My connections with the city run deep, always making gigs in Liverpool special

Clubs editor Emma Johnson speaks to Sasha ahead of his Liverpool gig

He is a titan of the progressive scene, a DJ and producer that needs no introduction. Ahead of his gig for 909 tomorrow, Sasha chats to clubs editor Emma Johnson about his Liverpool connections, his Cream days and music’s power to connect.

You are coming to play for 909 x Wav tomorrow and tickets sold out in no time. Are you as excited about playing back in Liverpool as we are at having you?

I’m buzzing about the gig. Tickets sold out quickly, which is always great. I’ve been hit up a lot for guest list which is always a really good sign. Liverpool holds a special place in my heart – half my family hails from there.

My connections with the city run deep, always making gigs in Liverpool special.

My very first gig in Liverpool was in 1990. A Bank Holiday Monday all-dayer 2pm to 2am at a club called Fallows in Aintree.

Organised by a local DJ called Dave Ralph. He became a life-long friend. I played Quadrant Park and 051 too before Cream became THE place to play.You must have some special memories of that time…

It was a remarkable era for British dance music. British clubland and DJs were taking over the world. Cream was the jewel in the crown.

The main room really was my favourite place to play. I had so many amazing sets there.

The energy in that room was just off the hook. It was a very special time. Can you share any memorable moments from Cream with us?

I think one of my strongest memories there is when I just finished [his huge hit track] Xpander and I played maybe one of only two sets I ever played on the Annexe.

All my mates from Liverpool that were DJs said that was their favourite room. The low ceiling…

The energy in that room was just bonkers. I just remember the first time I played it, the reaction was unforgettable, that initial drop remains a standout moment in my career.I can’t believe it is more than 30 years now since your ‘Son of God’ Mixmag cover. What did you think of that at the time?

The infamous “son of God” Mixmag shoot. I can laugh at it now. I still think it’s cringe though.

I spent eight or nine hours in a studio with a woolly jumper on and under lights, and from the very first moment I got in there they wanted me to do this prayer thing and I wouldn’t do it. I said I don’t like that it looks stupid.

But they kept me there all day. We must have taken over 3,000 pictures that day. Eventually at the end of the day, because I just wanted to go home, I caved in and did the prayer shot, and yeah of course that’s the one they used.

The moment they got that shot they’re like okay everyone could go home now.

I didn’t really like it. I was a very shy person and that brought me a lot of attention and it just kind of made me go back into myself. I just wanted to be in a dark smoky room playing music to people.

Did you think you would be still jetting all over the world doing this all these years later?

I had no idea that this little hobby of mine that I started in 1988 would turn into something that would get me jet-setting across the world but I’ve always preferred the shadows of a club, where music connects me with others.

What keeps you going, making music, staying up late to play gigs, getting on planes?

My music has taken me worldwide, from Argentina to Australia to Siberia, USA to Japan.

I am incredibly fortunate to have turned a hobby into a lifelong career. It’s been sustained I think by my deep love for music and its power to connect.

Despite changes in society and in the industry, like the rise of social media. I still love the core of what I do which is playing my music for happy crowds.What else have you got coming up this year? Any projects we should be looking out for?

I have no projects ready to announce. I’m working on exciting new music and remixes, including something great with John Digweed. Stay tuned for more updates.*Sasha plays Wav Garden today. Tickets are only available now for the afterparty*John Digweed brings his Bedrock event to the Garden on Saturday March 14. Tickets on sale now from Skiddle