Paul Oakenfold performs a sunset set at Stonehenge in a historic first ever performance at the UK’s Wonder of The World
Stonehenge, one of the world’s most famous and spectacular monuments played host tonight, to a unique world first experience when Paul Oakenfold performed a full sunset set besides the stone circle.
The world famous DJ, recording artist, producer and UK house music pioneer was invited to perform by Alon Shulman, MD at Universe, and given the honour of being the first ever DJ to play at the sacred site in Wiltshire.
Having the opportunity to play at the site, built 5,000 years ago, has been a “privilege” said Oakenfold for the experience. “I am so lucky to be able to share my music from such an iconic site. The energy here is like nowhere else on earth, and this is reflected in my music. Despite having performed at incredible events and locations all across the globe, sunset at Stonehenge is by far THE most magical moment to have the privilege to experience.”
Oakenfold and Universe recorded their new album ‘Live at Stonehenge’ creating a ‘first of its kind experience’ for those 50 guests lucky enough to be a part of this moment in music history.
The event, conceived and produced by Alon Shulman, is part of his new ‘Origins’ concept that incorporates music, film and performance alongside incredible production. Shulman, commenting on the event, “Together, Paul and I wanted to create something completely unique. Being known for our ground-breaking performances and collaborations it is fitting that our first special moment takes place at Stonehenge”.
“Alon makes the impossible possible” says Oakenfold “and his understanding and respect for the site is what has made this show so perfect”. The guests were treated to a surprise celebration of Paul’s world’s first when Paul was then joined in front of the stones for a full back to back set with the legendary Carl Cox.
As the custodians of Stonehenge, English Heritage cares for many of England’s most important landmarks. “We’ve been working very closely with Alon Shulman and the team at Universe on a number of innovative projects in support of English Heritage and the incredible collection of sites in our care” says English Heritage’s Director of Development Luke Purser. “We’re delighted with Paul’s enthusiasm for our work and that he has embraced the uniqueness of this site where he will be recorded his new album, and that proceeds from which will go towards the charity".
Photography Credit:
DJ Paul Oakenfold records album ‘Live at Stonehenge’, in historic first ever performance within the stones at the UK’s Wonder of The World, Stonehenge. Copyright, Alon Shulman, photographer Anton Nelson / AHTOH
Paul Oakenfold: His story is a legendary one: in the summer of 1987, Paul Oakenfold took a trip to Ibiza, fell in love with the island and its sounds, went back to the UK and transformed the UK dance landscape with his brand of Balearic house, defining a scene, a culture and a generation. His influence is astonishingly wide: he was a driving force behind acid house and trance, created the dance music and EDM explosion in the USA where he still resides, released ground-breaking singles, remixes and albums on his legendary Perfecto label, produced the Happy Mondays, remixed the likes of Madonna, Moby, Rolling Stones and U2 who he also supported and toured with, making him the first rock star DJ. His DJ residencies in the UK, in Ibiza and around the world continue to establish him as one of the finest selectors, influencers and artists, positioning him as a titan of dance music. He has been voted the No1 DJ in the World twice, nominated for 2 Grammy Awards and was recently (July 2018) recognised as the most influential DJ ever.
Universe™A pioneering dance music brand at the forefront of dance and youth culture, Universe is headed up by Alon Shulman. Known for legendary events with ground-breaking production, special locations and entertainment overload including the : genre defining Universe Tribal Gathering festival, Thirst, UniverseCity and the Final Frontier club nights, Universe has hosted over 400 of the finest live acts in the world including Prodigy, Moby, Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Leftfield, Kraftwerk, The JB’s, Orbital, Faithless and Daft Punk. Universe events have without equal provided the finest global DJ line-ups ever assembled including Sasha, Paul Oakenfold, Fatboy Slim, Masters at Work, Pete Tong, Todd Terry, Carl Cox, Laurent Garnier, DJ Fresh and Armand Van Helden.
Alon Shulman: Owner of the Universe™ brand, Alon is an author and award winning festival, concert and club promoter. He is the CEO of the World Famous Group – a multimedia entertainment business that includes content generating activity, management, production, promotion, Entrepreneurs Universe and a literary agency. He acts a Special Advisor to a number of brands, individuals and organisations.
English Heritage: English Heritage cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites - from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of the empire to a Cold War bunker. Many of England’s most important landmarks including Dover Castle, Wellington Arch, Stonehenge, Kenwood House and Hadrian’s Wall form part of the portfolio. Through these, they bring the story of England to life for over 10 million people each year. Caring for these places and their collections for the benefit of this and future generations is a cornerstone of everything they do. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/