Adam Burden
Also known as DJ Wheels, he was born with cerebral palsy which has meant he has spent his life confined to a wheelchair
He says he sees his disability as “an annoyance rather than a hurdle,” as he makes clear to all those who meet him. He rarely has time on his hands, dedicating his hours to his passion – music and DJing, as well as providing his services as a professional speaker, disability campaigner, and as a disability sports coach.
At the age of 20, Adam was the first ever participant in a wheelchair to take part in the gruelling 26-mile Brighton Marathon. In 2008, whilst unable to compete due to an illness, he was picked to play in the Beijing Paralympics after winning several medals in the GB boccia championships, a sport similar to bowls and pétanque. He has also won a number of medals in national wheelchair athletics competitions.
Adam sees his disability as ‘an annoyance rather than a hurdle.’
Adam is also a qualified disability sports coach and worked at Brighton & Hove Albion, the club in his hometown of Brighton. In his rare spare time, he takes part in wheelchair football and hockey.
During lockdown in March 2020, Adam started applying to radio stations in hope of finding his dream job as a DJ. He was successful and managed to get a weekly 2-hour slot every Monday on GrooveLondon Radio which led to him attracting a loyal fan base.
Since leaving GrooveLondon his career has gone from strength to strength, regular DJing on radio stations plus in several clubs across the UK. After being signed by the legendary label owner, and DJ Paul van Dyk, securing him a place in the Beatport Top 100 charts, his platform has risen considerably and has also played in clubs in the capital of dance music, Ibiza.
Adam is an expert and creating music that reflect dramatic surroundings, most recently performing in the grounds of Castle Goring, built for the great romantic poet, Percy Shelley, and home of Lady Colin Campbell of “I’m a Celebrity” fame, plus the cliffs of the 162 metres high Beachy Head, and the iconic Brighton Beach. He welcomes the opportunity to film and play in other dramatic locations.