinyl—they're about creating a space where the culture can breathe," Dexta explains. In this episode, we discuss how Dexta founded Diffrent Music in 2010 with his friend Jamie. This experimental bass label deliberately countered mainstream trends and quickly became a cult favorite with over 100 releases. Dexta's career evolved through various roles in graphic design at DJ Mag and Hospital Records, where he blended his talents in A&R, broadcasting, and event management. He notably helped organize the popular DJ Mag Bunker nights and co-founded Clashmouth, a vibrant drum & bass vinyl marketplace that strengthened community bonds. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish 1-800-Dubplate with Lewis (aka Sicknote), a specialized dubplate-cutting service, before they both successfully crowdfunded Discworld (later rebranded as Planet Wax). After relocating to New Cross and expanding with a bar, the record shop and venue evolved into a cultural hub for vinyl enthusiasts, artists, and DIY culture. As Dexta reflects, while it's "not a fortune-making business," the true reward lies in preserving authentic music culture for future generations. 👉 Visit Planet Wax and Planet Wax - On Air https://planetwax.net/ https://live.planetwax.net/ Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In the first of a two-part conversation, we sit down with Chris (aka Dexta), co-founder of Planet Wax, a legendary record shop, bar, venue, and radio station in New Cross dedicated to underground dance music and its surrounding culture and community. This episode explores Dexta's journey through the UK music scene from the late 1990s to early 2010s. Growing up in North London, his musical passion began with compilation albums and cassette tapes, with a particular affinity for The Prodigy and UK garage. Dexta recalls his first production experiments using basic software that came free in a cereal box, before transitioning to DJing after acquiring a pair of belt-drive turntables. The conversation traces his evolution through various music scenes—from UK garage to grime, and eventually to drum and bass. He shares his experiences with pirate radio, first as a listener of Y2K Radio, then as a presenter hosting his own shows on stations like Rush FM, Elite Radio, and UK Bass Radio. These platforms allowed him to connect with fellow DJs and build an audience while honing his skills both as a DJ and presenter. Dexta recounts his early club experiences, including his first gig at age 16 where he played a 15-minute set as part of "Solid Jam Cartel" (SJC). He discusses frequenting iconic London venues like Fabric, The End, and Bar Rumba, where he discovered various subgenres of drum and bass. His musical tastes gradually shifted from "jump up" drum and bass to darker, more underground sounds. Throughout the episode, Dexta reflects on technological changes in music production and distribution—from early software like Mixman and Fruity Loops to the transition of record shops moving online. He also touches on his brief relocation to Bournemouth, where he discovered even darker drum and bass sounds, before returning to London with ambitions to launch his own record label. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In part two of our conversation, Ian St. Paul shares his remarkable journey through some of the most influential moments in dance music history. Beginning with his first trip to Ibiza in 1984, Ian recounts how what started as a holiday transformed into a life-changing adventure that would shape club culture for decades to come. The conversation traces Ian's evolution from running bars in Ibiza to becoming a pivotal figure in London's acid house scene, where he founded legendary clubs like Future, Spectrum, and Land of Oz. Ian provides an insider's perspective on the emergence of ecstasy culture, the development of the Balearic sound, and how he helped bring these experiences back to the UK, kickstarting the acid house movement. Beyond the acid house era, Ian discusses his ventures into trance music with Dragonfly Records and TIP, his seven years in Japan building the scene there, and later adventures in Goa, Nepal, and back to Ibiza. Throughout the episode, Ian offers candid insights about the personalities, music, and cultural shifts that defined these revolutionary moments in dance music history, providing a rare first-hand account from someone who was not only present but instrumental in creating these movements. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In this captivating first installment of our two-part conversation, Ian shares his remarkable coming-of-age story: from his teenage years in South London's vibrant soul scene of the 1970s to living in New York from 1980 to 1983, concluding as he departs for Ibiza in 1984. Ian St Paul stands as a genuine pioneer of London's underground music scene. Raised on the Roundshaw Estate in South London, he discovered soul records at age 13, igniting a lifelong passion for music. He quickly became a fixture at iconic London soul venues like Crackers and the Lacy Lady, absorbing the vibrant club culture of the era. At just 15, Ian embarked on an extraordinary journey to New York City with friend Paul Oakenfold, immersing himself in the legendary club scene that would later profoundly influence UK dance music. Upon returning to London, he founded "Candy Box," a youth club that hosted early performances by then-unknown DJs including Giles Peterson and Oakenfold. Ian's influence expanded when he moved to Ibiza in 1984, diving deep into the island's emerging club culture alongside his DJ cousin Trevor Fung. His pivotal moment came in 1987 when Oakenfold visited him in Ibiza with fellow DJs; Ian introduced them to the island's revolutionary party scene, taking them to Amnesia and exposing them to the nascent ecstasy culture. In 1988, Ian returned to London where he promoted the legendary Acid House nights Future and Spectrum—events that kickstarted the UK's acid house revolution. His journey continued into the 90s when he relocated to Goa, India, where he managed trance music pioneers Juno Reactor. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In part two of my conversation with DJ/producer Warlock, we explore his fascinating musical evolution and contributions to UK electronic music. The episode traces his journey from playing UK hardcore in the early 90s to embracing the harder European techno scene as well as a multitude of other underground genres and styles over the years. Jason shares his experiences working at Kickin Records alongside Peter Harris, where he handled A&R and compilation licensing. He then discusses co-founding Rag & Bone Records with Stacey (NoYeahNo). Throughout his career, Jason has produced music under various aliases including Warlock, Lorenz Attractor, Han Do Jin, and Hooverian Blur. The conversation offers an intimate look at the golden era of UK club culture, featuring stories from legendary parties such as Knowledge at SW1 in Victoria and the influential FWD nights at Plastic People. Beyond nostalgic reminiscence, Jason provides insightful perspectives on contemporary electronic music, discussing the current jungle revival and how a new generation of producers is breaking down traditional genre boundaries. He emphasises the importance of maintaining musical open-mindedness rather than becoming confined to a single genre. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail Join me for part one of my two-part conversation with Warlock. A raw, unfiltered journey through the golden age of pirate radio, and the birth of jungle. In this episode, Jason takes us deep into the underground scene of early 90s London. From running pirate radio in student halls to getting caught by the DTI live on air. This episode is a raw slice of UK dance music history. Some of the many topics discussed include: His journey from Watford to Stafford and eventually down to London Involvement in pirate radio (Mental FM, Pulse FM) in the early 90s Stories about De Underground record shop in Forest Gate and its importance to the jungle scene Getting busted by the DTI while broadcasting live on Pirate Radio Memories of early hardcore and jungle production techniques Insights into the evolution from hip-hop to hardcore and jungle Part two coming soon. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail This is the second part of my two-part conversation with Jerome Hill, a DJ and producer renowned for his exceptional skills behind the turntables. Since his first gig in 1990, Jerome has been mixing and scratching a wide variety of sounds, always bringing a selection guaranteed to energize any party. In this episode, we discuss several key topics, including: Club UK: A nightclub in Wandsworth, London, active in the early to mid-1990s, where Jerome was introduced to the harder sounds of techno through DJs like Jeff Mills, Laurent Garnier, and Carl Cox. Jerome’s early days as a DJ at squat parties in the 1990s, performing for sound systems such as Jiba and Chiba City. Dragon Disc, a record shop in Camden, where Jerome worked as manager and buyer. The so-called "wonky techno" sound, which was showcased both in the shop and at parties like Ugly Funk. Collaborating with Rob Stowe as Groove Asylum, creating music and performing live sets at techno parties. Launching a diverse range of record labels spanning multiple genres, including: Don't for unconventional party techno. Super Rhythm Trax for acid, bleeps, and house grooves. Hornsey Hardcore for rave-infused beats. Fat Hop for cut-up, hip-hop-inspired mash-ups. We also touch on Jerome's philosophy of championing music that some DJs might shy away from. Throughout the conversation, Jerome reflects on his journey in the music scene, from the early rave days to his current roles as a label owner and DJ. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail Join me for part one of my two-part conversation with Jerome Hill, a DJ and producer renowned for his top-notch skills behind the turntables. Since his first gig back in 1990, Jerome has been mixing and scratching up an eclectic storm, always armed with a selection guaranteed to rock any party. Jerome also runs a diverse range of record labels across multiple genres and styles. These include: Don't for fucked up party techno Super Rhythm Trax for acid, bleeps, and house grooves Hornsey Hardcore for raved up beats Fat Hop for cut-up hip-hop inspired mash-ups In this first episode, we talk about our shared love for the underground electronic and hip-hop music scenes in the UK in the late 80s and early 90s, sharing stories and reminiscing about formative musical experiences from that era. Some topics discussed are: Jerome's roots in West London, exploring how skateboarding and graffiti culture shaped his early years The musical legacy passed down by his father, a session musician who introduced Jerome to the foundations of rock and roll and R&B The late 1980s pirate radio scene, with Jerome sharing his experiences listening to stations like CLR and Fantasy FM and legendary DJs like Hype who were blending house, techno, and early breakbeat The diverse early 90s UK electronic music scene, including discussion of some classic tunes and record shops Early UK hip-hop crews such as Criminal Minds, Hijack, Hardnoise, and Gunshot and how they influenced rave culture Part Two coming soon. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail Join me for the second part of my conversation with Gizelle, a key figure in London's 1990s underground acid techno scene. Starting in 1990, we explore the evolution of acid house and the emergence of multiple new genres in the UK music landscape. In this episode, Gizelle shares her experiences on: Her involvement with the Zero Gravity collective and underground party organisation Protests against the Criminal Justice Bill Early music production, collaborating with Henry (Dave the Drummer) and Guy McGaffer (Geezer) Releasing music as Rebel Yelle on labels like Stay Up Forever and Bag Records Playing with Immersion sound system at London squat parties in the 1990s The global spread of acid techno and international gigs Iconic venues such as Club 414 in Brixton Her diverse roles in the music industry, from record shops to distribution Radio shows and youth music charity work in Deptford The 30th anniversary celebration of Stay Up Forever Throughout the episode, Gizelle reflects on her musical journey, highlighting the importance of community, connections, and the growing presence of women in the scene. Her ongoing passion for music and continued involvement in the industry shine through as she recounts her experiences. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for the first part of our captivating conversation with Gizelle, a pioneering female DJ who witnessed the birth of London's acid house scene. From her roots in Lovers Rock to becoming a trailblazing DJ, Gizelle takes us on a nostalgic trip through late 80s and early 90s club culture. In this episode some of the many topics we discuss are: Gizelle's musical beginnings with Charisma, a Lovers Rock group Her first DJ gig at Winston's Bar in Deptford (1987) Discovering and incorporating acid house music into her DJ sets (1988) Memorable nights at Asylum, Shaboo, Coozz and Clink Street Challenges of being a female DJ in a male-dominated scene An eye-opening encounter with the Mutoid Waste Company Gizelle's story offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in UK music history. Whether you lived through the acid house revolution or wish you had, this episode is essential listening for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Part 2 coming next episode. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In this second instalment of our two-part conversation, we discuss Rachel's expanding career as a DJ, playing at more venues in London, including the influential Movement at Rumba and Herbal in Shoreditch. We talk about her job at the legendary Soho record shop Black Market and how she immersed herself in various scenes across multiple genres and subcultures. This includes helping to set up the London Underground venue at the Glastonbury Festival, playing in clubs and warehouses, and performing at 10-day beach parties in Italy with the Unsound sound system. We finish with an update on what she is doing now: living in Devon and being an accomplished stained glass artist in high demand. Check the link to her Instagram below to view or order her work and to hear about her occasional forays back behind the decks. Rachel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artnglassram/ Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Episode 18, where I sit down for a lively chat with Rachel, better known as Miss Pink. Our connection dates back to the mid-1990s, a time when I frequented record stores like Ambient Soho on Berwick Street and Black Market Records on D'Arbly Street, places where Rachel's passion for music shone brightly. Throughout the 90s, she made her mark as a revered jungle DJ, spinning tunes at underground warehouse raves and mainstream venues alike. In this first instalment of our two-part conversation, we explore her early affinity for the Goth and Grebo subcultures, tracing her path from the north to the heart of London. Along the way, we explore her immersion in the diverse tapestry of alternative fashion and underground music scenes that flourished during that electrifying era. Rachel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artnglassram/ Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 17, I speak again with my old friend and fellow rave war veteran, Phil Klein, also known as Bass Junkie. Phil is a highly respected UK music producer, having crafted tunes since the late 1980s, and is known for his deep love of Electro and Miami Bass. In this second of our two part discussion, we delve into his experiences with underground parties in the 1990s, his ventures to Miami for production collaborations with his Electro heroes Dynamix II, the establishment of his record label Battle Trax, and the release of his music under various aliases. Additionally, we touch upon the London Electro scene of the early 2000s, centred around parties from Haywire and the Foundry bar in Shoreditch, as well as delve into the intricacies of his ongoing music and podcasting endeavours. As ever if you appreciate the podcast then please subscribe to the channel and like the videos. This really helps spread the tales and stories to new audiences and will help us grow and expand. Links to Phil's music, mixes and new podcast https://soundcloud.com/pak-jamz https://www.mixcloud.com/PAKJAMZ/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/116076871761989/ Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 16, I speak with my old friend and fellow rave war veteran, Phil Klein, also known as Bass Junkie. Phil is a highly respected UK music producer, having crafted tunes since the late 1980s, and is known for his deep love of Electro and Miami Bass. In this first of our two part discussion, we delve into his early music recollections, highlighting the pivotal moment when his cousin introduced him to the Street Sounds Electro series in 1983, an encounter that significantly altered the trajectory of his life. After reflecting on his memories of the iconic hip-hop event, UK Fresh, held at Wembley Arena in 1986, we then explore Phil's journey of delving into imported twelve-inch records from Groove Records in Soho, alongside his relentless pursuit of rare tunes. Subsequently, we explore his foray into mastering scratching techniques and crafting beats. Finishing this episode, we explore Phil's initiation into free parties, alongside members of the local Fear Teacher's sound system. In the next episode, we will delve into his experiences with underground parties in the 1990s, his ventures to Miami for production collaborations with Dynamix II, the establishment of his record label Battle Trax, and the release of music under various aliases. Additionally, we'll touch upon the London Electro scene of the early 2000s, centred around parties from Haywire and the Foundry bar in Shoreditch, as well as delve into the intricacies of his ongoing music and podcasting endeavours. Stay tuned for that and as ever if you appreciate the podcast then please subscribe to the channel and like the videos. This really helps spread the tales and stories to new audiences and will help us grow and expand. Links to Phil's music, mixes and new podcast https://soundcloud.com/pak-jamz https://www.mixcloud.com/PAKJAMZ/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/116076871761989/ Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 15, I speak with Uncle G, also known as Urban Intelligence. Godfrey has been deeply embedded in South London's music culture since his family relocated to South East London from the tumultuous and politically unstable climate of Chile in the 1970s. Growing up on the Morris Walk estate in Woolwich, he was exposed to music from various angles, starting with all-night Caribbean-influenced blues parties in his local community. These were DIY events where a sound system and a bar were set up in a flat, and reggae, soul, boogie, and funk reverberated until the early hours. In 1982, Malcolm McLaren's B-boy classic "Buffalo Girls" video aired on Top of the Pops, introducing kids across the UK to scratching, popping, and graffiti. Godfrey delved into breakdancing and, by connecting with several Woolwich crews, became involved in the emerging hip-hop culture. As house music made its way to the UK, a friend secured him a role helping mail out membership cards for his brother's party called Biology. These were legendary early acid house raves, and G started attending these, along with other iconic events like RIP at Clink Street and Rave in the Cave, an all-night acid party in an arch next to Elephant and Castle train station. Memorable nights also took place at the Tunnel Club, a notoriously rough and ready venue right next to the entrance to the BlackWall Tunnel. Initially, Godfrey started as a DJ at local house parties in the 80s. As the rave scene gained momentum, he began DJing at larger events and playing on pirate radio stations such as Shockin FM and Wax FM. Radio and the quest for new music to share with people have been his passion ever since. Uncle G now hosts a show every Friday from 6-8 pm, streamed live from Planet Wax record shop in New Cross. We conclude our conversation by delving into the significance of record shops like Planet Wax, which not only sell music but also serve as spaces for vibrant and diverse South London communities to come together, forge friendships, and make connections through their shared love of music. Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 14, the second part of my conversation with Brandon Spivey, an old friend and cultural provocateur, we delve into his experiences traveling to Europe in the mid-1980s. During this time, he actively participated in several riots in Berlin as a member of the Black Bloc—an anarchist organization committed to confronting governments and the banking system through direct action. Our discussion extends to his discovery of Dada art, particularly his appreciation for the works of George Grosz. Returning to London, we explore Brandon's visits to the 121 Centre in Brixton, along with various squatted venues and spaces. Throughout these encounters, he shares stories of culturally and politically significant individuals who left a lasting impact on him. Wrapping up our conversation, we touch upon his introduction to the harder techno scene in the 1990s. We also delve into the parties and clubs that influenced his early foray into music production, ultimately leading to his releases on underground techno labels. I asked Brandon to write a short description to describe himself and it is reproduced below "Brandon Spivey is 56. Has a love of life, music , art and rebellion. He has lived in a number of countries. Enjoyed many riots. Hospitalised a number of authoritarian undesirables. Written 'No Comment, The Defendants Guide to Arrest' . He gave up drink and drugs in 1989 to focus on being a c#nt. He has interest in all aspects of working class art, music and culture. In summary: Electronic music producer, Film Maker, Building worker and Trouble maker. Interested in Musicology and Dadaist art. A proud advocate of free speech and a supporter of peoples right to attack their oppressors. He mocks identity politics bullshit and is proudly anarchist and a born anti authoritarian." Support the show https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/ https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/ Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...