What Is Last Night a DJ Wrote a Book?

Last Night a DJ Wrote a Book is a brand-new live conversation series celebrating the DJs and music pioneers who have turned their extraordinary lives into unforgettable memoirs. Hosted by acclaimed DJ, writer and broadcaster Bill Brewster, the series brings together the people who soundtracked a generation — and asks them to tell their stories out loud.

The debut event takes place on Thursday, 23 July 2025, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM at the stylish Sir Devonshire Square Hotel in London, part of the Sircle Collection. For one night only, the stories behind the music take centre stage.

Meet the Stars of the Evening

Bill Brewster — Host, DJ and Music Writer

Bill Brewster is one of the most respected figures at the intersection of DJing and writing in the UK. Co-author of the landmark clubbing history book Last Night a DJ Saved My Life, Bill has spent decades documenting, celebrating and living inside dance music culture. As host of Last Night a DJ Wrote a Book, he brings his trademark warmth, depth and encyclopaedic music knowledge to each conversation.

DJ Smokin’ Jo — Pioneer, Icon, Author

The first guest in the series is none other than DJ Smokin’ Jo, one of the most important and trailblazing figures in the history of British dance music. Smokin’ Jo made history as the first woman to be voted DJ of the Year by DJ Magazine — a milestone that speaks to her extraordinary impact on a scene that is still catching up with her legacy.

Her career spans the very birth of acid house, the Balearic years, and decades behind the decks at the world’s most iconic clubs. Now, she has turned those experiences into a memoir — and on 23 July, she’ll be sharing the stories that couldn’t fit between the grooves of a record.

What to Expect on the Night

A Deep Conversation About Dance Music History

Bill Brewster will sit down with Smokin’ Jo for an in-depth, personal conversation exploring:

• Her journey through the birth of acid house and the Balearic era
• What it meant to be a woman at the top of the DJ world in the late 1980s and 1990s
• The records, people and places that shaped a generation of clubbers
• Behind-the-scenes stories from a remarkable career
• The writing of her memoir — what drove her to put it all on paper

Expect honesty, laughter, nostalgia and the kind of insider knowledge that only someone who lived through it all could share.

A Live DJ Set from Smokin’ Jo

Because some stories deserve a soundtrack, the evening doesn’t end with conversation. Following the interview, Smokin’ Jo will take to the decks for a live DJ set — bringing the spirit of her memoir to life and giving guests the rare chance to experience one of dance music’s true originals in full flow.

Who Should Come?

Last Night a DJ Wrote a Book is for anyone who has ever lost themselves on a dancefloor, fallen in love with a record, or simply loves a great story told well. Whether you are:

• A lifelong clubber who remembers the acid house revolution first-hand
• A music obsessive who wants to go deeper into the history of UK dance culture
• A book lover fascinated by memoirs and the lives behind the art
• Someone who simply wants a memorable night out in London

…this event is for you.

Event Details

Why This Event Matters

The story of UK dance music is one of the great cultural narratives of the last forty years. It began in the late 1980s with acid house, spread through raves and superclubs, crossed every boundary of class, race and background — and changed British nightlife forever.

DJ Smokin’ Jo was there at the very heart of it. Her experiences, her memories and her perspective represent a vital and often under-told chapter in that story. Last Night a DJ Wrote a Book is a rare opportunity to hear that chapter told in her own words, in a beautiful London setting, with a live DJ set to follow.

Bill Brewster — the man who has arguably done more than anyone to chronicle dance music in print — is the perfect guide for the conversation. This is not just a night out. It is a piece of living music history.

How to Get Tickets

Tickets for Last Night a DJ Wrote a Book are available via Eventbrite. Spaces are limited for this intimate evening, so early booking is strongly recommended.

👉 Book Your Tickets on Eventbrite

About the Venue: Sir Devonshire Square Hotel, London

The event is hosted at Sir Devonshire Square Hotel, a sophisticated property in the heart of the City of London, forming part of the boutique Sircle Collection. The venue provides an intimate, atmospheric backdrop perfectly suited to an evening of music, stories and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Last Night a DJ Wrote a Book?

It is a new live conversation series hosted by Bill Brewster, celebrating DJs and music pioneers who have written memoirs. The debut event features DJ Smokin’ Jo on 23 July 2025 in London.

Who is DJ Smokin’ Jo?

DJ Smokin’ Jo is a legendary British DJ and one of the most influential figures in dance music history. She was the first woman to be voted DJ of the Year by DJ Magazine and has been central to UK club culture since the birth of acid house.

Where is the event taking place?

At Sir Devonshire Square Hotel, London — part of the Sircle Collection.

Will there be a DJ set?

Yes. Following the conversation with Bill Brewster, DJ Smokin’ Jo will perform a live DJ set.

How do I buy tickets for Last Night a DJ Wrote a Book?

Tickets are available on Eventbrite. Click here to book your place.