ARISE, SIR PETE OF TONG!

 A piece of news you may have missed over the festive period is that long-standing Radio 1 dance chief Pete Tong was made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list.

An MBE is one of the ways of rewarding individuals’ personal bravery, achievement or service to the United Kingdom. Other UK DJs with MBEs include David Rodigan, Norman Jay, Trevor Nelson, Annie Nightingale and Jazzie B from Soul II Soul.

Tongy joined BBC Radio 1 in 1991 to present his long-running Essential Selection and has helped literally hundreds of dance acts to further their careers via plays on national radio and prestigious Essential Mixes on the airwaves at weekends. He helped oversee Radio 1’s transformation to a dance-filled weekend in the late nineties and noughties, and is a global ambassador for electronic music.

A DJ, producer and promoter himself as well as a presenter, Tong’s contribution to the UK dance scene has been immeasurable. “It's great to receive this honour for being a DJ,” Tongy said. “I'm proud that it acknowledges a profession that I care about a great deal, and one that's made a huge impact around the world. I'd like to thank BBC Radio 1 for its unerring commitment to dance and electronic music and for supporting and encouraging me for over two decades.”

"I'd like to thank all the club promoters in the UK and around the world for their passion and commitment to putting on amazing events and the artists, producers and DJs that have been making and innovating with the music,” Pete continued. “This wouldn't have happened without so many great tunes. Finally, to my family and team who have supported me on this journey in so many ways - thank you".

DJ Mag issues heartfelt congratulations to Pete on his award.