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DJ SCRATCHY IN BUDAPEST
If we told you DJ Scratchy was the Clash’s DJ, you might look at us funny. No they didn’t, you’d say. The Clash weren’t bloody Linkin Park, ya know.
Let Scratchy explain.
“The word DJ itself has different connotations these days,” says the infamous DJ Scratchy, whose work in London, UK was spread around the world as he came to tour with various artists – most notably, a two-year stint with The Clash.“I began before so-called DJ Culture and the advent of turntablism. I’ve had people say to me ‘I didn’t know the Clash had a DJ.’ And they didn’t, not in the sense that someone was on stage with them adding scratching effects. My handle ‘Scratchy’ came for completely different reasons, well before we were aware of Grandmaster Flash.”
Scratchy has been working in clubs, at concerts, and on radio for decades. At shows, he keeps the crowd entertained between acts. He also acts as an MC – “in the pre-hip hop Master of Ceremonies sense” – from the moment they walk through the door. While he certainly tailors his sound for the crowd, his website calls Scratchy’s music “an irresistible blend of rock’n’roll, reggae and roma, a true mestizo mix of the greatest music on the planet, from and for all times.”
Scratchy started his career as Selectah in 1976 at London’s legendary Dingwalls, and worked his way up to all the top spots like the Roundhouse, the Lyceum and both the Hammersmith Palais and Odeon. In 1977, he went out on a few tours with the Feelgoods, which began a storied career as a tour DJ. He spent two years on the road with The Clash, and was welcomed into the fold as part of their team.
“I’m making it [to FujiRock] for the first time, and this year has extra special significance for me,” says Scratchy. “It’s 10 years since Joe [Strummer] was there. I was back gigging and touring with him and The Mescaleros in 2002, but wasn’t over [at Fuji] with him. I’m pretty sure he didn’t play that year, but just went and set up his campfire and hung out. This is also the year he would’ve turned and I will be 60. So I’m really glad to get the opportunity to make my debut there in this momentous year. It will be an honour to join the many people at Fuji Rock who will be remembering and celebrating Joe Strummer.”
Learn more here or check out his radio show from 4-6pm (London time) on wirelessfm.net
*Photo by Ludmila Pogodina. Used by permission.
