Lovely Jon

DJ and video film archivist Lovely Jon Casbard is a pivotal figure in the innovative film/DJ collaboration known as "Jigoku," recognized for his expertise in collecting rare underground films and film soundtracks. His passion for film music traces back to his childhood, ignited by receiving the Camden RCA soundtrack to 'A Fistful of Dollars' in 1973 after being captivated by Clint Eastwood's iconic character. Since then, Lovely Jon's devotion to music and movies has only intensified, spanning old-school VHS to Blu-Ray formats. With roots in the punk scene and a background in rave culture, Lovely Jon's journey led him to become a driving force in the East London club scene. His involvement with Subliminal Revolutions introduced him to legendary artists and fueled his experimentation with blending eclectic soundtracks and exploitation movie footage. This experimentation culminated in the creation of Jigoku, a pioneering underground fusion of punk rock and cult film that pushed boundaries long before the current fascination with 'cool soundtracks.' Teaming up with Gareth Goddard (Cherrystones, Godsy) in the mid-90s, Jigoku soared to new heights, culminating in high-profile shows at prestigious venues like the ICA alongside revered figures such as Italian soundtrack maestro Alessandro Alessandroni. Embracing the burgeoning underground club scene in East London, Lovely Jon continued to astonish audiences with audiovisual spectacles, collaborating with innovative collectives and curating original and challenging film festivals. A stalwart of the underground, Lovely Jon spearheaded numerous groundbreaking projects with a punk ethos, including the era-defining Jigoku DVD 'A Visual Mix Tape' and the curated Shaw Brothers Kung Fu Super Sounds soundtrack compilation. His contributions to cult Blu-Ray labels like Arrow and Indicator as a critic and film commentator underscore his deep knowledge and keen insights into obscure cinematic treasures.