Cut Some Rugger

The only act to perform two sets at Oxegen 2010, DJs Church and Gordo – aka Ireland international and Leinster rugby star, Cian Healy and his side-kick, Gordon – return this year as part of another wonderfully eclectic Red Bull Electric Ballroom line-up. Both long-time friends from Clontarf on Dublin’s north side, the pair have forged a unique partnership behind the decks, and one that has won them a huge following wherever they appear. Not surprisingly, they’re both chomping at the bit to get back in action again.

“Last year was absolutely brilliant,” Healy enthuses. “I’ve been doing this with Gordo for about three years and it was a definite career highlight. We couldn’t believe the reaction and we were lucky enough to be able to play two sets. One in the Red Bull tent and the other in the dance tent. We had a huge crowds for both. They were really into it.”
For their set this year Church & Gordo will be doing a mix of old favourites and some newer tunes, according to Healy
“We play a bit of everything,” he proffers. “With different crowds you have to be flexible but for something like Oxegen we’d go for a lot of newer stuff, which tends to go down well with a festival audience. We’re just back from Ibiza. We’ve brought back some great new tunes which we’ll be premiering on the night “
How does it usually work in terms of performing. Do they take turns on the decks or is it a collaborative effort?
Gordo: “We do a bit together for a while then he’ll play a tune and I’d play a tune. It works out well We usually play for an hour or an hour and a half or so. The time flies. I noticed that last year a lot of people liked the stuff they’d never heard before which was surprising. I’ve been DJing since I was about 15. I’m a bit of a ‘90s dance nut. Stuff like Afrojack and something like say, Avicci’s ‘Levels’ always goes down well.”
Healy: “I’m big into hip hop as well as dance so I like to hear something like a mix of Snoop Dog and a dance tune.”
Finally, will they get a chance to catch any of the other acts at Oxegen?
Healy: “Yeah, we’ll do a good bit of hopping around the place. I enjoy the fact that there are so many unbelievable artists playing this year, way too many to choose from but I’ll catch as much as I can.”
Gordo: “We find we end up listening to a lot of new bands that we haven’t heard of before but I’m looking forward to Coldplay myself.”

Church And Gordo play the Red Bull Electric Ballroom on the Saturday.