Legendary DJ Carl Cox has revealed on Heart Dance Breakfast he had hoped to perform with Angie Stone before her death.
Speaking to Toby Anstis, Carl reflected on his long career, from his first paid DJ job to receiving an OBE and shared the personal story behind one of the songs most closely linked to his sets.
He explained that Angie Stone’s Wish I Didn’t Miss You became a defining track during his residency at Space Ibiza, even though he had only played it there.
Carl said: “I have never ever ever ever played it anywhere in the world, apart from in that moment.”
He added that the song created a lasting connection with audiences because of the emotions it carried, saying: “When you hear the song, the feeling of it, my musicality, how I feel about it, I thought it was the only song to play.”
Looking back, Carl revealed he had hoped to invite Angie to perform the track with him.
He said, “I was going to get her, two years ago, to come and perform that record and unfortunately, she got killed and passed away.”
He added that the memory of the performance lives on and praised Pete Tong’s orchestral version of the song, saying hearing it performed with strings still has a powerful emotional impact.
Carl also reflected on how his career began, explaining that he built his record collection while still at school before moving on from discos and birthday parties to weddings.
Asked about his first paid booking, he revealed it was a wedding that earned him £60, although he joked it cost him around £40 to do the job.
When Toby Anstis pointed out that hiring Carl Cox for £60 would now be an incredible bargain, he laughed and replied, “All night too!”
The DJ also spoke about receiving his OBE, admitting the honour came as a surprise after years of calls for him to be recognised.
He said he had never worked for awards and instead focused on sharing his love of music and supporting charitable causes.
“Anything I put my hand to, I put my heart and soul into every single thing,” he said.
Reflecting on what the honour means to him, he added, “It’s a wonderful thing to be able to hold my head up high and on this planet earth, I meant something to some people.”
Listen to Toby Anstis on Heart Dance Breakfast weekdays from 7am – 10am on Global Player.