07/09/2026
As part of my 20 years of DJing celebrations, I’ve reached the final post in this little journey.
And I’ve deliberately left this person until last.
Clive Ranking.
Some of you may remember Clive. He was a well-known DJ in Leicester back in the day, and for me, he was the person who first showed me what being a DJ could actually be.
My family have always been heavily involved with Beavers and Scouts. It was a huge part of my childhood, and Clive was the DJ at the Scouts hut.
I remember being fascinated by what he did.
It wasn’t just putting a record or CD on and letting it play. Clive would entertain the crowd, watch what was happening on the dance floor, choose the right music and somehow keep everyone singing, dancing and enjoying themselves all night.
And most importantly…
He looked like he absolutely loved doing it.
I remember watching him and thinking:
“I want to do that.”
Not just play music.
I wanted to entertain people.
I wanted to make people smile, sing, dance and have a good time. I wanted to stand behind a set of decks and create an atmosphere that people would remember.
Looking back now, I realise just how much of an influence Clive had on me.
I don’t have loads of stories about Clive. I wish I did.
But I remember him always being around. He felt like part of the family. I remember seeing him DJ, watching what he did and being fascinated by the whole thing.
And then there’s one particular memory from my Mum and Dad’s wedding…
Clive was DJing, and I was young and didn’t understand why the jukebox wasn’t lit up.
So what did I do?
I turned his disco off at the switch.
😂
I obviously had absolutely no idea what I was doing.
I’m sure Clive was thrilled!
Clive passed away in 2010, but the influence he had on me never went with him.
Recently, I went to visit his grave.
I wanted to leave something behind, and I spotted a tiny microphone decoration that had come from a Christmas tree.
It seemed rather fitting.
A little microphone for the man who first inspired me to pick one up and entertain people.
It’s funny how life works.
Clive was DJing at the Scouts hut, and a young lad was watching him.
That young lad eventually started DJing himself.
And this is where that journey took me…
The first gig – Nan’s 70th birthday at The Meadows.
The first sound system – bought for me by Mum and Dad.
The first business cards – printed at Babington while I was a student.
The years at The Hansom Cab – meeting Julie and Paddy and creating memories that will stay with me forever.
The theatre shows – discovering and expanding my love of performing.
The weddings – countless happy memories and wonderful days celebrating with people on some of the most important days of their lives.
The parties – from birthdays to weddings, there was always a good night to be had.
The lighting – learning how to make the atmosphere grow and develop with every event.
The sound – playing music I’ve grown up with, alongside music I’m still discovering and learning today.
The Meat Loaf shows – the latest thing I’m working on, and seeing an audience enjoying themselves genuinely warms my heart.
And somewhere at the beginning of all of that was a young lad standing in the Scouts hut, watching Clive do his thing.
Twenty years later, I’m still doing it.
I’ve spent this series thanking the people who have helped me along the way. Every single one of them has played a part in getting me here.
But Clive was different.
He was the inspiration.
He showed a young me something and made me think:
“I could do that.”
And I did.
Twenty years later, I’m still doing it.
Clive, I never got the chance to properly tell you what an impact you had on my life. You probably never knew that the young lad watching you at the Scouts hut would eventually spend 20 years doing exactly what you inspired him to do.
Your influence didn’t just affect my work.
It shaped my personality, my confidence, my love of music, my love of performing and ultimately the person I’ve become.
So, Clive…
Thank you.
Thank you for being the person I watched and thought, “That’s what I want to do.”
Thank you for unknowingly lighting the spark.
And thank you for being the very beginning of a journey that has now lasted 20 years.
I hope you’d be proud of what that young lad went on to do.
This one’s for you. 🎧
20 years of DJing.
One little microphone.
One huge inspiration.
Thank you, Clive.
