Britain's oldest DJ who has played with Massive Attack and Dizzee Rascal set to finally hang up his headphones at 72... after one last New Year's Eve on the turntables

  • DJ Derek, from Bristol, is hanging up his headphones and taking final spin
  • The star, real name Derek Morris, has earned himself a cult following
  • Known for reggae collection and has played at UK’s largest festivals

By Amanda Williams

Published: 13:07 EST, 30 December 2013 | Updated: 05:59 EST, 31 December 2013

With his white hair, thick-rimmed spectacles, and cardigan, he is perhaps the unlikeliest of reggae icons.

But at 72 and after earning himself a cult following, DJ Derek - Britain’s oldest DJ -  is hanging up his headphones and taking his final spin after decades at the decks.

Over the years he has been spinning records, DJ Derek - real name Derek Morris - has reached legend status, starred in music videos with stars including Dizzee Rascal and played with groups like Massive Attack.

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At 72, DJ Derek - Britain¿s oldest DJ - is hanging up his headphones and taking his final spin after decades at the decks

At 72, DJ Derek - Britain¿s oldest DJ - is hanging up his headphones and taking his final spin after decades at the decks

Over the years he has been spinning records, DJ Derek - real name Derek Morris - has earned himself a cult following as a reggae legend

Over the years he has been spinning records, DJ Derek - real name Derek Morris - has earned himself a cult following as a reggae legend

The unlikely white-haired DJ has even starred in music videos with stars including Dizzee Rascal and played with groups like Massive Attack

The unlikely white-haired DJ has even starred in music videos with stars including Dizzee Rascal and played with groups like Massive Attack

Now he will see out 2013 in style and play his last show on New Year's Eve at Notting Hill Arts Club in London.

He said: 'This New Year’s Eve will be last gig I do there and will also be my last ever gig.

'I turned 72 this month and while I’m reasonably healthy it’ll be nice to do some travelling without carting my gear around.'

Mr Morris, from St Paul’s, Bristol, gave up work as an accountant at chocolate makers Cadbury after 18 years to become a full time performer.

He is known for his reggae collection and has played at some of the UK’s largest festivals including Glastonbury and The Big Chill.

 
Mr Morris, from St Paul¿s, Bristol, gave up work as an accountant at chocolate makers Cadbury after 18 years to become a full time performer

Mr Morris, from St Paul¿s, Bristol, gave up work as an accountant at chocolate makers Cadbury after 18 years to become a full time performer

Derek gets a high-five from a fan as he plays his last Bristolian set, in Pranj's Bar

Derek gets a high-five from a fan as he plays his last Bristolian set, in Pranj's Bar

Derek shows his younger fellow DJs how it is done as they take to the decks

Derek shows his younger fellow DJs how it is done as they take to the decks

A flyer advertising a gig starring DJ Derek who has finally retired at the age of 72
The pensioner known for his reggae collection, has earned a cult following over the years he has been performing

He is known for his reggae collection and has played at some of the UK’s largest festivals including Glastonbury and The Big Chill

He said: 'I was not even a DJ when I was at Cadbury.

'I was originally a washboard player in a local skiffle group and then a drummer in The Ramrods, a Bristol rock’n’roll group.

'But even back then I knew I loved black music more than I loved rock’n’roll and I used to see all the blues artists who came to play gigs in Bristol.'

His love of reggae and a growing record collection eventually led him to start DJ-ing at local pubs for beer money.

But the cardigan wearing DJ’s popularity has grown in recent years and he was awarded a local 'OBE' - for outstanding Bristolian entertainer- at his final outdoor show at Bristol’s Harbour Festival in July.

Mr Morris plans to spend his retirement travelling and visiting more of his beloved local pubs and listening to his favourite music at home.