Stu Hirst is one of our favourite DJs and artists in the capital, and not just because he knows his onions when it comes to music, or because his Twitter feed is one of the most entertaining we follow. He’s just a fucking sound bloke that goes about his business in the right way for the right reasons, so we’re honoured he chose Dropout to call it a day on the decks.  Ahead of the party on the 4th February we posed a few questions to our esteemed guest Stu Hirst to go over some of his career and musical highlights, any secret plans for the night, and where he’ll be heading next. Read away:

So, you’re hanging up your cans for the last time on the 4th. What’s the next chapter for you in music?

I’ve achieved everything I wanted to in dance music, and then some. I never dreamt at 17 that I would get to do some of the things I have, and i’ve only scratched the surface. I don’t feel I can contribute a huge amount any more as a DJ. I still plan on continuing to produce dance music, as I am still hugely passionate about the music, but I have loyalties elsewhere now.

I am a guitar player of over 15 years, in fact, it was my first love before electronic music. I have always wanted to be a drummer and am investing the next 2 years in learning the drums to a level that I can play in a gigging band. I get such a buzz out of it and it has given me a new lease of life in music. One door closes, another opens. I can’t say I will never DJ again, if the opportunity presents itself, but I am no longer represented by management nor am I actively seeking gigs. I’m glad i’m bowing out with friends and choosing to call it a day on my terms, rather than fading into obscurity and clinging on for dear life.

Who would you model yourself on drumming? Dave Grohl? Mick Fleetwood? Chad Smith?

If I could get to even 10% of their ability, i’ll have done well! Dave Grohl and Joey Castillo are probably my favourite drummers. Neil Peart can do some incredible things.

Over the years, what have been some of your favourite music gigs?

Wow, i’ve been to some amazing gigs. Fleetwood Mac’s reunion tour, Foo Fighters at Wembley Arena, U2 at Glastonbury, Eric Clapton & Jeff Beck – i’ve been to hundreds and hundreds of gigs, big and small. I really enjoyed Cast’s reunion gig in London last year; I got to see the band soundcheck and have a beer with them in the dressing room before the gig! Top lads.

What’s been your most memorable nights behind the decks?

I can’t give just one, but I can give you the best 4; the first time I played The Arches in Glasgow, first time I played Global Club in Lithuania, the 2^nd night of playing La Mania in Romania and headlining the Friday of the Baltic Beach Party. They were all a riot. Happy days.

You’re a massive football fan. If you could score the winner in the Old Firm derby to win the league, or make a seminal record that’s remembered for 20 years, which would you choose?

With the state of the Old Firm these days, I could probably get a game! If you were to change that question and put “score the winner for Leeds to win the league”, then it would be that every time, no question. It’s every schoolboy’s dream to score for his team isn’t it?! Sadly it will be a long time before my lot are challenging for the league again!

Where would you like to think you’d be in a year, musically? Drumming regularly and writing music with the band?

Perhaps a year is a bit soon, but certainly within two, I would like to be a competent live drummer and hopefully find a band to gig and write with. Even if it was just the pub circuit, one step at a time!

Are there any nailed-on records you can confirm for the set on the 4th?

As with any gig, I will adjust according to the night and the crowd. While it’s my last gig, what I play has to be in keeping with the ethos of the night. I’m sure there’ll be a couple of oldies and a surprise or two, but I’ll be keeping the set as ‘current’ as possible.

Anything else you’ve got up your sleeve for the night?

I’m going to DJ naked with David Guetta’s name drawn on my cock.

Head to www.stuhirst.com if you want more, and just come down on the night and see him in the flesh.