Vans The Man

This month club DJ and technical producer Simon Le Vans will celebrate 21 years as a resident of Sundays at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. As the longest running weekly resident DJ ever at the historic South London club and cabaret venue, Debbieanne O’Donovan caught up with him to talk about his legacy and his upcoming anniversary party on the 16th March…

When the former landlord pulled out of the RVT’s lease in 1998 it was Simon and Venue Manager Jason Dickie who decided they would try and keep it running. Simon leant his hand by installing a sound system and various DIY around the venue and Jason would buy stock each day with the previous night’s takings. It was hand to mouth for a while but between the team the pub remained open.

During Simon’s reign world events have shaped some of the most memorable moments. On the Sunday Princess Diana died, Adrella arrived at the RVT but was too upset to perform, so Simon stepped in and played instrumental tracks whilst punters milled around in a state of shock. Amongst countless fundraising efforts, when the Tsunami hit on Boxing Day 2004, Simon got a bucket from the cellar and passed it around, and the venue raised thousands of pounds for the victims.

As well as other club DJ residencies and appearances over the years, ‘The Legend Le Vans’ (as he has become known on the airwaves) has worked extensively as a radio presenter.

Simon has since joined dance station This Is Electric, recently becoming their Head of Music and presenting Saturday and Sunday daytime show ‘Funky Weekend’. He can also occasionally be heard broadcasting on gay dance station Jemm One filling in for their holidaying presenters.

As one half of duo Mars & Vans, in addition to multiple remix projects, in 2012 the twosome penned and produced dancefloor hit ‘Amazing’ with a hand and vocals from Adam Turner. The song enjoyed success on the club circuit as well as airplay support from dance-led music radio.

This month Simon will use his twenty-one years at the RVT to provide expert opinion in finding the entertaining act to crown the 2014 winner of The Tavern’s Got Talent. Alongside fellow panel members Titti La Camp and Stewart Who? with a hand from host Mzz Kimberley the night will help raise vital funds for The Food Chain.

• Simon Le Van’s birthday party and ‘21st Anniversary’ will be on Sunday 16th March at The RVT (372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5HY), 2pm-midnight. 

photos © Mike Kear, Nick Merritt, Debbieanne O’Donovan and Michto Rex