The Sherp picks the top 5 DJs who are over 50 and have still got it in them!
While there is an influx of young producers entering the dance music industry and making their mark, the older generation of DJs is continuing to innovate and decimate dance floors. They seem to show no signs of retirement.
The 5 jocks on our list remind us that age is nothing but a number!
1. Carl Cox
Age: 51
This British techno and house superstar is undoubtedly one of the most beloved DJs in the world! He began his career as a hardcore and rave DJ in the 1980s. He now heads two record labels, Intec Records and 23rd Century Records. In addition to this, he also has his own stage each year at Ultra Music Festival, Tomorrowland and Electric Daisy Carnival called βCarl Cox & Friends.β Carl has acquired generations of fans for his flawlessly energetic sets, inexhaustible energy and his big, gap-toothed smile.
Carl Cox feat. Hannah Robinson β Give Me Your Love
2. Pete Tong
Age: 53
A clubland DJ, BBC radio presenter, a serial entrepreneur and music industry tastemaker, Pete Tong is one of Englandβs most recognized DJs. He is also involved in the organizing of the International Music Summit thatβs held annually in Ibiza. If dance music were a religion, Pete Tong would be the pope. He has been hosting the βEssential Mixβ and βEssential Selectionβ on BBC One alone. As a pioneer in music, Pete has taken the world of podcasts by storm with his βTongcastβ in 2005.
Pete Tong feat. S.Y.F. – Dawn
3. Paul Oakenfold
Age: 50
The magnitude of Paul Oakenfoldβs career is hard to measure. One of the true legends of electronic music, Oakenfold has elevated and shaped an entire genre for over three decades and continues to remain one of the leading forces in todayβs global music scene. One of the most in-demand DJs in the world, Paul produces the best of acid house to trance to big beat and electronica. His omnipresence is felt everywhere β whether you are watching a commercial, going to a club or even playing a video game! He is arguably the sovereign of DJ culture and its most recognizable icon.
Paul Oakenfold feat. Azealia Banks – Venus
4. Fatboy Slim
Age: 50
There are very few names in the dance music industry that can compete with the prodigious Fatboy Slim. Born and raised in England, Norman Cook exemplifies dance music. Today, the British DJ has become a regular name in the leading music festivals across the world. More than his unparalleled knowledge of music, itβs his evergreen nature and incredible energy levels that captivate the crowd. The dance music world is now living by and following his recent festival mantra: Eat. Sleep. Rave. Repeat.
Fatboy Slim & Riva Starr β Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat
5. Jesse Saunders
Age: 51
Chicago house pioneer, promoter, entrepreneur, remix artist, music and film producer and DJ, Jesse Saunders is often cited as βthe originator of house musicβ. He became exposed to Chicagoβs nightclub scene when he was 16 and in 1982, he opened his own nightclub called Playground. Celebrating 25 years of house music, Saunders continues to stay in the forefront and set trends with his releases on Broken Records. Jesse has also been featured in numerous documentaries, books and magazines.
Jesse Saunders β On & On