Remembering DJ Tony De Vit - by his Dad

My first recollections of Tony connected to music were many years ago, when he was about two years old. Stereo players had just come out and I acquired a portable version which split into two speakers when you opened the lid. For maximum effect I placed the speakers on the carpet and lay between them with my head on a cushion. Tony would lie on top of me for hours listening to the music.

After a while I updated to an HMV cabinet model which was much, much better. I can well remember Tony, aged two and a half, changing the records like an expert. His mom said that was all he did every morning till his lunch was ready. I felt then that his future lay in music.
Later in life Tony joined the school band and played a trumpet (don't laugh!). We also employed a piano teacher to give him lessons at home. Although it was classical music, Tony said it was such a big help to him as he progressed with his music career.

When he was sixteen, Tony's idol was Marc Bolan of T-Rex. He used to dress like him sometimes, with flared trousers, high-heeled shoes and a little bit of sparkle under his eyes. One amusing incident happened when Tony came down the escalator at Woolworths. He was wearing his 'T-Rex' high-heeled boots and when he went to step off, he fell over! An elderly lady helped Tony up and enquired: "Are you alright my dear?" After Marc Bolan died, I thought it would break Tony's heart. He sobbed for hours.

When Tony was still at school, aged about fourteen, I used to race a grasstrack motorbike most weekends during the summer. Tony came with me and he would get a little frustrated because he fancied a ride, but you weren't allowed a racing licence until you were sixteen years old. When that day came I'd bought him his own bike and a new set of racing leathers. I was so proud of him. Somebody said I was like a broody hen clucking around her chicks. Sounds about right!

After a few weeks Tony began beating me to the finishing line, so I decided to retire and let him have my bike, which was much more powerful. I then did the 'spannering'. This worked well. In a short time Tony was mixing it with the big boys, his highlight being invited to race in Norway.
But his music kept pulling him. In the end Tony had to choose between music or bikes. I'm so glad he chose music. I once asked Tony if he ever got fed up with dashing all over the country at 100mph and playing loud music for hours on end. Tony looked straight at me and said: "Dad, I love it."

That is how I'll remember Ant. He was a lovely kid all his life. I will always love him and cherish the memories.

Love to you all,

Ray de Vit - Tony's dad

ray@devit.freeserve.co.uk

Tony De Vit's links to Fantazia

Tony appeared on the Fantazia albums:

House Collection 2 and The Remixers Tony De Vit
as well as the Live in Leeds Mix tape from 1994.

Copies of which are available here