Gaz Mayall
DJ and musician Gaz Mayall has been going to Notting Hill Carnival every year since 1973. If you read his interview in August’s issue of Grove and want to know what else he has to say about life in Notting Hill, read on
Above: Notting Hill Carnival DJ Gaz mayall
Grove magazine:What do you do in your band?
Gaz Mayall: I sing and play melodica [a free-reed instrument]. When I’m in the studio I play the piano as well. I used to bring a keyboard on stage when I first started the band but I just found that there was too much furniture in the way of the audience because people like to dance. I write some of the songs although we do a few covers. Some of the other band members write the instrumentals.
Grove magazine: What was the first record you bought?
Gaz Mayall: More of the Hard Stuff by The Dubliners. I’ve always liked Irish music but then I started to get into blues and rock ‘n’ roll because my dad is a blues musician. I discovered Little Richards, the wild man of rock n’ roll. I just love that sound – Tutti Fruiti, Good Golly Miss Molly – and that really got me into dancing. I also really got into reggae when it first came out in the 60s and I’ve followed it through all its evolutions.
Grove magazine:What was the last CD you bought?
Gaz Mayall: I was on my way to Cannes recently – to DJ for some big Microsoft advertising party at Palm Beach Casino. When I was at the airport and I really wanted to play Should I Stay or Should I Go just in case it all went horribly wrong so I bought The Clash’s Greatest Hit Singles so I could play it.
Grove magazine: Where do you go to for the best live music in Notting Hill?
Gaz Mayall: It’s always been quite random round here except for Neighbourhood [used to be called Subterranea], under the flyover. I used to hire that place when it was called Acklam Hall for £50 a night in the late 70s. It has had some great artists and memorable nights there over the years. The Pelican [All Saints Road, W11] has an open mic night on the second Wednesday of every month. It also has some good DJ spots and so does Woody’s [Woodfield Road, W9].
Grove magazine: Where do go for lunch in Notting Hill?
Gaz Mayall: I love Costas in Broadgate Street, Notting Hill Gate. There are two brothers. One brother has the chip shop and the other brother, Louis does the bar and grill while the sister helps him out. The family started in 1957 and it’s their 50th anniversary this year. They’ve got a fantastic secret garden out the back, so when the sun is shining it looks like a canopy of vines. In the autumn they’ll cut off the grapes, wash them and put them on your table. I have relatives that have moved to Greece so I know just how good Costas is. If you want to go somewhere cheap and cheerful, Galithia is great – you can get a whole three-course meal and coffee for £8.50 with real napkins and silver service. Mika, the Japanese in Tavistock Square is also excellent – especially as I go to Japan a lot.
Grove magazine:What do you miss when you’re away from home?
Gaz Mayall: The same thing that drew to the area and kept me here the whole time: the market, which, to us, is our River Nile. It’s the essence of the area. When that goes I’m off.
Grove magazine:What don’t you miss?
Gaz Mayall: [Long pause] Traffic wardens.
Grove magazine:What’s your philosophy on life?
Gaz Mayall: Be happy, eat well, have a good time and see the world. Notting Hill has always been the gateway to the world when I’ve had no money because it’s so multicultural. You can always eat well here and have a good time – the people are so lovely.
Grove magazine:What advice would you give someone visiting Notting Hill?
Gaz Mayall: Go to the Sunday market for tat and for the local vibe of the area. Also, check out the antiques, cinemas, restaurants, bars and most of all Notting Hill Carnival.
Grove magazine:What’s been your greatest achievement so far?
Gaz Mayall: To stay in the business that I’ve been in for so long. It has given me a great future to look forward to.
Grove magazine: Tell us a secret about the area…
Gaz Mayall: Sporting Club in Elkstone Road looks like a garage from the outside but once you’re inside you think you’re in Portugal. It has a wonderful restaurant – one of the best places to eat in London.