Dave Pearce

Dave Pearce
Pearce in February 2008
Background information
Birth name	David Alistair Pearce
Born	(1963-06-14) 14 June 1963 (age 53) Surrey, England, United Kingdom
Occupation(s)	Radio presenter, DJ, music producer
Years active	1980
Website	DavePearce.co.uk

David "Dave" Alistair Pearce (born 14 June 1963 in Surrey) is a British dance DJ, record 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 British dance and club culture.

Pearce started on Britain's largest land based pirate station Radio Jackie 227 under the pseudonym Dave Adams. He also set up his own FM pirate station, DDP Radio, in Claygate, Surrey, together with Paul Kent (Eugene Perera), Graham Stuart (Graham Copland) and Steve Collins (Stephen Benzikie).

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.