The Story Behind Ros Atkins’ Upcoming Glastonbury Drum and Bass Set

From the BBC news desk to Glastonbury – it’s not the most intuitive leap. However, presenter Ros Atkins recently revealed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that he’s set to perform a drum and bass set at Glastonbury this summer.

The story of how this came to be is as unexpected as it is fascinating.

Early Rave Days

In a 2022 Twitter thread, Ros shared that he used to be an amateur DJ. Growing up in Cornwall in the ’90s, Ros started attending raves and developed a passion for hardcore and drum and bass.

BBC Ros Atkins at drum and bass rave

Inspired by legends like LTJ Bukem, DJ Hype, Kenny Ken, and Ray Keith, Ros began DJing. He played a variety of music in places like London, Cornwall, Cambridge, and even South Africa.

Ros atkins drum and bass in brixton

Fast forward to 2006, Ros performed a DnB set at a festival in Regent’s Park. Shortly after, his first daughter was born, and balancing DJ life with family responsibilities became too challenging.

Ros Atkins early drum and bass days

Ros Atkins Returns

During lockdown, Ros reignited his passion for DJing and created a Desert Island Disco mix, which you can listen to on YouTube.

**Track list:**

1. DJ Hype & Ganja Max (Feat MC Fats & DJ Daddy) – Rinse Out

2. Dred Bass – Dead Bass (Origin Unknown remix)

3. Shimon and Andy C – Night Flight (original)

4. High Sense – Cold Fresh Air (Cyantific Remix)

5. LTJ Bukem – Atlantis (DJ Marky and S.P.Y. remix)

6. D.Kay and DJ Lee – Wax’d VIP

7. Calibre – Mr Maverick

8. Koffee – Toast (Clipz bootleg)

9. Atlantic Connection – In Your Eyes

 

In the same  Twitter thread, Ros received an invite from The Social for a basement gig. He was keen but faced a hurdle – all his tracks were on vinyl, and he only owned Vestax turntables.

Vestex Turntable

Ray Keith to The Rescue

Enter Ray Keith! Ray graciously offered his assistance, inviting Ros to Thames Delta for a two-hour masterclass in mixing.

Ray Keith and BBC Ros Atkins at Thames Delta Drum and Bass

But Ray didn’t stop there; he also guided Ros on upgrading his equipment, eventually settling on some Pioneer XDJ-XZ decks.

Drum and bass Decks for beginners

Ray and Ros then organised a drum and bass night at The Social, aptly named “Pro-Am” (professional and amateur), which was a success.

Two months later, they were back at The Social, this time with Chinese Daughter. Ros’ DJ skills caught the eye of Carl Gosling from The Social, who then suggested Ros play a set at Park Stonebridge at Glastonbury this year.

And there you have it. Good luck, Ros! We hope your set at Glastonbury is a hit!