Dream FM (London)

Dream FM was a London pirate radio station active in the 1990s,[1] most well known for championing the happy hardcore music scene.[2][3]

Dream FM started broadcasting in January 1994 from Battersea, South West London, having briefly been named Global FM. Dream played predominantly happy hardcore and breakbeat hardcore but also had shows for jungle and house, during the transitional period where breakbeat music was fragmenting into different genres.[4] In March 1995, Dream moved to its renowned 107.6 FM frequency as its popularity exploded, with the station promoting raves at London venues such as Club Labrynth, Bagley's, and Adrenalin Village.[5] They were one of the first pirate stations to host live outside broadcasts from their events and notable for their phone-ins and on-air games such as Beat The Raid.

In April 1996, Dream were featured in a BBC First Sight documentary about pirate radio in London.[6]

Between 1996 and 1998, Dream branched out into producing its own monthly magazine Dream Magazine, which was available on the high-street.[4]

DJs and MCs to have been played on Dream include: DJ Spinback (its original founder), Swifflee & Fiaz (who managed the station), DJ Energy, MC Suicide, Rhythm Master, Boots Hi-Fi, Groove Vandal, Tom Thumb, MC Livelee, MC Ruff, Extreme, Jimmy J, Krazy G & Phantom D, MC Stevie A, DJ Uproar & MC Sniper, DJ Wise, Innocence & Influence, MC Base, Reds & Gussy, Temptation, DJ Eclipse & MC Twilight, and Rise & Shine.

Dream FM finally closed broadcasting on 13 April 1997, hosting a farewell party on 19 April at London's Linford Film Studio venue.