In 1972 a young man from Southampton, auditioned
as a DJ at an exclusive gentleman's club called 'The Dungeon Club' This was actually located in the dungeon of
an old fort over looking Portsmouth Harbour in the UK. Although
not yet called a 'disco' it had a small dance area a set of turntables and a few 7inch records.
From the moment he walked in to the DJ booth Andy
felt something special had happened! he sifted through the records found 'Hot Love' by 'T Rex' put it on the turntable, picked up the microphone and introduced his first song. He recalls that although he was nervous it just came naturally, and that
night he was asked to stay and continue the evening and so began working 3 nights a week for the next 6 months.
His pay for each night was £5 that is about $3 but it was not about the money, Andy loved what
he was doing and it gave him the training to move on. Later that year he built his own disco equipment, passed his driving test, had publicity photos taken and sent them
to the local entertainment agents.
He left the Dungeon Club in late 1972, his reason,
“my DJ friends were making £10 to £15 playing 4 hours a night, I was still getting £5 for 6 hours..no
brainer really!”
And his new stage name?
Andy Mac and The Spread Eagle Disco
He soon became
known as a well dressed, flamboyant and entertaining disc jockey playing all sorts of different venues through out the south
of England during 1973 and 1974.
This was a much happier and somewhat naive time, popular TV shows were The Persuaders, The Waltons, and The Six Million Dollar Man!
Here are just some of the hits from that time, and as Andy likes to point
out you will not see any Abba in here, no self respecting disco DJ would have played Abba in the 70's!
1972
Click on the song to hear it;
Let's Stay Together - Al Green, Layla - Derek & The Dominos, Rocking Robin - Michael Jackson, Burning Love - Elvis Presley
1973
Crocodile Rock – Elton John, Let's get it on – Marvin Gaye, Superstitions – Stevie Wonder, My Love – Paul McCartney & Wings, Superfly – Curtis Mayfield
1974
Dance Machine – Jackson 5, Can't Get Enough of Your Love – Barry White, Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas, Rock the Boat – Hues Corporation, You make me feel Brand New - Stylistics, Loving You - Minnie Ripperton
