23/08/2026
Next up, we have the Herefords own DJ Tones! Here is a bit about him -
Tones’ journey into DJing began on a set of Soundlab Direct Drives, before making the inevitable upgrade to the legendary Technics 1210s and, later, moving across to Pioneer CDJs.
His first vinyl purchase was Inferno Bros – Slaves to the Rave, a track that still takes him straight back to the early days. He first heard it while standing in the queue for Death Row Tekno at The Sanctuary in Milton Keynes, waiting to get inside — a moment and a tune that have stuck with him ever since.
His introduction to rave culture came a little earlier, at just 16 years old, when he attended Dance Planet at Aston Villa Leisure Centre in 1995. That night sparked a passion for hardcore that would ultimately shape the next three decades of his life.
🎧 Behind the Decks
Over the years, Tones became a familiar name across the hardcore scene, playing for some of its biggest and most respected promotions, including North, Species, Oblivion, HTID, HTID In The Sun, Hardcore Heaven, Raverbaby, Fantazia, Slammin Vinyl, Uproar, Ravers Reunited, TLI, Relentless Hardcore, Pleasuredome and Spunky, amongst many others.
His career also took him overseas, including appearances at HTID In The Sun in Spain, while closer to home he developed a particular love for playing in Herefordshire.
Having lived in the county for more than 20 years, venues including The Crystal Rooms, The Jailhouse and The Lock Up hold plenty of memories for him. The Crystal Rooms was also where he played his first B2B with Scorpio.
🎛️ Music Production
Production has always been another major part of Tones’ musical journey.
His first release arrived in 2005 alongside Dolphin on Provoke Records, opening the door to releases across labels including D.N.A Records, Hardcore Hooligans, Megarave, North Extreme, Prototypes, Oblivion Underground, Criminal Records Digital, Deton8 Digital and Toxic Sickness.
One of his productions was later featured on the Megarave – 25 Years: The Best of Megarave compilation — a major milestone in his production career.
More recently, Tones remixed Deathmachine – Dred for the Oblivion Underground competition, a project that reignited his passion for producing hardcore and encouraged him to return to it more seriously.
That return resulted in his three-track System Restored EP, released through Toxic Sickness in February 2026, with more new material already lined up for the beginning of next year.
🎧 Retirement… Sort Of
Tones officially retired from DJing on New Year’s Eve at Fantazia in 2013, stepping away from regular appearances behind the decks.
The music never disappeared, though.
He continued producing and mixing and could occasionally still be persuaded into playing an event — particularly when it offered the chance to catch up with old friends and people he’d shared dancefloors, stages and memories with over the years.
🔥 Hard Revival & Coming Full Circle
Tones was originally due to appear at the previous Hard Revival but unfortunately had to withdraw following a family bereavement.
When the opportunity came to invite him back, he accepted — and discovering that M-Zone would also be on the line-up made the decision considerably easier.
For someone with such a long history in the scene and more than two decades of connections to Herefordshire, this one feels like a fitting return.
From Soundlab decks and teenage raves in 1995, through Technics 1210s, major hardcore events, international appearances and years of music production, to getting back behind the decks locally once again where it all began. Don’t miss out 🔥
