Review: David Morales at Joshua Brooks, Manchester — April 2025

There are nights when you go out, and then there are nights that stay with your soul forever. David Morales at Joshua Brooks in Manchester was one of the latter — a true masterclass in house music from one of the originators, delivered with heart, history, and heat.

From the moment Mr Morales stepped behind the decks, the atmosphere ignited with a reverent kind of electricity. The crowd wasn’t just there to dance — we were there to connect, to celebrate, and to witness a legend in action. And David certainly did not disappoint. His set was a seamless journey through timeless classics and deeply infectious grooves, including unforgettable moments like "Finally", "Mr. Loverman", and his iconic "Needin’ U", — each track hitting just right, each one lifting the room a little higher.

He also blessed us with a dose of Jamiroquai’s "Space Cowboy"  that literally sent the dancefloor into orbit. And when "Where Love Lives" came on, a classic created in collaboration with the late, great Frankie Knuckles, you could feel the history of house pulsing through every beat. Every track brought unexpected joy — with cheeky, spicy touches that had everyone smiling and moving.

But the music was only part of the experience.

After the gig, I had the privilege of speaking to David — and let me tell you, he is exactly what the house community holds dear: humble, grounded, and full of love for his craft. Despite his legacy — Grammy Award-winning producer, remixer for the likes of Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Michael Jackson, and a founding figure of house music culture — David remains a man of the people. Kind, warm, and soulful. His eyes light up when he speaks about music, and his passion is as pure and potent as it was in the Paradise Garage days.

David Morales

What makes David truly magnetic is his vibrant energy and unassuming flair. He moves with an effortless flow behind the decks — a man fully in his element, channeling something greater than himself. His love for the scene is palpable, and nowhere is this more evident than in his affection for Ibiza’s iconic Pikes Club, where he plays regularly and holds dear. His sets there — like this one in Manchester — are more than music. They're offerings of joy, an invitation for the audience to escape into bliss.

I first met David at Glitterbox in Liverpool, where he greeted me with the same warmth and presence that defines his sound. We chatted briefly, shared a smile, and snapped a selfie — a small moment that has stayed with me ever since. That same generosity of spirit shone through again at Joshua Brooks, where I had the deep privilege and honour of speaking with him after the gig. Despite the lights, the crowd, and the legend status, he remained humble, grounded, and soulful. His passion for music, for life, and for connection is real — and it radiates through everything he does.

Morales has always been more than a DJ — he’s a cultural architect. As a pioneer of New York’s house scene, he helped shape the sound that now fills global dancefloors, laying foundations alongside names like Frankie Knuckles and Larry Levan. His influence in electronic dance music is immeasurable — from Def Mix to his own label Diridim launched in 2018, he’s never stopped pushing the sound forward.

And even now, he’s still serving the faithful. His weekly Sunday Mass sets on Twitch have become sacred rituals for house heads around the world, a virtual temple for connection, celebration, and musical healing. Whether he’s in Ibiza, Tokyo, New York or Manchester, Morales continues to preach the gospel of groove — and we’re lucky to be in his congregation.

That night at Joshua Brooks was more than a gig. It was a reminder of the power of music to unite, uplift, and transform. And David Morales He’s not just a legend — he’s a living legacy, still dancing with us, still blessing us, still Needin’ U.

Me & David Morales 2025. Photo Credit: Neil Tydesley