About Dave Pearce
David Alistair Pearce is an English dance DJ, EDM producer and broadcaster, who has performed across the United Kingdom and the world. He previously presented Dance Anthems on BBC Radio 1 for ten years. He is renowned for playing a key role both as a performer and behind the scenes in the development of English dance and club culture.
He is from Esher in Surrey. He attended Esher County Grammar School on Weston Green Road in Thames Ditton.
Pearce's career began under the pseudonym Dave Adams at Radio Jackie 227, Britain's largest land-based pirate station. He also set up his own FM pirate station, DDP Radio, in Claygate, Surrey, together with Paul Kent , Graham Stuart and Steve Collins .
Dave played his first international DJ job aged 17 playing at Studio 29 in Mumbai, India.
On his return to Britain, Pearce started on BBC Radio London, presenting Thursday Night Funk Fantasy from 13 September 1984. He presented some shows from New York which were simulcast on WBLS in New York. The show featured new imports from America and the latest club tracks in the United Kingdom.
Some months later Pearce created the BBC's first hip hop show A Fresh Start to the Week airing Monday nights. Pearce introduced a number of early hip hop events in the UK including The Raising Hell Tour with Run-D.M.C. and Beastie Boys at the Hammersmith Odeon, Mantronix at Town and Country Club and Afrika Bambaataa at Wag Club. He staged his own events including T La Rock, Derek B and Cookie Crew at Camden Palace and most famously introduced Public Enemy on stage at their landmark 1987 Def Jam Tour. Public Enemy used Pearce's introduction on their acclaimed album It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back.
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