U.K.-based DJ/radio personality Pete Tong got the royal treatment this week when he was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Broadcasting and Music in the New Year’s Honours List 2014.
Known as one of the godfathers of EDM, this award comes as no surprise after Pete spent the majority of his life and career promoting the genre and artists of dance music. Here a few more reasons we love this BBC Radio 1 host. ->
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1. He helped organize Ibiza’s International Music Summit in 2008.
Now the event – used to promote panel discussions on the current state of EDM – has become an annual fixture along with Ibiza’s sizzling summer soirees. -
2. His first DJing gig was at a friend’s wedding when he was 15.
Though his original interest was drums, he soon moved to DJing and has since dominated the craft. -
3. He was a features editor for Blues & Soul Magazine from 1978-1983.
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4. He considers Paul Oakenfold to be family.
And rightfully so being that they both considered the Godfathers of EDM. -
5. He managed Bananarama’s career in the 80’s when he became A&R manager at London Records.