Tales From A Disappearing City – Details, episodes & analysis

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From a "dirty punk" being shamed in his Newcastle school assembly to sharing a beer with the Sex Pistols, Johny Brown lived the explosive birth of UK punk. But that was only the beginning. In this episode of Tales of a Disappearing City, Johny takes us on a wild journey through underground culture. He recounts jumping out of his window to escape being grounded for a TV appearance, only to be handed a ticket to a Sex Pistols gig in Middlesborough by Steve Jones himself. We follow him to London, where he immersed himself in the squatting scene, the industrial noise of Test Department, legendary clubs like The Beat Route and Flim Flam, and the anarchic warehouse parties of the Mutoid Waste collective. This is a story of creative reinvention, from homemade clothes and experimental cassette tapes to forming the beloved band Holy Joy, launching a groundbreaking radio show on Resonance FM, and creating avant-garde theatre. It’s a firsthand account of 80s and 90s London, a city of chaos, community, and relentless creativity, and a powerful reminder to always "keep the faith".

Some great subcultural links mentioned in this episode:

https://www.boredteenagers.co.uk/speed.htm
https://briangibson.yolasite.com
https://www.instagram.com/cindy_stern_11/
https://www.instagram.com/soulboyssoulgirls/

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https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/

Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets
https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ  and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

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In this episode, Neil sits down with Kevin Foakes (aka Strictly Kev and DJ Food) - legendary DJ, graphic artist, and archivist of UK counterculture - for a deep dive into four decades of music, raves, graffiti, and psychedelic experimentation.

Kevin's journey is a masterclass in underground creativity, spanning from Adam and the Ants fandom to hip-hop graffiti, from acid house squats to Ninja Tune's golden era. After discovering hip-hop through the legendary Subway Art book, he traces his path into graffiti culture, documenting pieces in Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove, and recalls the pivotal Freestyle '85 hip-hop jam.

The conversation shifts to the rave and acid house years, where Kevin recounts his experiences raving at squats, founding the influential Telepathic Fish chill-out parties, and crossing paths with scene legends like Mixmaster Morris and Coldcut's Matt Black. He reflects on his design work for Ninja Tune, co-hosting the iconic Solid Steel radio show, and the label's legendary Stealth nights at Hoxton's Blue Note.

Along the way, Kevin shares vivid anecdotes about Megatripolis' psychedelic chaos, the record shop culture of Ambient Soho, and his current projects—including a Telepathic Fish compilation released in September 2024 and his forthcoming book on psychedelic light shows.

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https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness
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Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets
https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ  and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

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Join me for part one of my two-part conversation with Jerome Hill, a DJ and producer renowned for his top-notch skills behind the turntables. Since his first gig back in 1990, Jerome has been mixing and scratching up an eclectic storm, always armed with a selection guaranteed to rock any party. Jerome also runs a diverse range of record labels across multiple genres and styles. These include:

• Don't for fucked up party techno
• Super Rhythm Trax for acid, bleeps, and house grooves
• Hornsey Hardcore for raved up beats
• Fat Hop for cut-up hip-hop inspired mash-ups

In this first episode, we talk about our shared love for the underground electronic and hip-hop music scenes in the UK in the late 80s and early 90s, sharing stories and reminiscing about formative musical experiences from that era. Some topics discussed are:

• Jerome's roots in West London, exploring how skateboarding and graffiti culture shaped his early years
• The musical legacy passed down by his father, a session musician who introduced Jerome to the foundations of rock and roll and R&B
• The late 1980s pirate radio scene, with Jerome sharing his experiences listening to stations like CLR and Fantasy FM and legendary DJs like Hype who were blending house, techno, and early breakbeat
• The diverse early 90s UK electronic music scene, including discussion of some classic tunes and record shops
• Early UK hip-hop crews such as Criminal Minds, Hijack, Hardnoise, and Gunshot and how they influenced rave culture

Part Two coming soon.

Support the show

https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness
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https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/

Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets
https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ  and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

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Join me for the second part of my conversation with Gizelle, a key figure in London's 1990s underground acid techno scene. Starting in 1990, we explore the evolution of acid house and the emergence of multiple new genres in the UK music landscape. In this episode, Gizelle shares her experiences on:

Her involvement with the Zero Gravity collective and underground party organisation
Protests against the Criminal Justice Bill
Early music production, collaborating with Henry (Dave the Drummer) and Guy McGaffer (Geezer)
Releasing music as Rebel Yelle on labels like Stay Up Forever and Bag Records
Playing with Immersion sound system at London squat parties in the 1990s
The global spread of acid techno and international gigs
Iconic venues such as Club 414 in Brixton
Her diverse roles in the music industry, from record shops to distribution
Radio shows and youth music charity work in Deptford
The 30th anniversary celebration of Stay Up Forever

Throughout the episode, Gizelle reflects on her musical journey, highlighting the importance of community, connections, and the growing presence of women in the scene. Her ongoing passion for music and continued involvement in the industry shine through as she recounts her experiences.

Support the show

https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness
https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI
https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/
https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/

Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets
https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ  and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

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Join us for the first part of our captivating conversation with Gizelle, a pioneering female DJ who witnessed the birth of London's acid house scene. From her roots in Lovers Rock to becoming a trailblazing DJ, Gizelle takes us on a nostalgic trip through late 80s and early 90s club culture. In this episode some of the many topics we discuss are:

Gizelle's musical beginnings with Charisma, a Lovers Rock group
Her first DJ gig at Winston's Bar in Deptford (1987)
Discovering and incorporating acid house music into her DJ sets (1988)
Memorable nights at Asylum, Shaboo, Coozz and Clink Street
Challenges of being a female DJ in a male-dominated scene
An eye-opening encounter with the Mutoid Waste Company

Gizelle's story offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in UK music history. Whether you lived through the acid house revolution or wish you had, this episode is essential listening for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Part 2 coming next episode.

Support the show

https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness
https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI
https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/
https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/

Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets
https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ  and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

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In this second instalment of our two-part conversation, we discuss Rachel's expanding career as a DJ, playing at more venues in London, including the influential Movement at Rumba and Herbal in Shoreditch. We talk about her job at the legendary Soho record shop Black Market and how she immersed herself in various scenes across multiple genres and subcultures. This includes helping to set up the London Underground venue at the Glastonbury Festival, playing in clubs and warehouses, and performing at 10-day beach parties in Italy with the Unsound sound system.

We finish with an update on what she is doing now: living in Devon and being an accomplished stained glass artist in high demand. Check the link to her Instagram below to view or order her work and to hear about her occasional forays back behind the decks.

Rachel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artnglassram/

Support the show

https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness
https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI
https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/
https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/

Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets
https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ  and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

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Welcome to Episode 18, where I sit down for a lively chat with Rachel, better known as Miss Pink. Our connection dates back to the mid-1990s, a time when I frequented record stores like Ambient Soho on Berwick Street and Black Market Records on D'Arbly Street, places where Rachel's passion for music shone brightly. Throughout the 90s, she made her mark as a revered jungle DJ, spinning tunes at underground warehouse raves and mainstream venues alike.
In this first instalment of our two-part conversation, we explore her early affinity for the Goth and Grebo subcultures, tracing her path from the north to the heart of London. Along the way, we explore her immersion in the diverse tapestry of alternative fashion and underground music scenes that flourished during that electrifying era.

Rachel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artnglassram/

Support the show

https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness
https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI
https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/
https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/

Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets
https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ  and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

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In Episode 17, I speak again with my old friend and fellow rave war veteran, Phil Klein, also known as Bass Junkie. Phil is a highly respected UK music producer, having crafted tunes since the late 1980s, and is known for his deep love of Electro and Miami Bass. In this second of our two part discussion, we delve into his experiences with underground parties in the 1990s, his ventures to Miami for production collaborations with his Electro heroes Dynamix II, the establishment of his record label Battle Trax, and the release of his music under various aliases. Additionally, we touch upon the London Electro scene of the early 2000s, centred around parties from Haywire and the Foundry bar in Shoreditch, as well as delve into the intricacies of his ongoing music and podcasting endeavours. As ever if you appreciate the podcast then please subscribe to the channel and like the videos. This really helps spread the tales and stories to new audiences and will help us grow and expand.

Links to Phil's music, mixes and new podcast
https://soundcloud.com/pak-jamz
https://www.mixcloud.com/PAKJAMZ/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/116076871761989/

Support the show

https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness
https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI
https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/
https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/

Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets
https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ  and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

Send us Fan Mail

In Episode 16, I speak with my old friend and fellow rave war veteran, Phil Klein, also known as Bass Junkie. Phil is a highly respected UK music producer, having crafted tunes since the late 1980s, and is known for his deep love of Electro and Miami Bass. In this first of our two part discussion, we delve into his early music recollections, highlighting the pivotal moment when his cousin introduced him to the Street Sounds Electro series in 1983, an encounter that significantly altered the trajectory of his life. After reflecting on his memories of the iconic hip-hop event, UK Fresh, held at Wembley Arena in 1986, we then explore Phil's journey of delving into imported twelve-inch records from Groove Records in Soho, alongside his relentless pursuit of rare tunes. Subsequently, we explore his foray into mastering scratching techniques and crafting beats. Finishing this episode, we explore Phil's initiation into free parties, alongside members of the local Fear Teacher's sound system. In the next episode, we will delve into his experiences with underground parties in the 1990s, his ventures to Miami for production collaborations with Dynamix II, the establishment of his record label Battle Trax, and the release of music under various aliases. Additionally, we'll touch upon the London Electro scene of the early 2000s, centred around parties from Haywire and the Foundry bar in Shoreditch, as well as delve into the intricacies of his ongoing music and podcasting endeavours. Stay tuned for that and as ever if you appreciate the podcast then please subscribe to the channel and like the videos. This really helps spread the tales and stories to new audiences and will help us grow and expand.

Links to Phil's music, mixes and new podcast
https://soundcloud.com/pak-jamz
https://www.mixcloud.com/PAKJAMZ/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/116076871761989/

Support the show

https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness
https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI
https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/
https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/

Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets
https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ  and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...

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In Episode 15, I speak with Uncle G, also known as Urban Intelligence. Godfrey has been deeply embedded in South London's music culture since his family relocated to South East London from the tumultuous and politically unstable climate of Chile in the 1970s. Growing up on the Morris Walk estate in Woolwich, he was exposed to music from various angles, starting with all-night Caribbean-influenced blues parties in his local community. These were DIY events where a sound system and a bar were set up in a flat, and reggae, soul, boogie, and funk reverberated until the early hours.

In 1982, Malcolm McLaren's B-boy classic "Buffalo Girls" video aired on Top of the Pops, introducing kids across the UK to scratching, popping, and graffiti. Godfrey delved into breakdancing and, by connecting with several Woolwich crews, became involved in the emerging hip-hop culture. As house music made its way to the UK, a friend secured him a role helping mail out membership cards for his brother's party called Biology. These were legendary early acid house raves, and G started attending these, along with other iconic events like RIP at Clink Street and Rave in the Cave, an all-night acid party in an arch next to Elephant and Castle train station. Memorable nights also took place at the Tunnel Club, a notoriously rough and ready venue right next to the entrance to the BlackWall Tunnel.

Initially, Godfrey started as a DJ at local house parties in the 80s. As the rave scene gained momentum, he began DJing at larger events and playing on pirate radio stations such as Shockin FM and Wax FM. Radio and the quest for new music to share with people have been his passion ever since. Uncle G now hosts a show every Friday from 6-8 pm, streamed live from Planet Wax record shop in New Cross. We conclude our conversation by delving into the significance of record shops like Planet Wax, which not only sell music but also serve as spaces for vibrant and diverse South London communities to come together, forge friendships, and make connections through their shared love of music.

Support the show

https://www.youtube.com/@ControlledWeirdness
https://open.spotify.com/artist/20nC7cQni8ZrvRC2REZjOI
https://www.instagram.com/controlledweirdness/
https://controlledweirdness.bandcamp.com/

Theme song is Controlled Weirdness - Drifting in the Streets
https://open.spotify.com/track/7GJfmYy4RjMyLIg9nffukt

Hosted from a South London tower block by Neil Keating aka Controlled Weirdness. Tales from a Disappearing City is a chance for Neil to tell some untold subcultural stories from past and present, joined by friends from his lifelong journey through subterranean London. Neil is a veteran producer and DJ  and has been at the front line of all aspects of club and sound system culture since the mid 80’s when he first began to go to nightclubs, gigs, and illegal parties. His musical CV includes playing everywhere from plush clubs to dirty warehouses as well as mixing tunes on a variety of iconic London pirate radio stations. He has released music on numerous underground record labels and was responsible for promoting and playing at a series of legendary early raves in the USA at the start of the 90’s. He still DJ's in the UK and thro...