#148 John Gardner (Faith In Physics / Barbarella)

The Story of John Gardner: DJ an Owner of Orlando's Barbarella, Faith In Physics, Beach Club & More

In this episode, we talk with longtime Orlando DJ and nightclub owner John Gardner about nearly five decades of involvement in Central Florida music and nightlife. John talks about growing up in Orlando, discovering music through his older brother's record collection, buying records, attending concerts, and visiting early record stores including Southern Music, Peaches, and East West Records. He recalls seeing bands such as Queen, KISS, America, and the Rolling Stones at the Lakeland Civic Center.

John discusses getting into DJing after seeing a wedding DJ and realizing he could turn his love of records into a business. He talks about doing school dances, becoming involved with the Hague Lounge, and eventually opening Faith in Physics in 1985. He recalls working with promoter Jim Faherty and several of the touring ad local bands that performed at Faith in Physics, including Suicidal Tendencies, Circle Jerks, 10,000 Maniacs, Damage, Love Gods and Leisure Suits, Rose Shadows, and Craven A.

John talks about opening Beach Club in downtown Orlando at the end of 1987, the emergence of Club Space Fish nights, and the role the venues played in Orlando's alternative music scene. He recalls performances by Smashing Pumpkins, Butthole Surfers, and the B-52s.

The conversation also covers the transition from Beach Club to Barbarella and later Independent Bar, one of his favorite 1980s local bands It's All Over (IAO), changes in downtown Orlando nightlife scene, and more. He also talks about getting into pickleball and his plans to keep DJing as he approaches 50 years of DJing.