All My Friends, an indie club night launched in 2016 by audio producer Dave Masterman, has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, expanding from a modest venue near Oxford Street to selling out major locations such as Manchester’s Albert Hall and London’s Koko. The event’s guiding principle remains consistent: music that gets people dancing and is widely recognizable, without any elitism or genre exclusivity.

A distinctive feature of All My Friends is its lineup of guest DJs, who are often comedians, actors, or musicians rather than professional disc jockeys. Notable past participants include Josh Widdicombe, Sophie Willan, James Acaster, Lou Sanders, and Chesney Hawkes. Perhaps the most notable guest to date, however, has been Andy Burnham, who was mayor of Greater Manchester at the time of his appearance in 2024 and has since become Prime Minister.

Masterman approached Burnham with the invitation after realizing the mayor’s known passion for music and DJing aligned well with the club’s ethos. The connection was initially inspired by a joke during a podcast Masterman produces, which speculated about politicians who enjoy DJing. Without any prior relationship or formal introduction, Masterman reached out to Burnham’s team with details about the event and the type of music featured.

Burnham’s participation proved to be seamless and enthusiastic. Arriving with friends and family, he engaged fully with the event, requesting continental lagers and preparing a playlist that reflected his musical tastes, featuring bands such as New Order, The Stone Roses, Oasis, and The Smiths. One highlight was the inclusion of D:Ream’s “Things Can Only Get Better,” which Masterman saw as an indication that the mayor was mindful of the crowd’s preferences.

Despite some initial questions from Masterman about certain song choices, such as Puressence, Burnham’s selections were well received by the audience. When it was his turn to DJ, he quickly took command of the stage, energizing the crowd, singing along, and displaying an ease that dispelled concerns he might maintain a reserved political demeanor. His genuine enjoyment was evident throughout his set.

Following the event, Burnham expressed his appreciation and mentioned that his family had enjoyed the experience. He also donated his DJ fee to charity. Videos of his performance have since gained renewed attention online this year, gaining viral status.

Masterman has left the door open for the Prime Minister to return should the opportunity arise, acknowledging the unique moment when a prominent political figure embraced the spirit of an indie club night dedicated to accessible, fun music.