Desert Island Discs Birmingham is the quiet creation of two deeply rooted figures in the city’s musical lineage—veteran DJs Steve Bignell and Chris Bridge MBE. It is, perhaps, one of Birmingham’s coolest and most quietly anticipated events. There is no loud marketing machine behind it, no need for spectacle. It exists in that rare space—low-profile, word-of-mouth, and unmistakably underground.

To understand it, you have to understand Birmingham

This is a city with rhythm in its bones. From the raw devotion of Northern Soul, through the seismic pulse of sound system culture, to the arrival of hip hop and the many evolutions of dance music—Birmingham has never just followed movements; it has shaped them. Its clubs, its promoters, its record shops—they weren’t just venues or businesses, they were meeting points. Cultural crossroads. Places where identity, taste, and lifelong friendships were formed.

The 80s and 90s marked a kind of golden era. DJ culture was at its most vital, most tactile. Record shops became sanctuaries. You didn’t just buy music—you discovered it, debated it, lived inside it. Information wasn’t instant; it was hunted down in the pages of NME or Melody Maker, not to mention fanzines, passed between hands, shared between friends.

I wasn’t immersed in the dance scene back then, not directly. But I orbited it. I went to school with many who would go on to shape it. As DJing began to emerge through hip hop culture, there was a quiet surge of talent growing in classrooms and playgrounds. That school produced a surprising number of individuals who would leave a real mark across the spectrum of dance music. This was all before the rave explosion which later two DJs I looked up to did very well in.

Back then, equipment wasn’t easily within reach. Technics turntables were a dream for most. So you improvised. You and your friends pieced together whatever you could—second-hand decks, mismatched amps, borrowed speakers. If you had a bit of money, you’d head to Tandy. It wasn’t about perfection—it was about hunger. About making something from nothing. And in that process, something meaningful took shape.

Some people continued their passion and as they entered the later teens would explore the cities night life. 

Over the years there have been shifts and changes in that culture we experienced.  How music is delivered and presented, technology changes. Shifts in culture and society are reflected.  Even style fashion everything changed. 

It would be easy, perhaps lazy, to say something has been lost. That individuality and passion have faded. But that’s not entirely true. They still exist—it just feels like we’re living in a more disposable age, where moments pass quicker and meaning can sometimes feel diluted.

When Digbeth Dining Club first emerged, it brought energy—but it was with the opening of Hockley Social Club that something deeper happened. A conscious decision was made to invite DJs—many from earlier eras, some even before my time. People with history. With taste. With genuine love for music.

What formed there wasn’t just a lineup—it was a community.

A rare one.

Here a community formed that didn’t really exist anywhere else.  Over time sadly that novelty wore off on some but for people like me who really truly loved getting on turntables this venue was ideal.  I was given a free range to play what I want.   It was a great feeling to have people even older than myself introducing themselves to speak of not just their appreciation but their connection to music I and others played.  We created a landscape for people, we created something alternative to the city’s mainstream offering

Out of that ecosystem, Desert Island Discs Birmingham feels like a natural evolution.

Within that community, there was a positive energy being shared.  People want to come out and here music that speaks volumes to them.  I don’t know when the first Desert Island Discs event happened, but I can say founders Steve and Chris already knew most of the community that had been formed at Hockley.  This is because they had a long history themselves within the Birmingham scene.

When I first heard about the event it was being held at the Ruin (Digbeth).  I was asked to be a guest there playing 8 of my favourite records.  I also had to submit a album title, which people voted on.

Steve introduces everyone and you get to play.  I had a great time, joined by my old classmate Jason Coombes, Steve Bridger and Kev DaCosta.  Since my time at the Ruin although I have to say I have not been to all their events, it’s real clear they have formed a solid community of people who have are absolutely dedicated to this event. 

Over time the event migrated to DEADWAX (Digbeth) where this event has really blossomed.  They have grown the event and I have played their once a guest DJ and once again returning to play 8 records. 

I got to play alongside my good friend Seanbmx1 who I met some years back through my old classmate Brett Knight.  Sean has truly a fantastic collection of records.  A large pristine collection.  He is a very particular collector and the times we have played at Hockley together.  I have shared sets with him.  He has always played great sets. 

Some of the pictures you see here feature Sean and were taken by great photographer Stuart Myers. 

If you like good music, cool people and have not checked out this event.  Its really a must.  They serve great food and each event features a long list of guests. 

I think events like this need to be championed and spoken about and ultimately experienced.  In the wake of Hockley Closing and so many corporate versions of the street food brand opening up. One of the elements that has been really lost was the organic Ness of what Hockley started as.  That energy and organic Ness exists here at this event.  What needs to be pointed out here also is the primary focus at DID is the music.  That comes first.