I started Dj'ing in 1989 learning my trade around the local area before things really took off the following year with a residency in the Balearic Isles.
During the early 90's under the name 'DJ Frenz-E' I played at numerous raves with established names like Carl Cox, Slipmatt (SL2), Top Buzz and artists like Baby D (Let me be your Fantasy), K-Klass (Rhythm is a Mystery) and Altern 8 (Activ-8). I also had my own regular show on pirate radio station Bassline FM broadcasting across the Burton & Swad area at a weekend.
Gilly moved to the area from Manchester where we formed a formidable partnership, taking Derby by storm in the mid 90's. Arguably one of the Midlands most influential venues 'Vines Wine Bar' in Sadler Gate, Derby was where we could be heard 3 times a week. A venue where promoters and clubbers would meet before moving on to various club nights around the Midlands.
The Emporium in Coalville was a regular venue we'd play in the super clubs early days.
Further residencies continued all over The Midlands before a major gig in Taunton, Somerset for Ministry of Sound to promote their very first CD 'The Annual'.
Another major booking in 1995 was from the legendary Hacienda's pre bar called 'Dry'.
A monthly residency was now secured in Taunton, Somerset supporting some of the countries finest. The likes of The Happy Clappers (I Believe), John Marsh (The Beloved), Double Trouble (of Rebel MC fame), Ian M and the late great Tony De Vit (RIP). Ministry of Sound once again requested our services to promote their 'Dance Nation' CD in the packed Somerset venue.
With Gilly returning to Manchester, I started working regularly for the University of Derby Students Union (UDSU) at a variety of their club nights. I've played at every Graduation and May Ball since 1996 and still continues to do so today. I was also the creator of the now legendary UDSU club night 'Spank'
Having had the taste for broadcasting in the early days, I presented my first legal radio show on Freedom FM. I played a unique blend of old and new house,hip hop & anything dance orientated. The station was up against Century for the vacant East Midlands radio licence which was eventually won by Century 106FM.
In 2001 I warmed up for Judge Jules on his university tour which was broadcast live on Radio 1 along with Gatecrasher resident Scott Bond.
A brand new club opened in Walsall town centre called Sofa Sofa where I was asked by the manager (who I'd played for in the past), to be the Saturday night resident. I was there for two years (before the club turned into a Flares type venue). Every week the club would be at it's 1000 capacity, with clubbers visiting the club from all over the UK. Galaxy FM would bring their DJ's Paul Kershaw and Dave Clarke to the club regularly and broadcast the nights live across the Galaxy network.
In 2005 I teamed up with my youngest brother Rob and we DJ'd under the name The Hyde Brothers. We played monthly gigs at The Nightingale in Birmingham, Traffik in Shoreditch, London and regular gigs for probably one of the Midlands most exciting new house brands 'Twisted Love' at Susumi's, Derby, Uba Rooms in Burton on Trent & Ciro's in Ashby de la Zouch
DJ's & Artists I have Supported/Played With Over the Years
Example, The Sugababes, Girls Aloud, The Saturdays, Atomic Kitten, East 17, Jay Sean,
Tinchy Stryder, Goldie Lookin Chain, Ian Brown (Stone Roses frontman), Reef, Shed Seven, Chicane, Lemar, Damage, K Klass, Shola Ama, Space, David Sneddon, Chesney Hawkes, Kele-Le-Roc, Boney M, The Four Tops, Baby D, Altern 8, SL2, Binary Finary, Leo Sayer, Beatfreakz, Fun Lovin Criminals, Razorlight, Lucianna, Ghosts and Mylo.
Carl Cox, Slipmat, Top Buzz, Asterix and Space, Tango, Sister Bliss (Faithless), Jaguar Skills, Scratch Perverts, Andy Carrol, Angel, Scott Bond, Tony Di Vit (RIP), Ian M, Jon Marsh (Beloved frontman), Jim Shaft Ryan, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Marshall Jefferson, Al Mackenzie (D-Ream), Artful Dodger, Norman Jay (MBE), Mark Moore (S-Express), Seamus Hadji, Hybrid, BK, Moogwai, Lee Coombs, Paul Kershaw, Dave Clarke, Yomanda, Ratty, Graham Gold, Zane Lowe (twice),
Judge Jules (twice), Trevor Nelson, Timmi Magic, Dave Pearce, Scott Mills,
Edith Bowman, Colin Murray, Yoda, Pat Sharpe, Club Asylum, Daniel Davoli and Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays frontman).