In this interview, I chat with David Dunne about his journey from the punk scene to becoming a pioneer of House music and his long-standing career as a DJ and music enthusiast. David reflects on how the late 70s and early 80s music scenes evolved, with punk giving way to electronic sounds. Clubs like Pips in Manchester were instrumental in this shift, where tracks like Gary Numan’s “Are Friends Electric” were played before they hit the charts. He describes how every six months between 1977 and 1983, music morphed into something new and exciting. David’s DJ journey began in 6th form, earning 50p for his first gig. At Liverpool University, he started DJing two nights a week for £30, developing his ability to read a crowd. Though his dream was to become a drummer, he played in bands like Money Jungle (featuring respected jazz keyboardist John Ellis) and Burning Hot Hot, where future DJ Paulette was briefly the lead singer. By 1988–1989, David saw first-hand how the rise of House music changed Manchester’s nightlife. Bands became less prominent in clubs as DJs and dance floors took over. Venues like The Roadhouse, once a hub for live music, transitioned into hosting club nights like The Electric Circus. David’s love of House music also shaped his radio career. Starting at Piccadilly Radio in 1987, he advocated for more dance music on air. When Terry Christian left the station, David stepped in to present the show focused on the music of the Hacienda. His passion for music eventually took him to MTV Dance, where he became head of the channel in 1997, after a stint at Kiss 102 in Manchester. Despite his success, David has stayed true to his love for new music, preferring to play fresh tracks rather than House classics when he DJs. He reflects on his time at Eastern Bloc Records, where he searched for innovative sounds, and how vinyl DJing remains a thrilling experience with no downtime between tracks. At the end of our chat, David names Lil Louis – French Kiss as his favourite House track. He recalls hearing it for the first time at Manchester’s Number 1 Club, where the energy on the dance floor was electric. That moment solidified his passion for DJing and his commitment to music
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