Esteemed DJ and music journalist’s new book charting the birth of electronic music out now

‘James Hamilton’s Dance Pages 1983-1989’ chronicles the evolution of electronica through the columns of the late DJ and dance scribe.

Date published: 18th Dec 2025

A new book chronicling the birth and evolution of electronic music is out now. Edited by Mike Atkinson and featuring introductions from Pete Tong and Greg Wilson, James Hamilton’s Dance Pages 1983-1989 compiles more than 700 of the late DJ and dance music columnist’s reviews, alongside club scene notes, reviews, charts and mixing tips. The 800-page book follows up from its predecessor Disco Pages 1975-1982 as the old disco era faded and made way for the electronic era. 

An esteemed journalist and musician, James Hamilton was a dance music columnist for the now legendary Record Mirror, one of the most influential weekly music newspapers of its time. In addition to his work as a columnist, Hamilton pioneered the use of BPMs and continuous mixing, shaping the foundations of British club culture and the modern DJ’s technical approach long before the rave era. As Pete Tong recently observed, James “validated and inspired a whole generation of the club scene. He could make your day or ruin your week with his opinions, but he always had respect because – for a long time – he was always there.”

Wilson and Atkinson will be launching the book in London on Saturday 20th December from 6:30pm to 9pm, where signed copies can be purchased.

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