David started work at the ABC TV in Melbourne , 1971, as a Technical operator Grade 1, and left in the position of Supervisor Grade 2 in 1976. Whilst at the ABC, actually also in 1971, David started DJ’ing at the Dover Hotel in Carlton Melbourne where he instantly became one the most sought after DJ’s on the scene... in fact legend has it that David introduced Molly Meldrum to the then unknown group 'ABBA'.
After moving to Sydney in 1981, David worked as assistant/manager for 6 years with Disco City..at the time the most important Import Record Store in Australia. He then worked part time for several years with Central Station Records doing over the counter sales, being at the forefront of dance music and working with Joe & Morgan to create the buzz around the label’s hits... This was in part to his knowledge of the scene and what people wanted to listen to - rather than dictating what they were to hear. David kept this approach throughout his career.
One big component of David’s career was that he was the resident DJ at the iconic Newtown Hotel for a whopping 19 years... This allowed him to work with some of the country’s leading drag performers, and he even lived with a couple of them too! David’s input into shows from a production and audio aspect really helped make Sydney drag the best in the world. David also worked at the Imperial Hotel - the home of Priscilla... His impact on the world of Drag was recognised by winning the 1989 CAPS Award for Best DJ and the 1995 DIVA award - for the same category.
David was a prolific performer himself - from performing in musicals in High School; through to entertaining people behind the decks, his skill at entertaining a crowd took him from nightclubs, right through to massive events like Disco Inferno (which the poprepublic.tv team worked with him on), Pride NYE; through to the massive audiences of The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parties - his appeal was massive, with him being the #1 Australian DJ to be chosen to play at the party by members; gaining votes alongside international powerhouses The Freemasons and Paul Oakenfold. David’s last Mardi Gras was this year, where he played to packed crowds in a purpose built “retro” space... along side good friends Justin Scott and Jake Kilby.
Aside from being one of the world’s great DJ’s, David was a musical pioneer, being the “go-to” guy for international songwriters, producers and artists... At his recent memorial in Sydney - international recording superstar Gloria Gaynor recorded a message for him and the gathered crowd.
David was part owner of the Pride Music Label - where he co-produced (and sang on! ) several songs for the label...most notably “ Xanadu” by The Olivia Project. This was a big hit in the UK which is where Paula ( The singer with the group) and David toured in 1995 and performed live in 15 night clubs there. The label was also where he met POPrepublic’s editor and owner, Rob Manser - with whom he forged a long and tight friendship. David’s work with Pride also brought him to the forefront of HI-NRG music and he was responsible for bringing the 'Almighty' remix sound down-under. In fact, David compiled the first two “Almighty Downunder” Albums - which were massive chart successes.
He also worked closely with legends like Stock Aitken & Waterman, John Springate and Vincent DeGiorigo.
This is not all that David worked on - from his involvement in radio (even being the Music Programmer for online radio station BeatFM) to his continual involvement in artist A&R. He was working on projects right up to his passing, with some of the worlds top performing artists.
David was more recently a V-DJ at the Midnight Shift Hotel on Oxford Street, and was world famous for his video remixes, with skill in both mainstream chart and retro formats.
He was always at the forefront of technology, jumping to CDs before most DJs would; and then on to MP3’s and Video DJ’ing. His ability to forecast trends and deliver the punters the best in entertainment was what kept David at #1 for the longest time; and unlike “flash in the pan” gimmick DJ’s who could only hit one style, David was able to bypass his own branding of HI NRG, to deliver a massive range to a wide audience. He always read the crowd - and is probably one of the only DJ’s that would take requests, or automatically know which song you would want to hear as soon as you wandered onto the dancefloor. However, David’s passion for music was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends.
We asked a few of David’s international friends and colleagues to send a few words, as like us they will all miss him terribly. His passing has left a permanent void in the Australian Music scene, and one that will never be able to be filled.
Like many in the Sydney club community, I too am mourning David’s passing.
?He was one of those rare, unselfish and unbreakable people that you are lucky to meet once in your life. I doubt the DJ world will ever see anyone like him again, as one who rose like a star in the early days, into the background and rose again to the top in an unbelievable 37 years behind a myriad of different types of turntables.
?He will never be decorated like the over-promoted “DJ Stars” of the present day, but in truth, very few of them could ever hold a candle to Dave. His spirit and love for music, the mentoring of those new to the business and his adoring legion of fans will forever be part of his legacy.
?During a Mardi Gras years ago, I took him to meet Kylie Minogue prior to her performance. Dannii showed up as did her Mom. It was a gift for me to give to a friend, and then I took a step back while the goddess of pop played host to a fellow Australian. It became a quick love-in, and you could see the pure joy he had meeting someone he admired so much, not to mention someone who like him was a native.
?DJ’s will come in go in all walks of life down under, but David will forever be thought of as someone who cared far more about those around him than he did himself. I will miss him, his remarkable wit and hysterical sense of humour and all the kindness that goes with him.
Vincent Degiorgio, Chapter 2 Productions Inc., Canada
David loved his music. He loved being the best at what he did and most of all, he accomplished this everyday in his life and his work. He was sensitive and had an open heart for everyone. There are countless friends who David has supported and his generosity was profound. I know because I am blessed to have had his love and friendship. Will I Miss him - yes , Sad that I will not be able to share a laugh and chat - yes, but then again I know one day we will see each other again. I love you my darling David, more than you will ever know.Kelly xx
Kelly Wilde, Recording Artist, UK.
I first met david in the mid 90’s when I was producing records in Sydney for the pride record label and we soon became good friends . David was one of the most nicest kindest men I have ever met and I find it hard to believe that this gentle giant of a man is no longer with us. Rest in peace David we all love you very much and you have left a big void in Sydney-you will be sadly missed. Much love John Springatexx
John Springate, Producer, Songwriter, Recording Artist.
If you knew David, we would love you to comment below and share your thoughts and words with our readers.
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