Rochdale music star returns to the town for first time gig

Lee Kelsall

Lee Kelsall, a music star known across the globe, will be returning to Rochdale for his first ever gig in the town.

Lee, 30, who was born and raised in Rochdale, is currently living the jet setters dream as he works as a DJ, club promoter, music producer, owner of a DJ Agency and Artist Management Company and a record label.

A former student at St Cuthbert’s, Lee left Rochdale in 2005 to go to University. From there he moved to Leeds and then decided to move to Australia for a fresh start.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, he said: “I wanted a fresh start and went to Australia for that reason. I had an events management company and decided to take it over there.”

Now working successfully in the music business, Lee describes “falling into the career that he has”.

He said: “I was on a night out in Huddersfield and I got talking to this guy. At the time I was really chatty and he said that I would be good at promotions, so from there I started promoting club nights and business events and then moved on to doing music events.”

Lee then started DJing at music events and saw his career take off.

“DJing was originally a hobby and something I had always had an interest in but if it wasn’t for the guy I met in Huddersfield then I probably wouldn’t be doing it as my career,” added Lee.

Lee’s first music was released in 2011 on a house record label and went top 10 worldwide.

“It is a seven day a week job, 365 days a year, so it is hectic but I do enjoy it,” said Lee.

Lee, who now lives in Mexico, is coming back to Rochdale for his first gig in the town since leaving.

He said: “This is my first gig in Rochdale so I am looking forward to it. It will be nice to see some of my old school friends come together in the Darli Bar.

“There was a time when I thought my style of music would never fit in Rochdale, but I was really happy when they gave me a call and asked me to come and do the gig. It’s going to be a special gig.”

Lee will be at the Darli Bar on Saturday 25 July.