Old-school rave legend DJ Fat Controller will be bringing the sounds of the 1990s to Newport in January for a charity event supporting Young Carers Isle of Wight.
The DJ, whose real name is Jay Folly, will be among the attractions at ‘Rave for the Frontline’, taking place at Strings Bar & Venue on Sunday 10th January between 14:00 and 19:00.
Organised under the Fruitylicious banner, the afternoon event will combine classic hardcore, breakbeat and old-school rave music with fundraising for a local charity.
Fat Controller is best known for his iconic 1993 track In Complete Darkness, a staple of the early hardcore and rave scene.
However, his contribution to dance music stretches back more than 40 years, having first established himself as a resident DJ at Gossips and Follies in Torquay in 1984.
By 1987, he was helping to pioneer the underground dance scene in the South West, launching a weekly late-night event at Zena’s House in Plymouth and playing a significant role in introducing Acid House to the region.
During the 1990s, he became a resident DJ and co-promoter at the legendary Milwaukees nightclub, also known as Equinox, while performing at some of the biggest events in the rave calendar.
These included World Dance, AWOL, Amnesia House, Fantazia and Dr Devious.
His involvement in the music industry has also extended to running the Mission Control record shop, promoting festivals and presenting his long-running Old Skool radio show.
The idea for Rave for the Frontline came from Paul Anthony, better known as Moomin, who wanted to give people an opportunity to blow off the post-Christmas cobwebs while raising money for a worthwhile cause.
Paul, alongside fellow organisers Mark Mearns (Neurofire) and Rob Blakely, has connections to the emergency services, having either worked or currently working on the frontline.
With fellow organiser Jase also involved in the care sector, the event has been designed to recognise those who dedicate their working lives to helping others.
The organisers have chosen Young Carers Isle of Wight as the beneficiary, with proceeds going towards supporting young people who take on caring responsibilities for relatives.
As well as celebrating the golden era of rave music, the event aims to bring people together for an afternoon of nostalgia, community spirit and fundraising.
Tickets are on sale now through The Price Is Wight.
