Lists
10 iconic DJ Harvey moments
Dance music's last rock 'n' roll star
DJ Harvey has been called many things. An icon, a DJ’s DJ, even Keith Richards of the crossfader, the superlatives are seemingly never-ending for the disco don. His penchant for tripped out mixes, dirty disco edits and incandescent smile have earned him a cultish following that fans and fellow DJs follow equally.
While his selections and standing in the history of dance music gives him appeal to those in the know, his rock star qualities make him attractive to anyone who just wants to party, which he certainly excels at.
There’s only one DJ Harvey and we’re lucky to have him. Kick back with 10 of his most iconic moments.
He was 14 when John Peel was playing his band's tunes
Growing up a punk in Cambridge as Harvey Bassett, the youngster found his way into the band Ersatz, getting a taste for the rock 'n’ roll life style early. Hanging out with 18 and 19-year-olds when he was only 14 meant stories of being sneaked vodka by older ladies was the norm. Having been played by the late, great John Peel on the radio, Bassett decided the band lifestyle wasn’t for him, declaring in later interviews that being in a band “was like having four girlfriends”. Plus it was depressing seeing the amount of records they hadn’t sold.
A trip to New York and experiencing burgeoning hip-hop culture followed. Harvey realised that with turntables, he could provide the party all by himself and history was made.
