With busy touring schedules and friendly local club night rivalry, it’s only on very rare occasions that you can pack Manchester’s leading DJs, producers and MCs into one room, but that’s what’s happening on March 2 at Fac251, as many of the city’s finest line-up to celebrate the life and times of their sadly missed friend, Salford John.
The victim of an attack in Manchester city centre in January 2014, Salford John, aka John Millet, was one of the club scene’s biggest characters and is immortalised on record, with the Dub Phizix-produced ‘8 Gold Rings’ turning dancefloors into complete carnage within seconds of its opening bars. Played everywhere from Band on the Wall to Outlook Festival in Croatia, it has become a fitting tribute and a bona fide anthem to boot.
Following on from last year’s fundraiser, which saw Metalheadz head honcho Goldie lending his weight to the cause, this year’s line-up is arguably even bigger and better. Alongside some of Manchester’s leading names, including the all-star MC and DJ collective Levelz, Dub Phizix & Strategy, Marcus Intalex, Sappo & Mark XTC and Tonn Piper, there’s heavyweight support from Radio One’s Toddla T and bass maestros dBridge and Calibre. On the night there’ll also be a special live showcase by the 8 Gold Rings band who will provide the beats for DRS, Jenna G, Fox, Skittles, Chimpo and Tyler Daly – a part of proceedings that should be worth the eight quid entrance fee alone.
His close friend Chimpo had this to say: 'John was such an important family member to so many of us that we have to carry on his legacy and celebrate his life. All of the positive movements that have happened in Manchester music may never have happened without John - he was the glue that held us together and the force of positive energy and inspiration that helped us keep on track. We couldn't do John justice if we held a party the size of the galaxy that went on for a trillion years, but we can try. Come rave with us on Monday and pay testament to a man who changed mine and so many others lives.'
One of the organisers, Rich Reason, added: 'Last year's event was the perfect testimony to the magnanimous spirit of the man, bringing so many together for a night of music and unity - it was the best atmosphere of any event I can remember, such a cathartic and uplifting night; a fitting tribute to someone who was the source of so many memorable nights, and who was always such a supporter of the Manchester musical talent that he knew and loved.'
All the artists are playing for free and all money raised on the night will go to the Salford Royal Infirmary Intensive Care Unit, who looked after John. Tickets are still on sale, but be quick if you want to be part of what's sure to be a very special event.
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