The visit was a proud moment for our community, seeing the global star return to the place that first shaped him.. Before heading off to play at the massive Creamfields Festival, DJ Schak, a global name in electronic music, returned to his roots at YMCA North Tyneside to share a powerful message with our Youth Group and Summer Holiday Club.
A true local legend, who also attended Monkseaton High School, Schak spoke with genuine gratitude about how our YMCA was an important place for him growing up. He spoke about spending countless hours in our old recording studio—a place where he created some of his very first tracks, long before he became a household name. He’s forever grateful for the facilities and opportunities he had here, showing our young people that support from the community can be the first step on a life-changing journey.
“Nobody should tell you what you can or cannot do. You are capable of anything.”
The session also included a Q&A, where Schak’s down-to-earth personality really shone through. When asked if he had any other career plans, he hilariously shared a few of his childhood ambitions: a binman, because he loved the shiny truck; a train driver; and, to a chorus of laughs, a lawyer. He finished his answer with a profound piece of advice, sharing that while money is certainly nice, true fulfillment comes from doing what you love, and that happiness outweighs financial gain every time. He also jokingly added that his ultimate dream was to be an astronaut, but his lack of skill in maths quickly put an end to that idea!
Another great question from the group was, “What does it feel like to play to huge crowds?” Schak’s answer was simple and heartwarming. He said it feels amazing—a feeling of “pure happiness.” It is a brilliant feeling, he explained, to do something that makes other people so happy.
Schak’s core message to the group was a powerful reminder: “Nobody should tell you what you can or cannot do. You are capable of anything.” He encouraged them to find what they love, explaining that “if you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
He also gave some down-to-earth advice, telling them to stay in school and enjoy the good times that come with it. His words truly captured his unique blend of global success and North Shields roots
His visit felt less like a celebrity appearance and more like a true local legend paying it forward, proving that genuine success never loses touch with its roots.
We are incredibly proud to have been a part of Schak’s story, and we’re even more proud to see him give back in such a meaningful way. His visit was a powerful lesson in gratitude, hard work, and the importance of staying true to your roots. The group loved having him visit.
Just like Schak, countless young people in our community have found support and opportunity through our programmes. To find out how you can be a part of it, learn more about our Youth & Community Programmes today.
Recent Comments