Music fans across the world were stunned when word of Weatherall’s passing spread this Feb. Just as quickly as national news outlets posted their obituaries, niche pockets of superfans came out of the woodwork to share their favourite moments, tunes and tales of why the much-loved DJ, producer, writer and fountain of knowledge was truly one of a kind.
Like many I too was in awe of Andrew Weatherall, aware of the ridiculous contribution he made to the culture, and humbly so. It’s bittersweet that it was only when he passed and the internet was awash with mixes, track reposts and career overviews that I realised just how deep this went – what I’d heard from him only touched the surface of what he’d actually been up to, and the past week or so has been spent marvellously getting up to speed.
My personal fave is his rework of Villalobos’ ‘Dexter’ with Two Lone Swordsmen. It might be embarrassing to admit I’d never heard of it until the news – but with the original being up there as one of my most loved tunes (as anyone who’s ever heard it played out will agree, probably with a tear in their eye), it’s a pleasure to discover a rework of the track that remains just as stunning and haunting as the early 00s release while also being brilliant standalone; making Villalobos accessible to the ‘Joy Division’ crowd.
Alongside must-read articles such as this one from ex-Notts student now national music journo, Gabriel Szatan, more local tributes from members of our scene have been pouring in:
DirtyDiscoSoundsystem are hosting a ‘goodby to the Guvnor’ gig at JamCafe on Sat 7 March
“Dropping an emotional cocktail of his sublime remixes, select solo tunes ‘n key connections from 9 ’til late. Join us as we say goodbye to The Guvnor by raising several glasses and having a dance floor chug or two. “
They recorded an accompanying mix too.
Entry is free but donations are being taken for Nottingham Samaritans. More info.
Soul Buggin’s Beane Noodler shared his tribute mix, first recorded in 2013
Ahead of Weatherall’s visit seven years ago for Soul Buggin’s ninth birthday, resident Beane recorded a two hour tribute on the now closed ‘MyHouseYourHouse’ radio station.
Now it’s been found and reuploaded again for our listening pleasure. At his regular Old Angel gig on 23rd Feb, Beane also paid homage to the artist that night.
Some legend has uploaded an archive of all of Weatherall’s mixes, including one in Notts from ‘93
Listen to the recording of when he came up for DiY all those years ago:
Pushkins Prefers posted a Weatherall inspired mix, ‘Wunderbar’
Playing as DJ Ball Haulage, this selector’s record collection is far and wide ranging as this latest mix showcases.
Recorded as a therapeutic way of coping with the news, rather than focussing on his productions (though one or two are in there) it pays respect to Weatherall by featuring tracks he played out, as well as others on the same theme that might have been in his bag. Alongside the obvious, keep your eyes peeled for some familiar faces (and body parts) in the artwork too…
Outside of Notts the tributes continue, including at Inner City Electronic next week. While originally he was earmarked as one not to miss on the lineup, a talk hosted by Justin Robertson, Sean Johnston, Joe Muggs and Chris Madden will ensure his presence is still felt at the festival.
And undoubtedly it’s bound to be felt much further than that for years to come too. Love x
(N)owt in Notts 