In recent weeks we’ve seen a diverse set of musical picks from the 60s, 70s and 80s including Peter Hannibal’s rock tinged selections, now Gabi Stergides, Bacta’s youngest ever National President, brings us full tilt into the 90s and noughties with big beats, rebellious anthems and globe-trotting robot DJs!

Gabi Stergides grew up in the UK arcade and amusements sector and is part of one of the best known family businesses in the industry. With such a background it’s perhaps no surprise that he should take the reins at Bacta serving as Vice President before succeeding Jason Frost as President in March 2017. During his period in charge he has promoted a progressive agenda, led important high profile political campaigns, given Bacta a younger profile and helped grow membership levels in the process.

First song you remember hearing?

It was on a family holiday in Tenerife, I was about five-years-old and dancing on the tables to The Birdy Song by The Tweets. Apparently, I knew how to put on a show for people!

Song that reminds you of your teenage years?

Blue Boy’s Remember Me and No Good (Start The Dance) by Prodigy always remind me of when my friends started driving and the rebellious feeling of being young.

First single ever bought?

Around The World by Daft Punk. I was so excited when I went to buy this. It’s still a great song and it tied in with my love of travelling across the globe back then, something which I still haven’t lost to this day.

First album ever bought?

Prodigy’s Music for the Jilted Generation. I’d heard the singles on the radio and as there was no internet or You- Tube, if you wanted to hear it you had to go and buy it. I still have the CD and still play it in my car to this day.

Song that makes you want to dance?

Katy Perry’s Firework. On my 30th birthday I was at a club where she was performing and one of my friends told her it was my birthday so she changed the lyrics and now it never fails to get me on the floor.

What song do you sing in the shower?

Woke Up This Morning by Alabama 3. I love The Sopranos and this song is such a perfect morning song to give you adrenaline and make you feel like you can take on the world. Not a bad way to start the day!

Song you can no longer stand?

Anything by Britney Spears or Ed Sheeran. Britney was everywhere and just got too much for me, and Sheeran is Marmite music, you either love him or you don’t.

Last song you heard before now?

Someone was just playingYou Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC on Guitar Hero in an arcade. I’m more a Back In Black fan, such a great workout song!

Song you want at your funeral?

Andrea Bocelli’s Time to Say Goodbye, which I saw in the Sopranos and partly inspired me to learn Italian. I’d also have Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door by Guns N’ Roses so people walk away laughing and celebrating my life with joy not sadness.

Song that is a guilty pleasure?

I’m not sure why but I’d have to choose Happiness Juice by Munk but the Miguel Campbell remix from Hed Kandi. It’s a bit of a cheeky title but if I’m a bit down this always lifts me up.

First song you paid for on a jukebox?

I would have been about 11-years-old in Ed’s Diner in Soho and I selected That’s Amore by Ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra. All together now,“When the moon hits your eye…”.

Coinslot May 11 – May 17 . No 2576