Proof the drum & bass community knows how to pull together and show support #22944…
The petition to keep Crissy Criss on the air.
Launched three months ago – on a progressive website that’s usually the sole preserve of big political discussions – it’s had over 4000 signatures with some of the deepest and thoughtful comments a radio show could ever inspire.
Crissy had no idea that his show had had such an impact on the lives of his listeners and it’s left his mind a little blown. Sadly the petition didn’t work… But as Crissy frees up heaps more time for studio commitments, he’s set to bid the airwaves adieu with a seriously big grand finale tonight.
Tune in at 10pm, BBC Radio 1Xtra and experience this special show yourself. Read on to find out why it’s so important…
Any crowning broadcast memories? Give me three!
Every show! It’s all been amazing. 10 years of regular radio shows builds up into one mad memory… So many things I couldn’t possibly narrow it down to three… Or even 30!
Come on….
Well there have been numerous cars breaking down over the years and the production team having to start without me. Quite a few times I’ve had no transport from another car breaking down and I’ve had to sleep in the plugger room or live lounge until the morning when I can get the first train home! They’re not crowning memories but they’re hard to forget!
10 years, though…
Crazy, right? I started when I was 17 on Radio 1’s new residency. I was on rotation with a whole bunch of other DJs across all genres. It was a privilege and a real dream come true.
So when did you find out about this schedule change and who’s filling the big shoes you’re leaving?
The announcement went out half hour after they told me. They’ve got their reasons for making this decision. I know a lot of people aren’t happy about it but I understand they’ve got to do what they feel they have to do. It’s not just my shoes to fill, though. You’ve got Robbo Ranx shoes, you’ve got CJ Beatz shoes. The specialist shows have been switched for more of a mixture of music every night. So big ups to the other DJs who will be missed, too.
Of course. Then on the other hand, there’s you and Mistajam representing the specialist selectors with the Ram/Hospital/Viper and Shogun soundclash the other weekend. Full throttle D&B for a primetime evening audience. What a show!
It was epic wasn’t it! Being one of the last shows I do at the station it was really special. To have that level of representation at that popular time of day was really special. It was such a wicked look… All the labels, all the artists, the vibe between them. It was a celebration of drum & bass. Everyone knew that and took part with a lot of fun. They put in some serious work.
Especially in the bootleg round…
Yes! I read the script and saw Fresh Prince. I was like ‘woah! Is this a misprint? Fresh Prince!’ Six Blade killed it. Everyone did. The MCs were all on point, too. Such a great show… This is what I mean about having so many great memories of being on the air over the years.
How did you feel about the petition that went round to keep you on the airwaves?
It was mad… It blew my mind. Here’s how the show has been from my perspective: I turn up, play some music, talk some nonsense and have some fun. That was it for me. It wasn’t until I saw the petition and read what everyone was saying that I realised just what type of impact my show had had. I was up all night reading comments the first time I saw the petition. I put my own response to them up on my Facebook page. I’m still trying to find words to describe it all now. It was overwhelming. I had tears… It was crazy. You do your thing, you’re doing what you love and you have NO IDEA the way people experience it and enjoy it in their lives. It was a proper real life what the fuck situation. People saying how much the show was a part of their lives; telling me how my show complements their day or how my show has helped them through tough times in life… It’s like wow, how can I even reply to that! It’s out of this world.
It’s a rare moment, even in these days of social media when anyone can say anything to anyone… To have those type of comments in this type of context. Seriously heavy!
Heavier than you’d believe! Knowing what the show meant means so much to me. And there’s also been support from all the artists as well. Obviously Friction represents as well but the fact there were two drum & bass shows on BBC radio meant double the amount of artists could get support. So yeah I’d had a lot of really great support and comments from artists, too. I’m still getting comments now. I guess they’ll build up towards to the last show.
Speaking of which… Anything special planned?
Apparently my production team have been planning something special. I know a lot of people will be coming in. I’ve got family, labels, artists, DJs, MCs. We’re going to TAKE OVER! I might even play my own music all show long. I’m very biased, I don’t play my own music on the show very often. My new single is the only one I think I’ve ever played on the show…
Serious? Even tracks from the Trinity EP?
Oh maybe I’ve played one tune before. I’m really really picky about my tunes and I never think they stand up against the quality of everything else I’m playing. Plus I feel like a bit of a dick playing my own stuff on my own show. It doesn’t feel right. But for the last show? Fuck it… I’m going in.
Sounds like it’s going to be a proper party!
100 per cent mate. Do not miss it.
Tune in tonight. Broadcasting history WILL be made. Crissy…
We salute you!
Photo Credit: Luke Baker
