Carl Cox Hits Out At UK Government For Saying Nightlife Is 'Not Viable'

News & Features

Carl Cox has said the government is 100% wrong.

A man wearing sunglasses is laughing in front of a little south logo
A white background with a few lines on it

The people have spoken before, we fought for the right to party.

Carl Cox has spoken out against the UK Minister for Care at the Department for Health and Social Care, Helen Whately who said the dance scene was not viable. Dance music heavyweight, Cox says “It’s not right that the government thinks that we’re unviable."

A crowd of people are raising their hands in the air at a concert.
A white background with a few lines on it

They can’t keep blaming us for everything, it’s impossible for them to think that we are unviable. I don’t believe it, I won’t believe it.

“The government is 100% wrong," he continued. "The people have spoken before, we fought for the right to party. Despite everything that the police and the politicians put us under, they had to give festivals and clubs the ability to give people what they wanted in their lives, in comfortable surroundings.

 

“And that’s what happened, and it only happened because we all spoke. It’s ok me speaking, I’m just one person. We all have to speak out, based on what has been taken away from us. They say we’re not viable. I mean, I’d like to see their tax accounts, based on how much we all have to pay, based on what they get in as revenue because they allow these events to continue. It’s billions. If we don’t come back, we’re losing billions and billions, and you know the government don’t like to lose billions.

“They can’t keep blaming us for everything, it’s impossible for them to think that we are unviable. I don’t believe it, I won’t believe it. I continue to do what I do cos I believe that people still want to be entertained by the music that we play and what we do, and what makes other people happy. 

 

“I’ve been doing this for the best part of 40 years - my heart and soul and spirit lives on within me to continue to do what I do at the level I do it at. If you love the music, we have to make our voices heard on being viable. They’re basically saying we don’t exist. We’ve been involved in this music for 30 years - do you think it’ll fizzle out by tomorrow?”


Carl Cox's comments were made during the Brighton Music Conference which you can watch here

The little south logo is on a blue background.

Written by

Editorial Team • 5 October 2020

Sick & Naughty Mutiny D&B Boat Party

by Editorial Team • 28 April 2025
Sick & Naughty Records, known for organising a variety of successful drum and bass events in the South West, has announced the return of its renowned boat parties in Falmouth on June 21st, 2025. These events have historically attracted a significant following, featuring performances from notable D&B residents such as Devinyl, Leroy, and Hopeso keeping things afloat.

Casa Presents The Drake's Island Day Party

by Editorial Team • 22 April 2025
The team responsible for popular dance events in Plymouth, known as Casa, is set to host a significant dance music event on Drake's Island, located in front of Plymouth Hoe, on July 5th, 2025. This event is noteworthy not only for its location but also for the logistical challenges involved, as access to the island will be strictly regulated through a private ferry service, ensuring controlled entry and exit for attendees. This unique setting and organisation make the event a significant addition to the city's cultural calendar.

DancersHip Featuring Groove Assassin & Richard Earnshaw

by Editorial Team • 19 April 2025
DancersHip is approaching a significant milestone as they celebrate their tenth year in the business. An exciting event is scheduled for June 28th, 2025, at Plymouth's Sawan nightclub, featuring prominent artists Groove Assassin and Richard Earnshaw. This event is shaping up to be a memorable night, highlighting the success and impact of DancersHip over the past decade.

Ink 10 At The Unicorn

by Editorial Team • 19 April 2025
The coastal club night, INK, is gaining increasing popularity. Known for its emphasis on quality tech house and techno music, the upcoming event on May 30th, 2025, titled 'INK 10,' promises to continue this tradition. You can look forward to a night featuring prominent regional guest DJs, Pat McGrath and Lee Drift, who will be performing at the Unicorn music venue in Porthtowan.

Alive At Argyle 2025

by Editorial Team • 19 April 2025
On May 24th, 2025, Plymouth Argyle's Home Park will host a significant dance music event featuring prominent artists such as Gorgon City, Mike Skinner, Armand Van Helden, Ben Nicky, and Ben Hemsley. This event is organised by the team responsible for popular local initiatives like the Casa, Spektra, Low, and Viva Disco events at the Depo venue.

Victor Simonelli Debut Mix

by Editorial Team • 18 April 2025
In this special episode, we feature guest DJ Victor Simonelli, an accomplished artist from Brooklyn, New York. Victor has performed internationally, and this podcast mix was recorded in Da Nang, Vietnam. The mix showcases a selection of his slick, funky disco house music, highlighting diverse influences from around the globe.
Show More