Pete Tong is the host of programmes such as Essential Mix and Essential Selection on the radio service, which can be heard through Internet radio streams, for his record label FFRR Records and for his own performances at nightclubs and music festivals.
24 Facts About Pete Tong
2.
In 2008, Pete Tong was involved with organizing the International Music Summit in Ibiza, an event that has become an annual fixture.
3.
In 2017, Pete Tong won Radio Show of the Year at the Electronic Music Awards for "The Essential Collection".
4.
Pete Tong was born in Dartford, Kent in 1960 and was educated at King's School, Rochester, Kent.
5.
Pete Tong played his first public gig at a friend's wedding at age 15.
6.
Pete Tong worked as part of the Kent "Soul Mafia" bringing soul weekenders to seaside towns such as Caister-on-Sea and Prestatyn.
7.
Pete Tong booked bands for an alternative night, the first of which was the then unknown Culture Club.
8.
Pete Tong originally performed as a DJ using the name "Kickstart Roadshow" and then later "OHMS Roadshow" with an extensive sound system.
9.
In 1986, Pete Tong organised a compilation album, The House Sound of Chicago, Vol.
10.
When Invicta Radio started in Kent in 1984, Pete Tong became the host of a regular soul show on the station.
11.
Pete Tong joined Capital Radio in 1988 to present a weekly dance programme.
12.
In January 1991, Pete Tong began his Friday evening show, branded as the Essential Selection for its first 15 years, on BBC Radio 1.
13.
From October 1993 Pete Tong oversaw the production of the Essential Mix show, which was devised and, until 2003, produced by Gordon.
14.
Pete Tong was given a 12-month community order and 80 hours of community service.
15.
In November 2012, Pete Tong was asked by Clear Channel Communications in the US to help launch a new EDM channel, on their iHeartRadio platform, called 'Evolution'.
16.
Pete Tong is one of Britain's most recognised DJs, having gained a large following of fans from his Essential Selection programme.
17.
Pete Tong was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the 2014 New Year Honours for services to Broadcasting and Music.
18.
From 2003 to 2007, Pete Tong was the resident DJ at Pacha nightclub in Ibiza, where he oversaw the Pure Pacha events.
19.
In 2008, Pete Tong left Pacha and signed with Eden nightclub in Sant Antoni de Portmany to host his own Wonderland night.
20.
Pete Tong explained in a 2009 interview that he, "from a UK perspective", has played in Ibiza since inception and, as of the time of the interview, divided his time between the UK, Ibiza and the US.
21.
Pete Tong played the Together Winter Music Festival in London, UK, at Alexandra Palace on 26 November 2011.
22.
Pete Tong appeared in the 2016 Grammy-nominated documentary film about American DJ and producer Steve Aoki, titled I'll Sleep When I'm Dead.
23.
Pete Tong has returned to DJ in his native Kent several times in his professional career, including several stints at The Loft in Maidstone.
24.
In 2018, Pete Tong was joined by Idris Elba, The Black Madonna, Black Coffee and The Martinez Brothers, among others.