Not many people can claim to have been on the cutting edge of the genesis UK dance music. Fewer still were part of the migration of box-fresh New York hip hop to these shores in the early eighties. And only one can profess to being the first man to mix live on British TV.
That man is Greg Wilson. Without his influence on the UK electro-funk scene, what are now regarded as the staple dance music components: drum machines, synthesisers, samples and so forth, may never have been so successful.
Unleashing electro-funk to a generation yearning for something fresh in 1982 saw the birth of Greg’s infamy in clubs such as Manchester’s Legend and the Wigan pier.
Promoting breakdancers from the outset and getting a residency at the sacred Hacienda to perform mind-blowing ‘scratch-mixing’, the impact on the music scene as a whole can’t be underestimated: Greg Wilson changed what it meant to be a DJ. The first superstar DJ? Undoubtedly.
On 16th May, Greg Wilson returns to his roots in the North West, starting off a year of exemplary music nights by Funkdub, Chester’s most respected music promoters.
Greg Wilson will be playing his legendary live set at Telfords Warehouse, assimilating his retro sound for which he became an icon with cutting edge contemporary dance music.
Funkdub have been showcasing eclectic DJ nights and some of the UK’s most respected artists in over 60 live events throughout the last four years.
Past Telfords shows from Pama International, Max Sedgely & The Shoots, Little Barrie and Keb Darge have redefined what it means to see live music in Chester.
This is just the beginning of the five year celebrations, as Funkdub founder Sam Hutchinson explains: “I’m ecstatic to have pulled off a coup like this. Greg Wilson is the grand-daddy of UK dance music. Electro, rave, clubland: all of this can be traced back to Greg’s innovation. He’s the reason why kids have decks in their bedrooms.
“This is the first of four absolutely massive nights for Telfords and for Chester in general. We are proud to have secured some huge acts that will make the people of Chester excited about live music in their city.”
Greg Wilson will be supported by Funkdub DJs 3DJ and G-Kush playing an unparalleled mix of diverse vinyl before and after the main event and the night will feature breathtaking visuals from Wonky Star.
Funkdub Live Presents Greg Wilson will be on Saturday
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