Tribute To A Top DJ
TheSprout today pays tribute to one of Cardiff's best and most loved house DJs - Ian Dundgey - who very sadly passed away on Sunday. He was 30.
Ian was a well-known and much respected DJ in the Cardiff area, following residencies and regular appearances at nights including Time Flies, Tempus, Cool House, Sumo, Lamerica and most recently Sessions at The Loft on Sat 2 Aug, when theSprout was fortunate enough to see him play and catch up with him after some time.
His DJing career took off when he joined Time Flies as a resident in 2000, and he was soon hailed as a local pioneer of more progressive sounds usually found the other end of the M4, and it was this that led to him being givent the reigns of his own Time Flies spin-off night, Tempus. He warmed up for many well known commercial DJs including Judge Jules and Lisa Lashes, but it was his appearance at the 2002 Escape Into The Park Festival in the Time Flies tent that he played just before one of his personal heroes and fellow Welshman, Sasha.
When the Welsh dance scene took a harder house route, Ian had a hiatus of sorts, during which time he was worked on the door of Les Croupier, amongst other ventures. But on New year's Eve 2004/5 he played a storming set at Cool House's celebrations in The Social in Cathays. Since then he has played at various well established nights locally and nationally, and it is his passion for music that he shall be remembered for.
Ian's funeral is at 12.30pm on Tue 23 Sept at Thornhill Crematorium, and afterwards all are welcome at the Victoria Park pub in Canton. Tributes are on his Facebook page and on the Cool House Forum. RIP Ian, you will be missed. Badly.
Ian's sets: Cool House NYE 2004 and Sumo 1st Birthday Party Part 1 and Part 2.
5 Comments – Post a comment
swisstian
Commented 44 months ago - 16th September 2008 - 17:04pm
Its hard to know what to say here that hasn't already been said.
What I loved most about Ian was he always ripped the p*ss when he saw me! Whether it was my hair, or range of shirts, even my "George Michael" beard (his words)....which he commented on the last night he spent with us. This I will never forget about him, and I will miss seeing him for the rest of my days.
Words cannot describe how everyone will miss him. It is a tragic loss x
Matt Joy
Commented 44 months ago - 16th September 2008 - 17:07pm
Ian was an immensely talented dj and great mate that we will all miss. RIP xxxx Matt
mamastretch
Commented 44 months ago - 17th September 2008 - 10:42am
Regardless of how long or how well you knew Ian his passing will now leave a void in a lot of people's lives, including mine. Whenever I think of Ian I always see him smiling and that's exactly how i will remember him for always.
A true gentleman, a good friend to many and a talented DJ.
Sleep well Dundge
xxxxxxx
Richie
Commented 44 months ago - 17th September 2008 - 19:40pm
Its not many times that you get to meet someone as honest, genuine and talented as Ian Dundgey, I remember Ian when we first met in Catapult many years ago, every Satuday without fail and him spending hours sifting through white and obscure labels .... always looking for that elusive/exclusive track.
This is the love for music a great Dj needs and displays, Ian could turn an average night out into a memorable night that would have people talking for days after .... with just one tune, technically the perfectionist, his sets woven together like a fine cloth .... made to fit for the whole crowd.
Always one to give time to others, stop and say "hello, how you doing ...?" Always with that big cheeky grin, It was easy to see why big nights held faith in him warming up for some of the biggest Djs in the world, with that great attitude towards people and music and being so technically gifted.
People that knew Ian can only draw strength by hoping that he has finally found peace in himself, be proud to have been able to have him as part of their lives and also be part of his.
Ian Dundgey will be sadly missed by his family, his friends and former colleagues ... our collective thoughts together go out to them at this very sad and difficult time.
God bless you Ian and rest in peace. x
A true Gentleman and Giant of House music in Cardiff
Mindy
Commented 44 months ago - 17th September 2008 - 20:59pm
Ian was one of the most thoughtful, considerate, respectful, supportive, selfless, genuine and humble guys iv ever had the pleasure of knowing.. always thinking of others before himself.. and such an amazingly talented dj... Cardiff will never be the same without you.. will miss u lots and ul always be in my thoughts Dunge... night night, God bless,
Mindo (Mongy) xxxxx