The things we once did...

[Shaun]

This topic is mainly for the old timer DJ's, those that have been Djing for a long long time...

Funny how things change.
20 years ago I'd be out on the floor, with lots of props being really interactive, where as these days I opt for a more laid back and elegant approach.

20 years ago I thought nothing of having a pint or 4 whilst DJing, where these days a drop never touches my lips whilst working.

20 years ago I'd frequently "liaison" with single girls whilst DJing.


I've heard others mention that they did the same things too. Have things really changed that much, or are we just older, wiser, and take our business more seriously?

I don't regret all the things I got up to, but if I had a younger DJ working for me and doing the things I used to do...I wouldn't be a happy chappy.



How have things changed for you over the years?

[Excalibur]

This topic is mainly for the old timer DJ's, those that have been Djing for a long long time...
You called? :D


Funny how things change.
20 years ago I'd be out on the floor, with lots of props being really interactive, where as these days I opt for a more laid back and elegant approach.
Nah, you still couldn't accuse me of that. ;)


20 years ago I thought nothing of having a pint or 4 whilst DJing, where these days a drop never touches my lips whilst working.
Lightweight. :p :p I'm ashamed to say we'd drive home after that much as well. :o :o :o :o


20 years ago I'd frequently "liaison" with single girls whilst DJing.
Never as often as I'd have liked. :( :( :(


I've heard others mention that they did the same things too. Have things really changed that much, or are we just older, wiser, and take our business more seriously?
In my case, hard to believe, but yes. :D ( Maybe not the serious bit. :D )( Only joking Darren. )


I don't regret all the things I got up to, but if I had a younger DJ working for me and doing the things I used to do...I wouldn't be a happy chappy
You'd sack the cheeky blighter. :eek:




How have things changed for you over the years?
Very nearly same hymnsheet. ;) :D
The gear's usually tidy and reliable for a start. :D
I'm not surrounded by acres of vinyl or silver discs. Whoopee. :D
The punters are looking younger, I really look forward to " Grab a Granny Night ". :D :D

For our younger readers, yes Uncle Darren, and Uncle Peter did once behave in the way we're telling you not to. :eek: The reason we tell you what not to do is that we've done it all before. ;) :D :D :D

[Adam_F]

I once used a Cortex :whistle:


:sofa:

[JDB Entertainment]

I know this thread is more aimed towards the "older" DJ's but here is a small input from a "younger" generation.

I totally agree with you that times have changed and those mentioned above are things I never do!

The one thing I can make a comment on from your OP is that I do know a DJ at a local pub who still does all the comical/interactive stuff; such as putting on masks and dancing etc.

My original background in the entertainment industy is as a Pontins Bluecoat so unfortunately it is in my nature to know all the party(cheesey) dances.

I have on several occasions found myself dancing away behind the decks with my roadie interacting with the guests during this section of the night. I obviously judge the crowd first and obviously the occasion.

I found on several younger parties this goes down well and have also took bookings of doing this and interacting with the crowd.

Kids parties when doing games I tend to do the typical bluecoat style of acting the "muppet" The kids love it and it also gets them more intrested and involved as I feel they don't see you as a scary adult!

I'm sure Mr Mayhem will be along soon to comment on that.

James

[Mayhem 1]

Kids parties when doing games I tend to do the typical bluecoat style of acting the "muppet" The kids love it and it also gets them more intrested and involved as I feel they don't see you as a scary adult!

I'm sure Mr Mayhem will be along soon to comment on that.

James
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Hiya James,

What you write is bang on the button mate, the more silly you are the kids do love it.

One other thing I have found is if you pretend to hurt yourself ie; a balloon thwacking me on the backside whilst stretching it, or pretend to burn your bottom on the starcloth = hysterics!!

Stick with it James mate you are obviously on the right track.

Ps, were you a bluecoat then?

[JDB Entertainment]

Yes mate, used to work for Pontins Hemsby as a Bluecoat.

[Mayhem 1]

The thing I find mate with doing my summer seasons is it is possible to get away with a lot more than you could ever at a normal kids party

[JDB Entertainment]

It is true. :D

Luckily for me I do an event every month called "Babysitters Not Required" which consists of an hour entertainment for the kids including an appearance from "Frankee the Hippo". An hour adult entertainment and a disco.

I have to do completely new games, etc. everytime and have being doing this now for over a year once a month on average.

Anyway you are the Kids Party Legend so I best pipe down before I give away my secret that I do kids parties as well and probably know a few games Mr Mayhem doesn't! :P

If you are ever struggling for new games, you can always give me a call and I will run a few through with you.

James

[Shaun]

:ontopic:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yep, the things that you've mentioned ring true for me too Shaun...

Always on the booze, with the ladies and quite often showing off somewhere at a gig. (Hard to believe I know!!)

[JDB Entertainment]

Yep, the things that you've mentioned ring true for me too Shaun...

Always on the booze, with the ladies and quite often showing off somewhere at a gig. (Hard to believe I know!!)

Showing off! Darren? Never! Especially in that Tux in Birmingham in that gig log!

Things haven't changed there! :P

[rob1963]

Things we once did (but don't any more)?

Off the top of my head, here are my top 10:

1) Used home made speakers about 5 feet tall which weighed a ton.
2) Had no frontage so messy wires & cables were visible all over the place.
3) Ran discos with a mate rather than on my own.
4) Charged clients £60, which then had to be split TWO ways.
5) Only worried about how many WATTS my speakers were, rather than the SPL.
6) Used light screens, spot banks & fuzzlights.
7) Played music stored on round black things with a hole in the middle.
8) Had a drink or two during the evening.
9) Used the microphone after virtually every song.
10) Did discos more for the fun than the money.

:D

[Excalibur]

Things we once did (but don't any more)?

Off the top of my head, here are my top 10:

1) Used home made speakers about 5 feet tall which weighed a ton.
2) Had no frontage so messy wires & cables were visible all over the place.
3) Ran discos with a mate rather than on my own.
4) Charged clients £60, which then had to be split TWO ways.
5) Only worried about how many WATTS my speakers were, rather than the SPL.
6) Used light screens, spot banks & fuzzlights.
7) Played music stored on round black things with a hole in the middle.
8) Had a drink or two during the evening.
9) Used the microphone after virtually every song.
10) Did discos more for the fun than the money.

:D

Used to: 1) 2) 3) 6) 7) 8) 10)

Still do: 4) 9) 10) ( And hope I always do. )

Never did: 5) It's amazing how much sound you can get out of a 50w Combo. ;) :eek: :eek: Borowed one from a band, and did what in those days was a big new hall, and the consensus after was " Great disco, but :Censored: loud! " :eek: :D :D

[Excalibur]

Inspired by Darren and Twinspin:
Wear a bow tie. I was rarely without one at gigs in days gone by. ( Elastic of course. Waddya think I am? Cultured? :eek: )

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Inspired by Darren and Twinspin:
Wear a bow tie. I was rarely without one at gigs in days gone by. ( Elastic of course.

Elastic? You peasant! :boxer2: Mine are strictly self tie. ;)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ooh, we used to go out clubbing and carry on drinking too after finishing work, many moons ago.

[Excalibur]

Elastic? You peasant! :boxer2: Mine are strictly self tie. ;)

Got it in one. ;) :D :D

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Ooh, we used to go out clubbing and carry on drinking too after finishing work, many moons ago.

Finally...one i do. (Well start drinking after work, if its a decent finish).

It depends where i am, in the pub, if im not driving, the manager expects me to drink :eek:

[DJMaxG]

Things we once did (but don't any more)?

5) Only worried about how many WATTS my speakers were, rather than the SPL.

That's Me! ;)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

Its a shame almost that I missed the days people mentioned but looking at it from my point of view its good in a way that things have moved on. I would IMAGINE that most of the older djs if they saw your set ups now back then you would of been amazed?

Its also interesting to see how discos will look like in a few years time