John Varnham

As a fully-fledged member of the “Caister Generation”, John Varnham was brought up on a healthy diet of beer, Soul, Jazz-Funk and fried chicken, often followed by an early-morning burger at The Orsett Cock on the journey home from unforgettable nights at The Goldmine and Zero 6.

Closer to home was the legendary Flicks, where resident DJ Colin Hudd, alongside regular guests including Robbie Vincent and Jeff Young, delivered a level of musical quality that set John firmly on the path towards a lifelong love affair with Funk, Soul, Jazz-Funk and everything in between.

Those trips to what John fondly remembers as the “Cathedrals of Funk” were an essential part of the experience. Cassettes of the Robbie Vincent and Greg Edwards radio shows would be played at serious volume on the journey, setting the mood for another night on the dancefloor.

Then came the pirate radio revolution.

Long before internet radio was even imaginable, the early 1980s saw an explosion of pirate stations across the London airwaves. Suddenly, the music John and his friends had travelled miles to hear at clubs could be enjoyed every day on the radio.

But John wasn't only dancing to the music, he was playing it too.

Starting with his own mobile disco, he went on to DJ at numerous clubs and pubs throughout the Southeast, developing his own experience behind the decks while continuing to absorb the music and culture around him.

Radio eventually became another important part of John's journey.

He joined one of the earliest internet Soul stations, Soul 24-7, before moving into commercial radio with Time 107.3, where he presented a weekend Soul & Disco show. A playlisted show on sister station Time 106.8 followed, alongside freelance work for various stations throughout the Southeast.

John has also broadcast on community stations Academy 107.8 and BRFM 95.6, adding to a wealth of experience accumulated both behind the decks and behind the microphone.

Today, John is delighted to be part of the Street Sounds Radio family, sharing the classic records that provided the soundtrack to those unforgettable days alongside quality new music carrying that spirit forward.

You can start your week with John on The Street Sounds Radio Breakfast Club:

The Breakfast Club with John Varnham, every Monday, 8:00am–10:00am

From the Caister Generation to Street Sounds Radio — great music, great memories and the perfect way to start your Monday morning.