Bristol legend and reggae hero ‘DJ Derek’ Morris is calling it a day after 37 years of playing the DJ circuit – but not before playing his last ever gig on New Year’s Eve. His on-point blend of 60s rocksteady, reggae, ska, dancehall and soul music has seen the 72 year-old disk jockey build up a loyal following, playing regular sets at Glastonbury, Bestival, St Paul’s Carnival and almost every university campus under the sun.
Morris, who was awarded the Lord Mayor’s Medal for his outstanding work in 2012, has been cutting back on his residencies over the last few years, and has now decided to give up his place behind the ones and two. His last show on New Years Eve will be at his regular venue the Notting Hill Arts Club.
Known for his kindly demeanor, DJ Derek said: “I will be 72 the fortnight before I do my last ever gig, and while I’m reasonably healthy it’ll be nice to do some travelling without carting my gear around!”
Reflecting on his lengthy career in an interview with Cool Beans, DJ Derek discussed the highlight of his lengthy career: touring the world with WOMAD, welcoming James Brown to Harbour Festival, and getting kudos from Toots & The Maytals.
He mused: “At the time all these things just seem so surreal, it’s a job to take it in. It’s only when you look back you think “I can’t believe I did that.”
You can read the full interview here.
