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Legendary DJ Derek Morris turns 72 this year, and has announced that he will be appearing on stage for the last time on New Year's Eve.
Hailing from Bristol, DJ Derek has been a mainstay in the reggae/dub circuit and his popularity has only grown as he has got older. The news will be heartbreaking to the loyal fanbase he has gathered over the years.
Speaking about his decision, DJ Derek said: "I will be 72 the fortnight before I do my last ever gig, and while I'm reasonably healthy it'll be nice to do some travelling without carting my gear around!".
His last show on New Years Eve will be at his regular venue the Notting Hill Arts Club.
Morris mentions in his inteview with Cool Beans that one of the many highlights of his career was playing Jamaican Independence Dance: "It was the first year Bristol had a black mayor and the first year Jamaican Independence had a white DJ!".
His reputation also earned him respect from iconic reggae group, Toots and the Maytals: "Everybody know you. You're the white man that talk the people's talk and play the people's music."
Watch footage of DJ Derek live at Bestival below:
He has played all over the world and has performed at major UK festivals including Bestival, Glastonbury and St. Paul's Carnival. He plans to keep busy until the end of the year, with appearances booked throughout the Summer there are plenty of chances to catch DJ Derek before he packs it in.
He comments that the NYE show is usually pretty hectic, but says "it certainly will be emotional".
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