Grooverider [UK]

Presented by: Meow Touring

Now at Meow Nui!

Support just announced: DDOG

A foundational figure in the evolution of drum’n’bass, Grooverider is one of the genre’s most respected and influential artists. Emerging from London’s pirate radio and underground party culture in the mid-’80s, his early sets drew from a broad musical palette — funk, soul, hip hop, electro, punk, and early rave — shaping an approach that prioritised musical selection over trends and technique.

Grooverider’s residency at the seminal London club Rage placed him at the centre of a formative period in UK dance music history, where he witnessed — and guided — the transition from acid house and techno into what would become drum’n’bass. During this era, he became known for championing new sounds and supporting emerging artists, playing a key role in defining the genre’s identity and values.

Beyond the club circuit, Grooverider has remained a driving force through his long-standing involvement with Metalheadz, curating line-ups that read like a who’s who of drum’n’bass while continually pushing the music forward. His production work further reflects his wide-ranging influences, blending raw dancefloor energy with funk, experimentation, and musical depth.

Renowned for authoritative, funk-driven DJ sets that balance history with innovation, Grooverider continues to command dancefloors worldwide. This is a rare opportunity to experience one of drum’n’bass’ true originators live at Meow Nui, Wellington.