Exclusive Interview with Bert Bevans
Bert Bevans is the British Honduras-born DJ who started out playing "Block Parties" in Hollis, New York - followed by other legendary NYC clubs like: Studio 54, Paradise Garage, Xenon, Electric Circus, Bonds and the Playboy Club. Through a 2 years stop-over in Virgin Islands he made his way to London and ended up as one of the first resident DJ's of the Ministry of Sound.
Siam2nite had the opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Bert Bevans, shortly before his performance at Mode Sathorn Hotel on 8th March.
You were Resident DJ of the most famous club of all times: Studio 54 in New York. How was it coming from house and block parties in Hollis, Queens suddenly playing at the playground of the rich and famous, and did you feel back then that this club would write clubbing history?
It was an amazing experience, I played a roller skating party for Maurice Brahms @ Infinity Disco, Steve Rubell was there, asked me if I would do parties in “54” but Leroy Washington (54 Resident DJ) had already spoken to him about me. I’m sure no one thought that “Studio” would go down as the greatest club ever. You had clubs like New York, New York, Paradise Garage, Les Mouches, The Loft, The Gallery,12 West, Pippins, Leviticus, that were quite literally better places for music but “54” was the place to be seen in, if you got in, you knew you had arrived!!!
You held another prestigious residency in London – as the first Resident DJ of Ministry Of Sound. What brought you from New York to London in the first place?
When 54 closed, Steve and Ian did deals for “54” in St Thomas, Virgin Islands and Barcelona. I went to St Thomas as Resident DJ, played there for 2 years then followed Richie Kazor to Barcelona where he was the resident. He didn’t like Spain, so he came back to NY and I took over. I lasted 2 weeks (the resident DJ didn’t care too much for a Black Belizean/New York DJ) spent 3 months in Barcelona, then came to London. I did tons of remixes for Paul McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Depeche Mode, Style Council and a host of others. Meet Justin Berkmann, whom I’d meet in Paradise Garage years ago, he was just completing the instillation of a Richard Long System in the Ministry. RLA did Paradise Garage, New York, NY, Les Mouches, Annabel's, Zanzibars, He allowed me to be the first resident along with Larry Levan, It was AWESOME!!!!
You play a diverse mix of Disco- & Vocal House, Soul, Funk, Disco and Boogie, always mixing both: the new and the old. How would you describe your music in just a few words?
I take people on a musical journey; I play Disco/House, encompassing a variety of Soul, Funk, Boogie, Disco, House, Deep House, I play Song’s.
What are your thoughts on the remarkable revival of Disco tunes in today’s electronic dance music?
hahahahaha, Disco never went away. Listen to all the music being played now, they are just using samples of classic disco songs to make new ones, reinterpreting old ones!!! I LOVE IT!!
What was the best and the worst gig you ever played, and what was the funniest thing ever occurred during any of your performances?
WOW Best Gig? There has been a host of Wonderful Gigs across the world, some of the best was 4500 people dancing to Disco music in the Amazon Jungle, 200,000 people on the beach of Florianopolis for New Years, the first “Studio 54” party in Moscow @ Club 13, Launch of Austin Powers Goldmember @ the Atrium in Moscow, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Members party @ MOS, the first Ministry of Sound party in New York @ New Music Seminar, playing with Frankie Knuckles in MOS and having the party broadcast live in New York. The Worst: Being booked to play a party in Germany, 6 DJ’s all playing Soulful House and they wanted Techno,
You have played in Thailand several times, including shows in Phuket and here in Bangkok at Q Bar and Funky Dojo. Did you keep that shows in good memory? Are there things you especially enjoy about Thailand?
The first party we did with Daryl Scott in Q Bar is written in the music hall of fame of Thailand. That was “OFF DA CHAIN”! The party was wild, no inhibitions, I remember the Police came to close us, they stayed till the end, partying!!! I Love Thailand, the people are friendly and hospitable, you feel welcome!!
On 8th March you will perform live here in Bangkok at Mode Sathorn Hotel. What can Bangkok expect of your performance?
Well I hope to take them on a wonderful musical journey, taking the rich tapestry of music and making an exquisite and magical night, It’s not just about playing hits, its about educating your guest to help them have a better understanding of music and having a great time. Love Is The Message!!