#DJ-hire-london

[slidingvinyl]

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[soundofmusicmobiledisco]

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[grits-galraisedinthesouth]

It's been almost 12 years since Catherine's first publicized hospitalization but the international talking heads and print media have learned nothing.

Published Dec 14, 2012  

The duchess had been hospitalized for severe morning sickness. [hyperemesis gravidarum]

Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian impersonated Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, and tricked Saldanha, 46, into transferring the call to another nurse caring for the duchess, who revealed private details about her condition.

The radio station later said they were “deeply saddened” by the tragedy

Prince William wrote the family a letter of condolence from both him and Kate in which he said, “We were both very shocked to hear about Jacintha, and have been thinking a lot about her recently. Many of the nurses in the hospital spoke highly of her and I’m sure you know how great a nurse she was.”

Nurse who died after royal prank call left suicide note criticizing hospital staff.

[GRITS: It's clear this hospital was unprepared for a VIP admission. The person who answered the call (on air) was already suffering with mental health issues & dark thoughts. Perhaps her employer's reaction to the honest mistake was the straw that broke her back...]

National Post Staff, The Associated Press

Jacintha Saldanha. 46, left behind three notes, copies of which were handed over to her family after she apparently committed suicide

Among the three notes left behind by Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse in Britain who apparently killed herself after falling for a prank call about the Duchess of Cambridge, one detailed her criticisms of staff at the hospital at which she worked.

Saldanha’s family was given typed copies of the notes, two of which were found at the scene and one among the nurse’s belongings, The Guardian reported.

One of the notes from Saldanha contained details about funeral arrangements and another addressed the prank call, several sources told The Guardian. The third note contained criticism of staff at London’s King Edward VII Hospital.

In the U.K., Coroner’s officer Lynda Martindill said Saldanha was discovered hanging by a scarf from a wardrobe in her nurses’ quarters on last week by a colleague and a member of security staff at the hospital. She also had injuries to her wrists.

Martindill said an attempt to revive Saldanha failed. The case is being treated as an apparent suicide.

He said there were no suspicious circumstances, meaning nobody else was involved in Saldanha’s death.

Harman said that police were examining the notes, interviewing the nurse’s friends, family and colleagues and looking at emails and phone calls to establish what led to her death.

He also said detectives would be contacting police in the Australian state of New South Wales to collect “relevant evidence.”

Staff at the radio station behind the prank call have been moved to a safehouse, according to reports.

Radio station 2Day FM has also hired 24-hour bodyguards for some employees after reports said staff were receiving death threats.

Australian news website News.com.au reported that about a dozen staff have been put up in safehouse accommodations and 10 executives now have bodyguards.

The website says Christian was specifically targeted in a death threat.

Published Dec 14, 2012 

Nurse who died after royal prank call left suicide note criticizing hospital staff: report

Jacintha Saldanha. 46, left behind three notes, copies of which were handed over to her family after she apparently committed suicide

Among the three notes left behind by Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse in Britain who apparently killed herself after falling for a prank call about the Duchess of Cambridge, one detailed her criticisms of staff at the hospital at which she worked.

Saldanha’s family was given typed copies of the notes, two of which were found at the scene and one among the nurse’s belongings, The Guardian reported.

Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian impersonated Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, and tricked Saldanha, 46, into transferring the call to another nurse caring for the duchess, who revealed private details about her condition.

The duchess had been hospitalized for severe morning sickness.

One of the notes from Saldanha contained details about funeral arrangements and another addressed the prank call, several sources told The Guardian. The third note contained criticism of staff at London’s King Edward VII Hospital.

In the U.K., Coroner’s officer Lynda Martindill said Saldanha was discovered hanging by a scarf from a wardrobe in her nurses’ quarters on last week by a colleague and a member of security staff at the hospital. She also had injuries to her wrists.

Martindill said an attempt to revive Saldanha failed. The case is being treated as an apparent suicide.

He said there were no suspicious circumstances, meaning nobody else was involved in Saldanha’s death.

Harman said that police were examining the notes, interviewing the nurse’s friends, family and colleagues and looking at emails and phone calls to establish what led to her death.

He also said detectives would be contacting police in the Australian state of New South Wales to collect “relevant evidence.”

Staff at the radio station behind the prank call have been moved to a safehouse, according to reports.

Radio station 2Day FM has also hired 24-hour bodyguards for some employees after reports said staff were receiving death threats.

Australian news website News.com.au reported that about a dozen staff have been put up in safehouse accommodations and 10 executives now have bodyguards.

The website says Christian was specifically targeted in a death threat.

5 Years After the Suicide of Kate Middleton's Nurse, Her Family Shares Their Grief

"It's just been a case of having to keep going," her son tells PEOPLE

By Phil Boucher December 6, 2017

Five years after the suicide of royal nurse Jacintha Saldanha cast a dark shadow over Kate Middleton’s pregnancy with Prince George, her family continues to struggle with their grief.

Working as a night nurse at London’s King Edward VII Hospital in London, Saldanha answered the phone one night when a pair of Australian DJs called.

The two radio hosts, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, impersonated Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles and inquired about Kate.

Not realizing it was a prank, Saldanha accidentally revealed details of the royal mom’s severe morning sickness.

Overwhelmed with guilt and shame, the 46-year old nurse hanged herself three days later, on Dec. 7, 2012.

COURTESY BARBOZA FAMILY

“The first few years were the hardest,” Saldanha’s daughter, Janice Pinto, 20, tells Australia’s WHO magazine. She describes her family as “coping and getting on with our lives” as the fifth anniversary of the tragedy approaches on Dec. 7. (They will quietly commemorate the anniversary in church.) “She would call me every day at 6 p.m., just before she went to work. To check up. You know, ‘How are you doing? How was school?’ That phone call is what I miss every day.”

“It has just been perseverance,” says her son, Junal Barboza, 21. “It’s just been a case of having to keep going. Keep going for her.”

The family is now funneling their grief into a new project that they hope will help the lives of others. Along with Saldanha’s widower, Benedict Barboza, 53, her children are helping to establish a hospital in Mangalore, India, in her honor.

Scheduled for completion in mid-2018, the hospital will “take care of the poor people, the sick people from the roadsides,” says Benedict, who has already built a playground for orphans in his wife’s name at the nearby Maria Nivas convent.

“My dad’s idea is really amazing,” Pinto says of the 200-bed facility in her mother’s hometown and final resting place. “She had plans to open a nursing home or do something for the elderly or the sick, so it’s something she would really want.”

Adds Junal: “She was the sort of person who would always go the extra mile to help a family member, and we’ve had a number of significant letters from people within the medical profession telling us just how good she was at her job.

“Learning about her was a real eye-opener and has provided the stepping stone for what we want to achieve,” he adds. “Whatever I do now, any achievement, will be for her and for my dad and for my family. That is the way that I kind of live my life.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

[sitp-recs]

Hi Liv! I was wondering if you have a rec list already where either Draco or Harry struggle with alcoholism? I have read maybe like one before, but I couldn't find it again. I've been sober for almost 4 years now, but things are super stressful and that makes me stupid sometimes. Idk, it just helps, reading about my favourite pair. Anyways, thank you if you have any that you might wanna rec, and if not, thank you anyways, I really enjoy your blog, I always find some great fics through your recs💞 Hope you have a lovely day!🫶✨

Hi anon! Congrats on being sober for almost 4 years, you’re doing great 💜 I’m sorry things have been hard lately, I hope the recs help. I’m very particular about addition in fic so I haven’t read much or often, but I do have some recs for you. Maybe my followers can share more?

again, for the first time by @aibidil (E, 14k)

Five times Draco lied about why he wasn't drinking, and one time he gave an honest answer. Or, a love letter to sobriety.

War Wounds by SilentAuror (E, 30k)

Some wounds take longer to recover from than others. HP/DM, with background HP/GW. Themes of alcoholism, love triangles, and dubious fidelity.

Dreaming Darkly by @quicksilvermaid (E, 39k)

It's five years after the war, and Harry is not okay. He hates his job. He hates Robards. He hates Ron's promotions and Hermione's concern. He chases oblivion in booze and weed and quick dirty fucks, but it's never enough.

Take A Chance On Me by @mintawasalreadytaken (E, 41k)

There's a DJ on RareFM with a secret. Or: the one with all the ABBA in it.

Polar Night/Midnight Sun by toomuchplor (E, 54k)

Harry travels to arctic Norway on the trail of dragon egg poachers, only to find he's been assigned to work alongside the only NorMagPol Auror north of sixty: one Draco Malfoy. It's been ten years since they crossed paths, and Malfoy isn't exactly what Harry expected or remembered. For one thing, he wears a lot more hand-knits?

Lemon Colour, Honey Glow by @thusspoketrish (E, 67k)

Over a series of unfortunate pub nights at the Leaky Cauldron, Draco Malfoy falls in love. A story about finding strength and forgiveness in unlikely places.

Unhook the Stars by jad (E, 70k)

Seventy-thousand words of pornographic discourse between two boys-turned-men that still haven't learned how to communicate like normal people – with words. Guest appearances by Pansy Parkinson, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, Blaise Zabini, Teddy Lupin, Gregory Goyle, the Weird Sisters, ex-wives, several Weasleys, a Boggart, and a Honey Badger.

Nor All That Glisters by @sweet-s0rr0w (E, 110k)

Lonely and frustrated on house arrest, with no prospects for the future, Draco begins brewing Felix Felicis in an attempt to improve his lot. Just in the short term, of course. He isn’t a total idiot. But before long he finds himself with a thriving business, a nice flat, some actual (albeit irritatingly Gryffindor) friends, and a very satisfying sex life. What’s more, no-one is hexing him in the street. And Harry Potter is single, and gorgeous, and giving Draco decidedly interested looks.

Another Mask Behind You by lettered (E, 116k)

Draco is a high-end prostitute who hides his identity. Harry unknowingly hires him. And then there is porn, questions about identity, domestic bliss, more porn, and truth as seen through a web of lies.

Dwelling on Dreams by @the-sinking-ship (E, 135k)

Draco thought he could avoid Potter for the duration of his brief return to England. He’d stick to his schedule and be back home in Paris, where he belonged, in a few short months. No trouble at all. He had plenty to occupy him, what with the opening of the London branch of his successful apothecary, his innovative research, drinks with Pansy, a backlog of unread potions periodicals.

Number Seven by sara_holmes (M, 253k)

Harry already has small children, an ex-wife, annoying colleagues and an international crime ring to deal with. So when Draco Malfoy reappears after eight years AWOL in France, of course Harry is going to leave him well alone...Right?

Whatever You Want, Draco Malfoy by @dorthyanndrarry (E, WIP)

Draco lost his home and the only society he knew after the war. He ended up living in the muggle world, making new friends and new connections and maybe some sort of peace. Even if that peace was usually found at the bottom of a bottle. It was enough for him. He was content to just exist. Then Harry Potter decided to ruin everything.

[justforbooks]

Stanley Booth

American music journalist who chronicled ‘the mystery of the Rolling Stones’ in their pomp

As a group of Hells Angels beat and stabbed a Black teenager to death a few feet away from where the Rolling Stones were playing on warm evening in California in 1969, the writer Stanley Booth watched the mayhem from a vantage point next to his friend Keith Richards’s guitar amplifiers.

The murder of 18-year-old Meredith Hunter by thugs hired to act as security men for the Stones’ free concert at Altamont Speedway marked an end to the peace-and-love idyll of the 1960s. It also gave Booth a dramatic climax to the book he would write about the Stones and their rise from London’s clubs to worldwide success and notoriety.

The Stones embraced Booth, who has died aged 82, not least because he represented an authentic connection to the blues music from which they had taken their inspiration. He had been brought up in Memphis, Tennessee, one of the music’s centres, and knew many of the musicians whose work they admired and imitated.

Long-haired, silk-scarved and thoroughly familiar with mood-altering substances, he was perfectly in sync with the social currents they embodied. He met them when, having established himself as a contributor to major American magazines, he travelled to London in 1968 to cover the trial of their founder, Brian Jones, who had been charged with possession of cannabis. “I wrote a story,” he recalled many years later, “but I had only glimpsed – in Brian’s eyes as he glanced up from the dock – the mystery of the Rolling Stones.”

That mystery was the subject of the book he planned to write when he joined the Stones on tour in the US the following year. He slipped so easily into their inner circle that soon they were inviting him to share not just their confidences – Anita Pallenberg told him that Jones had missed shows and recording sessions because he had broken his hand while hitting her – but their drugs. When a fan handed Charlie Watts a yellow-green LSD tab, Booth wrote that “Charlie asked, ‘D’you want it?’ ‘I ain’t too sure about this street acid,’ I said. ‘Maybe Keith will want it.’”

Published in 1974 as Dance With the Devil, and republished in the UK in 1985 as The True Adventures of the Rolling Stones, his book brought to bear an observant eye and literary skills that elegantly stripped the varnish off the story, leaving posterity with a faithful eye-witness account of the group’s activities and their social milieu during their prime years.

Booth was born in Waycross, Georgia, near the Okefenokee swamp, a vast wetland straddling the border with Florida. His father, Irving, was the vice-president of an insurance company, while his mother, Ruby (nee McClellan), was a schoolteacher. He studied English at Memphis State University and remembered being thrown out of a Ray Charles show for sharing a table with some Black fellow students. He began postgraduate studies at Tulane University in New Orleans before breaking off in 1964 to return to Memphis, where he began his career as a journalist.

His background, his love of music and his social circle gave him access to local subjects that interested the editors of national magazines. In 1968 Esquire published his description of Elvis Presley’s life among his courtiers: “When he puts the cigar between his teeth a wall of flame erupts before him. Momentarily startled, he peers into the blaze of matches and lighters offered by willing hands. With a nod, he designates one of the crowd, who steps forward, shaking, and then, his moment of glory, of service to the King, at an end, he retires into anonymity. ‘Thank ya very much,’ says Elvis.”

Typically, the real interest comes when Booth aims slightly away from the target. The source of the best Elvis anecdotes is Dewey Phillips, the first radio DJ to play Presley’s records, found by the author working in a furniture store 20 years after his heyday. One of those tales, involving the actress Natalie Wood, was too ripe for the Esquire piece but is included in Rythm Oil, a collection of Booth’s magazine pieces published in 1994.

The book’s UK edition opened with a mood-setting series of colour photographs taken by William Eggleston, Booth’s friend and fellow Memphian: freight trains, cotton fields, diners and lonesome highways. The pieces included portraits of other local musicians, including the bluesman Furry Lewis, who had spent decades sweeping the city’s streets, and the ill-starred jazz pianist Phineas Newborn.

For all his warm empathy with most of the musicians he encountered, there was also evidence of the essential splinter of ice in the writer’s heart. About his piece for Rolling Stone on Janis Joplin’s poorly received visit to Memphis in 1969, he later reflected: “She died, so I hear, bearing me ill will. Can’t please everyone.”

With a reputation, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, as “a libertine and a wild man”, in 1971 he was fined for growing his own marijuana and broke his back a few years later after falling down a waterfall in Georgia while high on LSD. A second collection of pieces, Red Hot and Blue, was published in 2019 and he leaves an unfinished memoir and unpublished biographies of the songwriter Johnny Mercer and the singer Gram Parsons, a friend who was also from Waycross.

Booth was married three times. After the death in 2014 of his third wife, the poet Diann Blakely, with whom he had lived in Georgia and Florida, he returned to Memphis. He is survived by a daughter, Ruby Booth, from another relationship.

🔔 Stanley Booth (Irvin Stanley Booth Jr), writer, born 5 January 1942; died 19 December 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[theunderestimator-2]

The Subway Sect Mark II shattered after performing their Club Left 'Songs For Sale' set in Paris in 1981 as captured by Sarah Partridge (photo no.1).

So what did punks do after the early days of filth and fury? By ’78, the early UK punk scene was already fracturing: after the Pistols crashed & burned, a fraternity of post punk musicians attempted to break from punk clichés and experiment with non-rock styles, Crass declared that punk was dead, as did Pete Shelley with Buzzcocks entering their pop punk formative phase while street punk and Oi! Bands attempted to redefine punk.

Vic Godard was there right from the very start, since his Subway Sect were among the performers at the legendary 100 Club ’76 Punk Festival sharing the bill with Siouxsie & the Banshees, The Clash and the Sex Pistols.

theguardian.com/ : “Vic, in league with Bernie Rhodes, was thinking of an even more shocking revolt against conventional taste: cocktail jazz. Rhodes persuaded Godard to ditch the original Sect and hired a fresh group of musicians with a little more swing than the original band. One of the first public expressions of this was Club Left, a regular night that ran at the Whisky a Go Go in Soho as the ‘80s began. The idea was to annoy everyone. But this sonic handbrake turn went on to point a lot of music – and a lot of punks – in a very different direction.”

The Clash’s manager Bernard Rhodes recruited keyboardist Dave Collard (photo no.2 by Coneyl Jay), bassist Chris Bostock (photo no.3 by Ian Usher), guitarist Rob Marche (photo no.4) and drummer Sean McLusky (photo no.5), key members of various Bristol groups, who along with Vic Godard formed a new incarnation of Subway Sect with a completely different sound influenced by ’40s-style crooner music mixed with jazz, soul, rockabilly and skiffle, which was referred to as ‘Cool Bop and Swing’. These cool cats, a London ‘Rat Pack’ with Johnny Britton as the regular Club Left DJ, even toured extensively and their refined set became the “Songs for Sale” album.

“I remember looking down from the club’s floor-to-ceiling window one night just before opening, and seeing a queue stretching round the corner into Shaftesbury Avenue. We attracted an amazingly eclectic crowd, and you never knew who would turn up together with our hard-core regulars…”. Rob Marche “Club Left hosted a weekly array of great performers. If it had an ethos, it was a simple nod to the Beatnik past of Soho and Paris of the 60's”. Sean McLusky

The far-retro Club Left project reintroduced various people to easy listening. Artists such as Sade or the group of young women, who had supplied occasional backing vocals for the likes of Shane McGowan’s first band, the Nipple Erectors, and went on to become Bananarama. When Vic Godard got married and took a break from music in ’82, the rest of the band with the addition of Dig Wayne became the JoBoxers, fusing elements of northern soul, rockabilly, NY disco and funk.

(via, via, via, via)

[hlficlibrary]

i don't know how to word it, but do you have any larry fics where they like argue a lot but it's not in an angsty way, or it can be but not seriously. kind of like crack.

Hi, anon, so I'd probably call that "banter" if you're ever looking for a particular tag for it. Here are a few that I think might be what you're looking for, and if you want a longer rec of these fics, check out the "Suggestion Box" on the pinned post!

let me make a thing of cream and stars by @missandrogyny

It doesn't explain why he's lying on the floor, with Harry Styles, of all people, planking on top of him.

As in, seventeenth most influential person in London, pop-star-turned-rock-star Harry Styles. The same Harry Styles who has had countless model girlfriends, left, right and centre. Also the same Harry Styles who has been the subject of Louis' wet dreams since he was about eighteen.

(Or: Louis is a Radio 1 DJ and Harry is a pop-star he interviews.)

Rise up like the sun by Star_Henderson / @tommosgun

“I wasn't taking a sneaky pic.” Louis blurted out, the guy stood at one of the urinals taking a piss. “You were.” The guy answered coolly. “I would've taken a pic with you if you'd just asked.” “No I didn't want a pic with you.” The guy turned his head, quirking his eyebrow sardonically. “No you're far too cool for that, you just wanted to violate my privacy.” Louis squeezed his eyes shut. “I'm sorry. Look..” He walked towards the guy flicking his phone out. “Hey.” The guy hunched over, hiding his junk. “Oh no no, I wasn't gonna take a pic. Fuck.” Louis threw his hands up, stopping in his tracks. “Look I'm going to show you I'm deleting it.” Louis turned his phone and the pic disappeared. “You looked familiar, I was going to send it to my friend and ask who you were, I'm sorry, dick move.” Louis sighed, smiling apologetically. The guy zipped and walked to the basin. “So you invade my privacy then insult my level of fame by pretending to not know who I am.” The guy was turned away from Louis. “Look I'm...shit.” Louis inhaled noisily. The guy turned, a grin spread over his face. “I'm fucking with you.”

Same White Shirt by @lululawrence

“Oh my God. What are you holding?”

Harry was startled to hear an English voice coming from behind him that he didn’t know. He’d thought he knew all the English employees around here. When he turned around there was a man with the most stunning eyes and incredible cheekbones known to man in the doorway looking with absolute distaste at the suit Harry had just been thinking of so fondly.

“It’s my suit for the show,” Harry said firmly. This guy was obviously an assistant if the badge and plate of fruit he was holding were anything to go by, but as he began walking to where the table was in the room, Harry noticed he was walking with a slight limp. Oh shit.

Or the one where Harry's on the Late Late Show for a week and several misunderstandings with a certain mouthy assistant James recently hired make things that much more interesting.

[3terna15unshin3]

Then Because She Goes

When you leave, I cry on the inside

★ Chapter 4 of 15, 3733 words

★ Matty Healy x Original Female Character

★ warnings: alcohol consumption

<< 3

28 November, 2018

The train ride felt excruciatingly long.

Cate and Este sat facing each other in their seats, talking occasionally, but Cate was busy on her laptop and Este had her nose tucked into a book. 

“I’m getting sick of riding the train to London, to be honest,” complained Cate. Este removed her left Airpod to listen to her. “It feels like it moves slower every time I’m on it.”

She had been coming into London a handful of times a month for work, and since it was so much busier than her hometown, it gave her constant headaches. The company she worked for had a branch of offices in Manchester, where Cate was hired, but it was based in London; so, a particular merch collection forced her to travel down much more often than she wanted to. But, she was just as excited as Este to be at the album release show; so she didn’t mind being in the city this time around.

Matty graciously offered Este to bring a friend, so of course, her flatmate was tagging along. He sent her a couple messages to let her know that her and Cate’s name would be on the guest list. Other than those few to let Este in on the details of the concert, not many words had been shared between the two since he’d been over to her flat. Little time had passed, and Este knew Matty would be super busy with the album release, so she didn't feel the need to reach out. Even though she finished reading You Are Here earlier in the week and surprisingly found it really eye opening and worth the read.

“Just remember, in an hour or so we’ll be all warm and cosy in my nan’s house. And she’ll be force feeding us a bunch of food,” Este reminded her. “Plus, my granddad finally got his hearing aids fixed so you won’t have to repeat everything you say until he understands it!”

Cate laughed and continued clicking away on her laptop while responding. “Are you sure they’re okay with us staying there? We could’ve easily just booked a hotel, I don’t want to be intruding.”

“Seriously, they love hosting guests. They’d never feel like we were intruding. I haven’t visited overnight in a while too, so I’m sure they’ll enjoy the company,” Este assured her.

Continuing in and out of conversation, they drowned their ears in music through their headphones. Then, the journey came to a close, and they rifled through the bodies in the underground to head over to Florencia and José’s house. The elderly couple welcomed them with open arms and, like Este assumed, immediately fed them a hearty dinner. José, Este’s grandfather, sat in his usual spot on their leather reclining chair to face the television while Florencia and the two girls sat at the dining room table. Both had full stomachs.

“What are you two in town for again? A show?” Florencia asked, struggling to remember what Este had explained over the phone.

“Yeah, a concert. It’s Matty’s band, actually. You remember Matty, right?” she posed, although she was sure her nan remembered him. When calling her about coming down to London, Este brought up the fact that she was his nurse back in 2011 and even sent the photo her way. Florencia fully gushed about how wonderful he was—showing pure excitement that they’d managed to meet again years later in a Starbucks, and that he’d  met her granddaughter. Este recalls her using the words ‘a fine young man’ to describe him.

“Oh yes, of course! You know, you should invite him to the party in February. I think he’d enjoy himself.”

Cate and Este both laughed at the craziness of her suggestion. They had been extensively planning her and José’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration—the party Flo was referring to. It was a dinner and dance event with a program, a DJ, and the works. Most things Florencia mentioned as of late had all somehow looped back around to be about the party, so José was used to it. It was practically a second wedding.

“Lola, he’ll be touring next year. I don’t think he’ll have the time to come to your party,” Este said, a laugh still evident in her voice.

Her grandmother shrugged. “Doesn’t hurt to ask, anak. He can be your date.”

Este went red and covered her face with her hands.

“I thought I was supposed to be your date?!” Cate joked.

They finished helping Florencia clean up in the kitchen and then went up to the room they were sharing, picking their outfits for the following night. Both Este and Cate only brought a couple of options, as their bags were quite small for the two-night stay. 

“Fuck, I should’ve brought that red top with the stars,” complained Cate. “That would go so well with these pants.”

Este felt like they were in school again, deciding what to wear before a night out and emptying all of their garments onto the floor. They continued the ritual, holding up various pieces up to their bodies to try and build ideas. But, Este’s phone buzzed just as they were coming to a decision.

[este.manansala]: trumanblack: Doors are at 7 tomorrow btw, so if you show up around then security will take you back so you can have a drink and meet the others before the show :) If u want to!

Cate took a second to read the notification on Este’s phone and then looked up at her. “He’s inviting us backstage for drinks before the show?”

Figuring that standing at side stage would require going back there anyway, Este wasn’t too shocked. Spending time with Matty in person let her come to terms with how aggressively human he truly was, and him reaching out and inviting them to the show helped distract her from the irrational insecurity that their friendship didn't mean anything to him.

“Yeah, I guess. He did say that there was room at the side of the stage for ‘friends and family’, so I assumed we’d be back there,” she responded casually.

“I feel like we might need to put more thought into these outfits now.”

✴ 29 November, 2018

The two of them did not consider the long queue of girls that would be inevitably waiting to be let into the venue. Too considerate to cut to the front, which they were most likely allowed to do, Este and Cate shivered in the cold winter air. It was moving fast, thankfully, since everyone was hurrying to get a good spot; so after repeatedly standing and then shuffling forward, they got to the front.

“Um, I think I’m on the list. Este Manansala?” she asked the bouncer nervously, insecure that the girls behind them could hear her and would judge them for holding up the line. He looked over to another man with a clipboard, who scanned his eyes over his list and then nodded at the girls. A ‘thanks’ was thrown from the smiling girls to the bouncer and the people who let them in, before a security guard welcomed them into the rooms further into the club.

Este’s hands were clammy as they walked up to the door that had a small ‘The 1975’ sign on the front, aware of the fact that they were about to be socialising with heaps of new people. Cate followed behind her as they entered, seeing a couple of black leather couches and small coffee tables. There was a bar along the back wall with various bottles of liquor and a stack of glass cups. Buzzing conversation filled the room as people mingled familiarly, some lounged on the furniture and others standing in small circles. They decided to quietly keep to themselves until anyone approached them, standing together at a tall cocktail table.

Matty’s fingers fought with the curls framing his face as he pushed them away, chatting casually with his brother. When their conversation phased out slowly, he found himself scanning the room—seemingly at the perfect time—as his eyes caught Este’s brown ones.

Slightly nervous, he shot her a smile and observed the redhead standing with her. That must be Cate, he thought to himself. Matty weaved his way around each small exchange happening between the handful of people in the room, and finally reached the two girls.

“Este,” he said with a sigh of relief, happy that she’d shown. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

She grinned and welcomed him in for a hug. “I’m so glad to be able to see the show,” said Este as they broke apart, Matty casually embracing Cate after she continued. “This is my best friend, Cate.”

“Lovely to meet you,” started Matty. “Este's told me you do graphic design?”

The conversation immediately took off as he and Cate delved into topics surrounding her job and its artistic components. He was knowledgeable about the subject and had an awfully distinct taste, directly referencing certain movements or time periods that stood as inspiration for the art he made. Cate appreciated Matty’s efforts to get to know her style and to understand the drive behind her career, even showing him examples of her previous work.

Then, a man so tall they had to tilt their heads upwards to look at him approached. Matty’s eyes lit up as he appeared, excited for Ross to meet them. “Oh mate—these are my friends Este and Cate. From Manchester,”

“Ross,” he introduced himself, looking at each of them and smiling. “How do you guys know each other?”

Este made eye contact with Matty. He raised his eyebrows, encouraging her to explain instead of him. “I work at a book shop in Manchester that Matty comes into whenever he’s in town, so since then we’ve kind of started our own two-person book club over Instagram DMs! Which is, now that I say it, probably the lamest explanation I could have possibly chosen,” she said, embarrassed, scratching her temple.

“Please never call our friendship a ‘book club’ ever again. That's horrible,” Matty defended. “I’d hope that by now it’s more than that,” he said, making goosebumps raise on Este's arms. “Her nan was also my nurse when I got my gallbladder removed.” 

The bluntness in his voice made Este and Cate giggle, Ross clearly used to his antics. “Cool story, mate,” he responded sarcastically. “Can we hear more about that one surgery you had like ten years ago? We’re all dying to know!”

“First of all, it was only seven years ago. Second of all, shut the fuck up,” Matty corrected.

Small talk circled the four of them as Este and Cate got to know Ross and vice versa. Hearing the familiar name while eavesdropping from one of the couches adjacent to the group, George butted in loudly, already slightly buzzed. “You’re Este?”

Another gigantic man presented himself and hung on Este’s right shoulder. “Yeah,” she said, confused about how he knew her. “And this is Cate, my best friend.”

“Nice to meet you. George,” he said. “I heard the spiel about that book you told Matty to read on the plane a while back. And I’ve got to say, you seem lovely, but that book sounded really fucking weird.”

Este went on to try and defend it, but the rest of the group went on to tease her playfully. Matty eventually dragged Adam over to them as well, the girls finally meeting the entirety of the band behind their dance anthem of late May. These people feel warm and fuzzy, thought Este. They’re the real deal. Her eyes rarely left Matty, though.

The group setting allowed her to study him discreetly, appreciating the recognisable inflections in his speech and casual stage outfit hanging on his body. His ability to completely immerse himself into a point he’d like to make, going on without caring how long it would take to get there. It was peculiar that those traits on other people seemed mundane—but for Matty, they were just reasons for Este to keep listening to what came out of his mouth.

Although she didn’t notice, Matty spent their whole conservation observing her just as closely as she did him. He could tell how much she loved Cate and how they supported each other throughout moments of uncertainty. Este spoke with her hands. Fidgeted with her necklace some more. Always threw her head back when laughing really hard. And even more deeply, Matty took note of her intellect; how she managed to use purposeful language even when the subject was lighthearted or one-off. He indulged in Este as much as he could during the short bursts of time they had together.

When show time neared, the band left to do some last minute preparation, allowing Cate and Este to hold their own for half an hour before it started. They met a few people, most of them in the room being friends of the band—some family—but stayed fairly reserved, not wanting to intrude.

Then, the show began. Their view from the side of the stage was surreal. Este couldn’t recall a show she’d been that close for, peering at Adam from his side. Both her and Cate tried to keep their cool, as the people around them were, but couldn’t help themselves from moving further back for more space to get lost in the music. Este was enthralled by seeing Love It If We Made It live, the experience leaving an even bigger impact on her than the recording.

It was electric, Matty’s performance. She watched him own the stage incredibly comfortably, clearly having years of experience. He seemed at home up there. Like music was his air to breathe. Every person in the room couldn’t peel their eyes away from him.

The short setlist ended far too soon, and the two girls enjoyed themselves purely. “They’re fucking rockstars,” commented Cate. Este agreed as they walked over to the toilets, taking a much needed wee break and wondering what would come next.

“Surely there’s an after party,” Cate suggested, fixing her top in the mirror that hung above the sinks. “Would you want to stick around if he mentions it?”

“I have no idea. The idea of partying with them sort of freaks me out,” Este admitted.

“We’re in this together, babe. If you go down for acting piss drunk then so will I.”

✴

An hour into the post-show party, a fairly intoxicated Matty danced next to George—the DJ for the night. A half-full bottle of wine was gripped in his right hand, and after the emotional release that was their 14 songs performed earlier, they were ready to get fucked up. There are too many people to talk to, thought Matty. Settings like these did bring out his social side, and the conversations he’d been having with everyone at the party were sincere; but they drained him. So, he resorted to dancing. And got increasingly drunk as the night went on.

He was subconsciously disappointed that he hadn’t seen Este yet, assuming her and Cate either took off already or had gotten lost in the sea of bodies filling Pryzm. His eyes tried to focus and recognize them when scanning the room, but the dim and sometimes randomly flashy lights prevented him from coming to any conclusion.

About to give up, Matty finally found her. Dancing with Cate to George’s lively set. Her arms were up in the air, forehead glistening with happy perspiration. They both looked like they were having fun. Thank god, Matty thought, as his worries vanished. The alcohol in his system lifted his feet one after the other to encourage his body over to them. His much less impulsive and much more logical sober-self would have stopped him, but that wasn’t the case this time. Luckily, they were near the edge of the dance floor, so reaching them didn’t take much effort.

Cate saw Matty approaching, eyes widening with excitement and nerves. He was sweet to her, so she had no reason to be unsure, but he was also the man of the night. “Hey!” she greeted him excitedly. “The show was amazing. You guys are amazing,”

Her compliment felt genuine. Matty clutched his hand over his heart, thanking her. “Thank you guys so much for coming. It means a lot, and you know, this new album feels so fresh for us and I think it’s our best work. And I was so confident with releasing the singles, so I can’t wait for everyone to hear the whole album, but tonight really made me nervous, for some reason. So I’m really happy you were here and got to meet the guys and see the show, since you just remind me of Manchester and of humility and the city, so thank you. It feels really grounding. Really, thanks.” He looked between both Este and Cate during his slightly slurred rant, brows furrowed with sincerity, placing his hands on both of their shoulders.

“We were seriously so entranced. And so thankful to even be in a room with that kind of energy,” replied Este, placing her hand kindly on top of his.

The three of them continued to speak highly of each other for a couple of minutes. The loud music drowned out a small portion of their perception, and the liquid courage increased their comfort in one another’s company.

“Do you guys want another drink?” Matty suggested.

Cate shook her head no, already feeling it a little too strongly, but as she looked over to her black-haired friend, she could tell Este wanted another. Asian-glow lit up her cheeks, showing up after the couple of G&T’s she had downed.

Another drink couldn’t hurt. “I won’t say no to that,” Este said. “I can bring you one, Cate, if you want.”

“I’m staying put, to dance. I don’t feel like having to look after a glass. Go ahead though, I’ll be here!”

Matty guided Este through to the bar, his hand hovering over the small of her back; hesitant to make contact. They laughed playfully as they kept the conversation going, both sufficiently and happily drunk. To their surprise, it was quite empty. So, they had a seat on two stools before asking for a G&T for Este, and cracking open another bottle of red for Matty.

“Do you want to know the real reason why I’m glad you enjoyed the show?” he posed with a sliver of sincerity in his voice, but covered it up with the tone of their giggly demeanours.

Este took a sip of her drink. “What, were you lying about what you said earlier? All those niceties like how we ‘ground’ you, or whatever?” she teased and chuckled, watching his face distort as she made fun of his drunken speech.

“No. I wasn’t lying, thank you very much,” Matty confirmed. “But there’s a truer statement that I’m going to tell you right now because my stomach feels warm and tingly from the wine.” He leaned closer, raising his hand to whisper in her ear, as if it was a secret. Este tilted her face away so his voice could reach her ear more easily. “I really care about what you think of me. Like really, really care. I think it’s because I think really highly of you and that you’re like, really cool, so I want you to think I’m cool too.”

She turned to face him, cheeks on fire, the dimple apparent on her left one. “That’s very cute of you, Matty. Thank you.” Este tried hard to contain her smile and appreciation for his kindness, but failed miserably as the giddy grin on her face couldn’t be wiped off, despite trying. This is the second time he’s called me cool. Maybe he actually means it, she thought. Getting into his space, just like he did her, she whispered back, “I do think you’re cool. Don’t worry.”

Matty threw his hand over his heart again, then comically pretended to wipe sweat off his forehead in relief. “Bless!”

Their conversation twisted and turned through topics of both relevance and unimportance. Musical influences, his pants being hemmed a little too short, their primary school experiences, Este’s thoughts on You Are Here, Matty’s non-existent thoughts on On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous (since he revealed that he hadn’t even opened it yet).

Forgetting they left Cate on the dance floor, the two of them tried to wrap up their drunken blur of a discussion. But, one more thing popped into Este’s mind, as she chewed on the ice cubes from her now empty glass. “You know what’s funny?”

“What’s funny, Este?”

She laughed to herself, as the warmth in her cheeks had now spread through to her whole abdomen. “I’m staying with my nan, you know, since I’m in London. And when I mentioned that I’m in town to see your gig, she like fully, seriously, told me to invite you to her and my granddad’s 50th wedding anniversary party,” Este admitted as she shook her head in embarrassment, too tipsy to avoid mentioning it.

Matty’s curiosity was displayed on his face. “Has she really?”

“Yes, like actually. Her and my mum have been planning it for months, it’s going to be a dinner and dance, and everything. Renting out a hotel banquet hall to host it,” she explained.

“Tell me a time and a place, I’ll be there. Only for Lola, though.” He beamed at her with a wink as Este smacked his chest and they made way towards Cate.

After dancing for a couple more songs, they decided it was time to take off. Both a bit sloppy, Cate and Este found each band member dispersed throughout Pryzm—giving them a shouty ‘Thank you!’, and a congrats-on-the-new-album hug.

Este stopped at Matty one last time, embracing him with her sweaty arms and pecking his cheek. “Thanks so much, Matty. It genuinely was such a great night. You deserve all the praise.”

A quick inhale with his nose close to Este’s temple made him notice how good she smelled, even after a long night of dancing. He thanked her back, immediately sobering up to get his point across unfeignedly, rubbing her back in assurance and then letting go. They smiled at each other before Este broke their eye contact, and the two girls strolled to the exit, hopping in a cab back to Florencia’s.

5 >>

[soundcontrol24]

Best Music Equipment Hire Options for Different Events

When planning an event, high-quality sound equipment is essential for creating an engaging atmosphere. Whether you need a PA system hire, DJ equipment hire in London, or speaker hire London, renting the right music hire equipment ensures your event sounds perfect. In this guide, we explore the best music equipment hire options for different events, helping you make the right choice.

Why Rent Music Equipment Instead of Buying?

Investing in sound equipment can be expensive, especially for one-time events. Music equipment hire allows you to access professional-grade sound equipment rental at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you get expert support and maintenance, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Corporate Events: Crystal-Clear Audio for Professional Gatherings

For corporate meetings, conferences, or seminars, PA system hire London is a must. You need a setup that includes:

Wireless microphones for speakers

A professional sound system for hire with clear output

Mixers and amplifiers to control sound levels

Renting from a trusted PA equipment hire London provider ensures smooth communication and a professional experience.

Weddings: The Perfect Soundtrack for Your Special Day

A wedding needs crystal-clear sound for vows, speeches, and music. The best music hire equipment for weddings includes:

Wireless microphones for seamless speeches

Compact but powerful speaker hire London options

A PA sound system hire London for both indoor and outdoor venues

With PA system hire, you can ensure every guest hears the magic of your special day.

Live Concerts: High-Powered Sound for Maximum Impact

For live music performances, having the right sound system for hire is crucial. Key elements include:

Large speaker hire London for powerful sound output

Advanced mixing consoles for audio control

Wireless and wired microphones for performers

With professional sound equipment rental, musicians can deliver outstanding performances without technical issues.

DJs & Nightclubs: Elevate the Party Atmosphere

For DJs, DJ equipment hire London is essential for delivering an electrifying experience. The best rentals include:

High-end DJ controllers and turntables

Bass-boosted rent stereo equipment for deep, rich sound

Professional-grade mixers and amplifiers

A high-quality PA sound system hire London ensures the crowd enjoys every beat of your music.

Outdoor Events & Festivals: Durable and Powerful Equipment

Outdoor events require music equipment hire that can handle open-air spaces. Essential gear includes:

Weather-resistant speaker hire London for durability

High-powered PA system hire for large crowds

Multiple microphones and wireless connectivity

Choosing the right PA equipment hire London helps you create an immersive outdoor sound experience.

Private Parties: Compact and Powerful Sound Solutions

Hosting a private party? You need an easy-to-set-up sound system for hire that includes:

Portable rent stereo equipment for high-quality sound

Bluetooth and wireless connectivity for convenience

A simple mixer setup for easy control

With sound equipment rental, you can keep the energy high without breaking the bank.

Theatres & Performances: Clear Audio for Every Seat

Theatre productions need clear, directional sound. The best PA sound system hire London includes:

Lavalier microphones for actors

Surround speaker hire London for even sound distribution

Multi-channel mixers for precise control

A professional music hire equipment setup enhances every performance.

Church & Community Events: Crystal-Clear Worship Sound

For churches and community gatherings, PA system hire London ensures clear audio for sermons and announcements. You’ll need:

Powerful yet balanced speaker hire London

Wireless microphones for flexible movement

A reliable sound system for hire with easy setup

With the right PA equipment hire London, every message reaches your audience perfectly.

Conclusion

No matter what type of event you're hosting, choosing the right sound equipment rental is key to a great experience. Whether it’s PA system hire London, DJ equipment hire London, or music equipment hire, renting ensures you get the best technology without the high cost of ownership. At Sound Control PA, we provide expert music hire equipment services to help make your event a success. Contact us today for the best PA sound system hire London and elevate your event’s audio experience!

[darkmoongodess]

The Rogue DJ was live on Dark Star Radio January 7th, 2025 10AM-12PM Chicago Time or Mourning Coffee spinning those Darkwave, Goth, Post-punk, Batcave, etc Tunes you know you all enjoy on Tuesdays!

Zub in Secondlife is Hiring DJs & Hosts, You should considering working there! They Love Rock & Blues. & I play the Goth tunes.

Here is the Fully Disclosed set list...

False Alarms - Jim Henson's The Labyrinth

The Möbius Oblivion - Rose Haze

Doll House - Switchblade Symphony

Eighties Goth Suicide Note - This Cold Night

Common Coffin - Forever Grey

I'm Sick And Tired Of Being Sick & Tired - The Third Eye Foundation

Shadows - Twin Tribes

Star Eater - Daniel Deluxe

I Have Been Falling For 30 Minutes - Marvel's Thor Ragnarok

Astrostar 9 - IndifferentMonKeY

Psycho Magnet - London After Midnight

A beard with the color of aristocratic blood - push me Mulio!

Butterfly Garden - BeCOLLECTIVE

Over - The Greeting

Feed - pMad - Album Version

Variant Identified - Marvel's Loki

Shine - One and a half dog

3 By 4 - The Shadow's Gone Out

Kiss of Death - Bone Haus - DIRTY

Shes a Vamp - Naughty Zombies

Crazed - Rubicon

Suffer - The Rope

Party Time - 45 Grave

Kneel - Marvel Avengers

Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums - A Perfect Circle

Where Will You Go - Evanescence

Bloodletting - Concrete Blonde

Say What You Mean - Lunachiks

Star - The Clean Fridges

Sir Didymus Sworn Duty - Jim Henson's The Labyrinth

Spybreak! - Jessika Darkstar is Talking...Propellerheads

Gravity Sucks - Lebanon Hanover

Wednesday's Mourning Coffee will be a little LATE, as I am going to get my tattoo finished. So, join me around 2PM-4PM Chicago Time live on Dark Star Radio!

[rinksrollermagic]

Why Corporate Roller Rinks Are the Hottest Trend in Office Events

In the ever-evolving world of corporate events, companies are constantly searching for innovative ways to engage employees, build team morale, and create memorable experiences. Enter corporate roller rinks — a unique and thrilling trend that has taken office events to the next level. Whether you’re planning a team-building day, celebrating company milestones, or hosting a fun-filled party, roller rinks offer an unparalleled blend of excitement, nostalgia, and engagement.

The Appeal of Corporate Roller Rinks

Roller rinks have an undeniable charm that transcends generations. Here’s why they’re becoming a go-to choice for corporate events:

Boosts Team Morale: Skating encourages teamwork, communication, and camaraderie among employees. It’s a fun way to break down barriers and foster stronger relationships.

Creates Unforgettable Memories: A roller skating rink is not your typical corporate event setting. The unique experience ensures employees will remember the event for years to come.

Promotes Physical Activity: Roller skating is a fantastic way to get everyone moving, offering health benefits while keeping the energy levels high.

Versatile and Customizable: From themed roller discos to professional skating performances, the possibilities are endless. Companies can tailor the event to align with their goals and branding.

Options for Roller Rink Events

When it comes to planning a corporate roller rink event, flexibility is key. Companies like Roller Skate Rink Hire provide a range of services to cater to diverse needs:

Roller Rink Hire in London and Beyond: Whether you’re in Cardiff, Birmingham, or Newcastle, mobile skating rinks can be set up at your desired location. These portable solutions ensure a hassle-free experience.

Corporate Roller Rinks for Hire: Tailored for office events, these rinks can include lighting, sound systems, and even professional instructors to guide participants.

Discos for Hire: Elevate the event with a roller disco, complete with a DJ and themed decor.

Roller Rink Purchase: For companies looking to make skating a permanent feature, investing in a roller rink can be an excellent long-term option.

Roller Skate Hire: Ensure everyone is equipped with high-quality skates for a smooth experience.

Popular Locations for Corporate Roller Rinks

Roller rinks can be set up in various cities across the UK, making them accessible for companies everywhere. Some popular locations include:

Roller Skating Rink Cardiff: Host an event in the vibrant city of Cardiff, known for its lively atmosphere and enthusiastic participants.

Roller Skating Rink Birmingham: Birmingham offers a central location, perfect for bringing together employees from different branches.

Roller Skating Rink Newcastle: The dynamic city of Newcastle provides a great backdrop for a roller rink corporate event.

Roller Rink Hire London: As the hub of corporate activity, London is a prime location for hosting large-scale roller rink events.

Benefits for Companies

Investing in a corporate roller rink event can lead to numerous benefits:

Enhanced Employee Engagement: Engaging events lead to happier employees, which translates to increased productivity.

Improved Brand Image: Hosting innovative events reflects positively on the company’s culture and values.

Stronger Team Bonds: Activities like skating encourage collaboration and mutual support among team members.

Plan Your Corporate Roller Rink Event Today

Ready to make your next corporate event the talk of the office? With services like mobile skating rinks, roller skate hire, and discos for hire, Roller Skate Rink Hire has everything you need to create a memorable and successful event. Whether you’re in Cardiff, Birmingham, Newcastle, or London, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t settle for ordinary office events. Step into the future of corporate gatherings with a roller rink experience that promises fun, fitness, and unforgettable moments.

[slidingvinyl]

What to Expect from a Wedding DJ in London

Planning a wedding is a monumental task, and one key ingredient for a memorable reception is the music. Hiring a professional wedding DJ ensures your big day is filled with joy, energy, and unforgettable moments. If you're hosting your wedding in London, you'll find a wide variety of DJs to choose from, each bringing their unique style and expertise to the table. Here’s an in-depth guide on what to expect from a wedding DJ in London.

1. Personalized Music Selection

One of the top expectations when hiring a wedding DJ is a playlist tailored to your preferences. A skilled DJ will consult with you to understand your musical tastes, from your favorite genres to must-play songs. They'll also consider specific tracks for key moments, such as the first dance, bouquet toss, and cake cutting.

Best wedding DJ London, UK are well-versed in diverse music styles, reflecting the city’s multicultural vibe. Whether you prefer classic hits, modern pop, R&B, or something niche, they’ll curate a setlist that resonates with you and your guests.

2. Professional Equipment and Setup

A professional DJ doesn’t just bring their skills; they also bring high-quality equipment. Expect a sound system that delivers crystal-clear audio, lighting setups that create the perfect ambiance, and backup equipment to ensure everything runs smoothly.

In a city like London, where venues can range from historic buildings to contemporary spaces, a wedding DJ will adapt their setup to suit your chosen location. They’ll arrive early to ensure everything is in place before the first guest walks in.

3. An Experienced MC

Many wedding DJs double as emcees, guiding your guests through the event’s timeline. They’ll make announcements, introduce the couple, and keep the energy levels high throughout the reception. A London-based DJ with wedding experience will know how to strike the right balance between engaging the crowd and allowing the focus to remain on the couple.

Their familiarity with London’s wedding culture ensures they’re adept at handling both traditional and modern ceremonies, catering to a variety of preferences.

4. Smooth Transitions Between Moments

Weddings have a flow, with moments of high energy balanced by sentimental ones. A seasoned DJ will handle these transitions seamlessly. For instance, they’ll know how to fade out an upbeat track to make way for a heartfelt toast or how to ramp up the tempo to get everyone dancing after dinner.

In London, where events often include a mix of different cultural traditions, this adaptability is especially important. A good DJ can effortlessly switch between different styles to cater to all guests.

5. Crowd Reading Skills

A great Wedding DJ London knows how to read a crowd. They’ll observe your guests’ reactions to the music and adjust the playlist in real-time to keep the dance floor alive. If the energy dips, they’ll know which track to play to bring it back up.

London wedding receptions often feature a diverse mix of attendees, from older relatives to young friends. A professional DJ will ensure everyone feels included by mixing classic hits with current chart-toppers.

6. Punctuality and Reliability

When it comes to weddings, timing is everything. A professional DJ will arrive early, set up efficiently, and stay prepared for the unexpected. Their reliability ensures that music starts and stops exactly when planned, supporting the seamless flow of your event.

In London, where traffic and logistics can sometimes be challenging, punctuality is even more crucial. Experienced DJs will plan ahead to ensure they arrive on time, regardless of location.

7. Custom Add-Ons and Features

Some wedding DJs offer additional services to elevate your reception. These can include:

Photo Booths: Add fun to your reception with props and instant photo prints.

Dance Floor Lighting: Create a magical atmosphere with LED lights, spotlights, or even disco balls.

Interactive Features: Some DJs provide karaoke setups or interactive games to engage guests.

Discuss these options with your DJ to see how they can enhance your wedding experience.

8. Handling Special Requests and Dedications

Weddings are personal, and your guests might want to request songs or dedicate tracks to you and your partner. A professional DJ will handle these moments with grace, blending them seamlessly into the playlist.

In London, where weddings often include guests from various backgrounds, it’s common to have a mix of special song requests. A skilled DJ will ensure everyone feels included while maintaining the event’s overall vibe.

9. Clear Communication

From your initial consultation to the big day, expect clear and professional communication. A good wedding DJ will take the time to understand your vision, offer suggestions, and provide a detailed contract outlining their services.

This professionalism ensures there are no surprises, giving you peace of mind as you focus on other aspects of your wedding planning.

10. A Memorable Experience

Above all, a wedding DJ’s job is to create an unforgettable experience. They’ll ensure your reception is filled with laughter, love, and lots of dancing. From the moment they hit play to the final encore, a professional DJ will keep your guests entertained and leave everyone with cherished memories.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a DJ for wedding reception London is an investment in the success of your reception. With their expertise, professionalism, and ability to adapt to your unique needs, they’ll help bring your vision to life. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic evening or a vibrant party, a great DJ will set the tone and keep the energy alive.

When choosing your DJ, take the time to research, meet them in person, and discuss your expectations. With the right professional by your side, your London wedding reception will be a day to remember for years to come.

Read Also: Wedding DJ in London Sets the Perfect Party Mood

[palletsinchichester]

Event Furniture Hire London: Elevate Your Event with Expert Services

Creating the perfect event is about more than just the venue or guest list—it’s about the atmosphere you craft. One of the easiest ways to enhance any occasion is through event furniture hire. London boasts several premier event furniture hire companies that provide not only a wide range of stylish pieces but also the expertise to make your vision come to life. Why Hire Event Furniture for Your London Event? Opting for Event Furniture Hire London offers numerous benefits, especially for those planning large-scale or one-time events. First, it provides unparalleled convenience, as the hiring company manages everything from delivery to collection. Second, hiring allows access to a wide range of customized pieces that can be tailored to the event's theme, helping you create the perfect ambiance without purchasing furniture outright. It’s a cost-effective solution for clients looking to make an impact without long-term commitments. Types of Event Furniture Available for Hire London event furniture hire companies offer a vast selection of seating and décor options. From luxurious sofas and armchairs for an elegant lounge area to functional chairs and tables for dining or business meetings, these services can cater to any event type. Beyond seating, they often provide stylish bars, DJ booths, and accessories like gazebos and decorative lighting to complete the event’s design. These extensive selections ensure that no matter the style—classic, contemporary, or minimalist—there is furniture to match every need. Bespoke Event Solutions for Every Occasion No two events are alike, which is why many London furniture hire companies provide bespoke solutions. Their experienced event specialists work closely with clients to tailor setups that fit the event’s specific theme and guest list size. Whether it’s a corporate gala, an intimate wedding, or a private party, these experts offer consultations to help transform any space into a uniquely designed event venue. Every detail, from layout to furniture arrangement, is handled with care, ensuring your event runs smoothly. Ensuring Quality and Reliability in Event Furniture Hire Top-tier London furniture hire services pride themselves on delivering high-quality, aesthetically appealing furniture. Their items are meticulously sourced or crafted with a focus on both design and durability. Companies typically manage all logistics, including punctual delivery, professional setup, and flawless collection post-event. Their expertise ensures that everything arrives in pristine condition and is ready for guests, making the process seamless for event organizers. Sustainable Hire Event Company London Options In response to growing demand for sustainable practices, many furniture hire companies now offer eco-friendly options. They are committed to using materials that are recycled or ethically sourced, ensuring their offerings reduce environmental impact without compromising on luxury. Clients can enjoy a premium event while knowing they are contributing to a more sustainable future. How to Plan Your Event Furniture Hire in London When hiring event furniture, several factors come into play. It’s essential to consider the venue size, the event’s theme, and the expected number of guests. Many companies also offer flexible solutions, allowing for last-minute changes or additional requests. Getting a quote is typically the first step, with most companies providing estimates within 24 hours of an inquiry. The Advantages of Event Furniture Hire in London Choosing event furniture hire ensures that your event is stylish, stress-free, and memorable. By leaving the details to professionals, you can focus on hosting, knowing the logistics and aesthetics are in capable hands.

[justforbooks]

In 1967 when Radio 1 was founded as a successor to the BBC Light Programme, one of its aims was to reach housewives – and to attract them, the station employed only male DJs (or “husband substitutes”, as they were known behind the scenes) for the first three years. It was only in 1970, bending with the times, that it took on its first female presenter, Anne (later Annie) Nightingale, a former journalist and television presenter with almost no radio experience.

The original male presenters have long since left the station, but Nightingale was still working for Radio 1 at the time of her death, aged 83, and had become its longest-serving broadcaster, most recently on air in December 2023. Known to fans as the Queen of Breaks – breakbeat was her specialist genre – she defied the station’s usual career trajectory (five years as a top-tier presenter, then off to weekends or Radio 2) by staying relevant. She introduced listeners to prog rock, punk, indie and dance music, and was unfeignedly passionate about them all. At 75, she told a dance magazine: “I listen to what 13-year-olds listen to because that’s the future. [I’ve] got to be ahead of the game all the time.”

As a dance music specialist from the late 1980s onward – playing “the biggest bass bangers”, as Radio 1’s website put it – Nightingale spent the second half of her career broadcasting to people too young to have known that she had been friends with the Beatles and Marc Bolan. But her age was immaterial because of her stature in the dance world. In 2001, she received Muzik magazine’s Caner of the Year prize in recognition of her late-night lifestyle – her favourite of all her awards, which also included an MBE in 2002 for services to broadcasting (advanced to CBE in 2020), and an honorary doctorate in journalism.

She was a highly knowledgable musical curator, and an expert at exploiting the intimacy of radio. Though Nightingale prioritised music over DJ patter, she recognised that a human voice was still an essential part of the mix; husky-toned and self-deprecating, she belied the station’s early fear that a female DJ would lack authority. According to the writer Irvine Welsh, who listened to her while growing up, her “cool, funky tones” stood out against “the flatulent sounds of loud, boring, thick and egotistical men strafing the airwaves”.

An only child, Nightingale was born in Osterley, west London, to Basil, who ran a wallpaper company, and Celia (nee Winter), a chiropodist. Educated at the independent Lady Eleanor Holles school in Hampton, she left before her A-levels. Overriding her parents’ request that she have “something to fall back on”, she enrolled on a journalism course at the Regent Street Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster). Moving to Brighton after graduation, she married a Fleet Street journalist, Gordon Thomas, and had two children. After a short stint at the Brighton and Hove Gazette, she became the only woman in the newsroom at the Brighton Argus.

Along with reporting local news at the parish-council level, she was given a music column called Spin With Me, which gave her access to the biggest pop stars of the 60s. Her friendship with the Beatles later helped open doors at Radio 1 – the band’s publicist, Derek Taylor, persuaded the station controller to let her audition after her own requests were repeatedly refused.

At a Dusty Springfield gig in 1964, she met Vicki Wickham, producer of Ready Steady Go!, who hired her as co-presenter of a new pop show called That’s For Me. It lasted only a few months, but the exposure led to writing work at the Daily Express and Cosmopolitan, and radio appearances on Today and Woman’s Hour. It was the era of pirate stations such as Radio Caroline; she considered applying to Caroline but was put off by the idea of “living out at sea with a bunch of blokes”.

Finally installed at Radio 1 in 1970, she was hampered at first by a lack of technical knowhow – her first day was marked by eight seconds of dead airtime when she accidentally pressed the “off” switch in the middle of a record. Yet she quickly established herself, choosing her own playlist almost from the start. Her skill at persuading listeners that what she wanted to hear was what they wanted to hear led in 1978 to the job of presenting BBC Two’s “serious” rock programme, The Old Grey Whistle Test. It had failed to keep up with musical fashion, a problem she tackled by booking the most challenging artists she could get away with and braving the consequences. She was delighted to bag Public Image Ltd for a live appearance, though frontman John Lydon repaid her enthusiasm by admonishing her for being “so fucking patronising”.

Four years at Whistle Test were followed by a return to Radio 1’s highly popular Sunday afternoon request show for 12 years. When acid house gained traction in the late 80s, she credited it with changing her life; from that point, she played solely dance music on Radio 1, first in the influential Chill Out Zone slot, then on a longstanding programme that went out at 1am on Wednesdays. Her free time, she said, was consumed by listening to the thousands of demo tapes she received every week.

Despite her achievements, Nightingale claimed she lacked confidence until she was robbed in Havana, Cuba in 1996. The attack left her unable to walk for months, but made her “a stronger person”, she said.

Though she hated nostalgia, she did reflect that ageing had been isolating. The death of John Peel, her friend from the early days of Radio 1, provoked the unusually downbeat comment: “Now John’s gone there’s nobody I know in my age group who remotely likes this kind of thing. I don’t understand why. I’m driven by it.”

She published two volumes of autobiography, Chase the Fade (1982) and Wicked Speed (2000), and a 50th-anniversary volume, Hey Hi Hello: Five Decades of Pop Culture from Britain’s First Female DJ, in 2020.

She is survived by her children, Alex and Lucy, from her first marriage, which ended in divorce. Her second marriage, to the actor Binky Baker in 1978, also ended in divorce.

🔔 Anne Avril Nightingale, broadcaster, born 1 April 1940; died 11 January 2024

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