DJ Career Overview – Dicky Dread
I began DJing in the mid-1980s as a reggae selector, working the old way – a single deck, a beeper and pure crowd control. It was about timing, feel and holding a space, not tricks. When rave culture exploded, that tradition was largely swept aside and I stepped back.
During lockdown, I re-entered the world through the underground again, discovering the FOD Livestreams. What started as listening quickly turned into action: I bought a basic digital setup, taught myself to DJ from scratch, and began broadcasting regularly. I became a fixture on the FOD streams – playing acid techno on Techno Fridays and reggae/ska on Saturdays – building a reputation for energy, range and musical instinct.
After lockdown I upgraded my decks and returned to physical spaces: raves, free parties and festivals. I became particularly known on the crusty traveller and festival circuit for reggae, ska and punk sets that kept camps alive long after official stages shut. Music wasn't just performance – it was infrastructure: sound systems, tents, food, fire, continuity.
Today I run a regular Friday show spanning reggae, ska, punk, folk, blues and garage punk. Alongside DJing, I put on tents at festivals, organise small, friendly events – often at zero cost – and help keep gatherings going for days. Within the Cuckoo Crew I'm known for sustaining the party: free food, inclusive chaos and a strong collective vibe. DJing, for me, has never been about fame – it's about holding space, building culture and keeping the music alive when it matters most.
Reggae, ska, punk, folk, blues and garage punk







