Everybody Loves A Classic

Our roll-call of DJs over the years have forged their reputations on the deepest cuts, but let’s be honest — nothing beats those explosive moments when a bonafide anthem cuts through a headsy set and brings the crowd to fever pitch.

There are too many memorable scenes scattered throughout our history to count, but we’ve sifted through hazy memories of happy times to bring you a hit list of unforgettable drops that have set our dancefloors alight.

Rayko – GALA 2016

Diana Ross – “Upside Down”

Let’s take it back to 2016. Hands up—who remembers Spanish maestro Rayko’s mid-afternoon session at the very first GALA in Brockwell Park? When he dropped Diana Ross’s evergreen “Upside Down”, it triggered our disco-pleasure response in an instant.

Nicky Siano – GALA 2017

Tom Browne – “Funkin’ for Jamaica (N.Y.)

Nicky Siano was right there helping shape disco’s beginnings in the 1970s. His set at GALA 2017 was equal parts storytelling about the New York scene and peerless tune selection, not least when he reached for Tom Browne’s “Funkin’ for Jamaica (N.Y.)”.

Maurice Fulton – GALA 2018 

Jamiroquai – “Space Cowboy (Classic Club Remix)

Rhythm Section’s first takeover at GALA 2018 was packed full of magic, but it was Maurice Fulton’s set that remains lodged in our memories thanks to his impeccably timed delivery of the Classic Club Remix of Jamiroquai’s “Space Cowboy”

Honey Dijon – GALA 2019

Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman

Honey Dijon proved her status as the consummate headline DJ when she closed the GALA main stage in 2019. After a set full of fireworks, she sent it home by finishing on none-bigger chart-dance anthem “Gypsy Woman” by Crystal Waters.

Overmono – GALA 2021

For Those I Love – I Have a Love (Overmono Remix)

Reconvening after the pandemic, anticipation was high for GALA 2021 and it didn’t take long for sparks to fly. Overmono’s early doors live set caught the duo at the start of their monumental rise, and their version of “I Have a Love” tore the roof off the Pleasure Dome.

anu – GALA 2022

PM Dawn – Set Adrift on Memory Bliss

Proving that a classic selection doesn’t always have to be about the biggest bangers, anu took to the Patio at GALA 2022 and turned heads with her deft blend of PM Dawn’s moist-eyed RnB jam “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” over a rugged breakbeat roller.

Job Jobse – GALA 2022

Basement Jaxx – Fly Life Xtra

At the other end of the spectrum, Job Jobse made a beeline for everyone’s hearts when he took on the Pleasure Dome with his expert line in maximal club belters. When he fired off Basement Jaxx’s early smash “Fly Life Xtra”, everyone under the canopy lost their shit.

Charlie Bones – GALA 2022

Underworld – Two Months Off

The beauty of Charlie Bones’ Do!!You!!! takeover in the Wizard’s Hat lay in its freewheeling, house party atmosphere. Anything could be played at any time, but Underworld’s classic “Two Months Off” caught everyone off guard in the best possible way.

Antal – GALA 2023

Radiohead – Everything in Its Right Place (NTO Remix)

Amsterdam institution Rush Hour took over the newly born 1908 stage in 2023, culminating in a mesmerising collective closing set  that peaked as Antal blew hearts and minds with NTO’s understated, epic remix of Radiohead’s “Everything in Its Right Place”.

Novelist – GALA 2024

Skream – Midnight Request Line

It’s not just about the DJs, mind you. Novelist brought his peerless grime flow to the Deviation takeover on Friday at GALA 2024, and the crowd were there for it. The bars he threw down over Skream’s early dubstep classic “Midnight Request Line” were pure fire.

Eris Drew & Octo Octa – GALA 2024

Groove Armada – Superstylin’

Eris Drew and Octo Octa’s b2b for Adonis in the dome was full of joyous peaks, but it was their surprise swerve for Groove Armada’s radio-friendly garage whomper “Superstylin’” that got the biggest response — a sharp reminder to just let go and savour the moment.

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As featured in Ten Years Together – a GALA zine – available for free alongside Crack Magazine across May 2025.

Words: Oli Warwick