Winter 2018Empire Rochdale

Kirsty Rigg talks to Empire’s Jon Da Fox

Where did the name Jon Da Fox come from?

It’s an old stage name from my house music DJing days.

Are there any particular memories you can share of discovering your favourite acts?

I can’t pick just one as I’ve been involved in music since school days, then performing myself in front of large crowds since age 17.

I think the best time for me was DJing alongside Carl Cox and the Prodigy and pretty much every big name in the business during the 90s.

What do you think Empire has to offer Rochdale’s music scene?

Empire is the only local premier live music venue in the area giving us proper high quality live music performances every weekend.

What sort of audience do you get in Rochdale?

We get the best kind of people attending, a real mixed bag from 18 right up to 80, all socialising together under one roof.

Share a fond memory from one of your nights.

If I have to pick one it’s the festival weekend because as the council organises the Feel Good I organise the unofficial fringe festival right here at Empire - ‘Festidale’ - in association with Springhill Hospice. Last year was the first one and this year we had 17 live local acts all perform at Empire. It was a massive success, once again packed out from start to finish.

What does the town centre need more of, in terms of entertainment and social venues?

We now need a real different type of place, like say a Manchester Northern Quarter establishment, somewhere we can eat tacos and nachos and drink great cocktails and gins, listening to every type of music.

I plan on opening somewhere myself soon, right in the heart of Rochdale town centre.

If you are not at Empire, where else do you like to hang out in town?

That’s a tough one as there are some great eateries and pubs around Rochdale, but currently not one specific late night venue I feel I would hang out at regularly.

How does the live music scene compare to similar towns such as Oldham and Bury?

I can’t really compare other towns, but apparently Oldham has a venue which is now trying to replicate Empire and it’s working, so I guess we are doing something right.

Do you think the town centre scene gives local people more than it used to?

Before we started to provide the town with great live music shows there was just the local pubs, as the late night scene had pretty much faded away unless you were a youngster.

Is it keeping music lovers from going off to Manchester?

Yes, we have packed out shows every Friday and Saturday night, and even have a large influx of customers coming from all the other areas around Rochdale, including Manchester.

What’s your favourite thing about Empire?

How relaxed the atmosphere is and how mixed the ages are attending. This year, again, we are putting on a free afternoon Christmas party with Springhill Hospice for all local senior citizens.

Who are your favourite local names that you have seen live?

The best local band by far is Soul Revolution, then you have the likes of County Rats. There are too many to mention.

Would you like to see Lisa Stansfield take to the stage in town?

Yes definitely, 100%, many times I’ve asked but got no reply. I think if Lisa played Empire it would be great.

Never say never.