Luton’s very own MC Ron Jon has been around on the rave circuit since it began back in the late eighties. He has worked with a majority of the House scene’s biggest names and has held residency for many of East Anglia’s well-known clubs and events that have passed through.

As the scene progressed so did the audience demand for his natural MC’ing ability and lyrical chat. This soon resulted in Ron establishing himself as not only an MC, but also someone, an entertainer, who could compliment the music as well as bring up the crowd and help create that unique party atmosphere.

Name?
MC Ron Jon

Most likely to say?
“To the rhythm shot; we’re comin’ on hardcore!”
“Left to right, right to left…”

So how did it all begin?
I first started MC’ing around 1987 – 88. It all began when I used to be in a Soul sound called ‘Soul Inc’ or S.I.S for short.

What were your views on MC’s back in the day and were there any others you rated?
I didn’t really like much of the MC’s back then. Some of them thought the crowd had come to listen to them all night!! My view is that the MC is there to compliment the DJ’s and music and to bring in a bit of atmosphere to the place.

What were your musical influences and preferences?
My influences were Drum ‘n’ Bass, Garage and maybe a bit of Rock and even some Pop music sometimes!

Where was your first gig and break on the scene?
My first big break was for some boyz in Stevenage. A good friend of mine – Swane, sorted it for me to MC for a rave called ‘Liberty’. Around the same time I did a gig at a place called ‘Tudor Oaks’. This is where I met Stuart Banks who asked me if I would MC at a do that would be in Ely for about 5000 people! I remember thinking WOW!!

Which other events did you play and what was your favourite?
I did many events in Gt Yarmouth, Oscars in Clacton, Stevenage and Luton, Norwich, London and not forgetting Eclipse. The one I enjoyed the most? Wow, that’s a tough one?? It has to be Cambridge, but saying that, I had a wicked time at all the Raves I MC’ed at.

What do you remember from Eclipse and the Cambridge scene?
To tell you the truth… I don’t remember much!! I know that I made some great friends in Cambridge. A guy named Martin – Pretty boy we used to call him!! The Banks brothers, of course... and not forgetting Peter who went on to do more things like ‘Faster Pussy Cat’ and ‘Warning’. So yeah, I had some great times and met some really good people.

If you could go back to those times, which would you choose?
Oh my God!! Well if I could go back it would have to be to Eclipse. As I said before I’d MC’ed many, many places. But for me Cambridge comes first!!

Do you still MC today?
Do I still MC? Yeah DJ’s do still ask, but I don’t get the same buzz as I did back in the day! So I do just a bit of local stuff now. To be honest it depends on who’s DJ’ing because I’m more into Funky House these days. I think it’s just me getting old… But I can flow to Funky House a lot better than say Drum ‘n’ Bass or Techno… lol

Who are your favourite DJ’s?
Wow my favourite DJ’s?? There’s just too many to mention!! But one person I always remember, when I needed a break from MC’ing, just when I needed a change from the craziness. The man for me was PAULY C. I remember he played this wicked tune and recall being so shocked when he told me it was ‘Right Said Fred’!!… Yep, MC Ron Jon dancing to ‘Right Said Fred’!! Lol

What’s your opinion on all the recent ‘Old Skool reunion’ events?
Yeah, it’s ok having ‘reunions’… but the problem is you’ll never bring back what we had!! I did an Eclipse ‘reunion’ a few years ago at the Junction in Cambridge AND I had a wicked night… but it weren’t the same!! Forget the ‘reunions’ and start it all again. New crowd; us old folks can’t dance like we did back then! So a ‘reunion’ won’t be any good!!

Are there any MC plans for the future?
MC’ing plans!!! There ain’t none… If I get a call then maybe??? But otherwise!!!

Any shouts?
Any shouts? Well top of my list has to be the Banks’ brothers, pretty boy Martin, The Liberty Boyz, my main man Fingers and Swane.
BUT MOST OF ALL THE CAMBRIDGE CREW. THANKYOU FOR MAKING ME FEEL WELCOMED.

MC RON JON

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