Zane Lowe is one of the most popular and richest DJ who was born on August 7, 1973 in Auckland, New Zealand. Radio DJ and record producer, most well-known for his BBC Radio 1 radio program which ran from 2003 to 2015. He has been the recipient of numerous radio industry honors including the NME Awards for the Best Radio Show in each of the years 2005-2008.
He is also the co-writer, producer and director of the 2014 He is the co-writer and producer of the 2014 Sam Smith song “Restart.” track “Restart.”
Lowe started his career on MTV Two (now MTV Rocks) presenting shows such as Up 4 It (1997) and Brand:New (1999). From 2002 to 2015, he presented Gonzo, its flagship music show. The show evolved from a two-hour random collection of presenting and clips, to a primetime (7pm) show featuring regular musical guests and interviews. The show was presented solely by Lowe, with the studio effectively being a blue screen and ‘Brown Couch’. His presenting manner on Gonzo was more laid back than on his radio show. The show featured music videos, music news and input from the channel’s message boards. The show also featured mock interview done by a character called Ginger Bloke, in which popular musical artists were humorously “interviewed.” Occasionally, moderators of the boards (chosen on Gonzo and by the members) contributed; one member even filled in for a week when Lowe was too unwell to present. At Oxegen Festival 2006, Zane Lowe was reportedly “beaten up” by Didz Hammond and Carl Barât from Dirty Pretty Things on an episode of Gonzo. He has since said that the punch was in fact completely playful but unfortunately, and painfully, connected with his groin.
Lowe relocated to the UK in 1997. He initially worked at the Record and Tape Exchange in Notting Hill, before being asked to cover for a show on XFM, going on to host XFM’s Music Response. In 2003, he joined BBC Radio 1, showcasing new music from around the world.
In 1999, he married Kara, a woman whose two sons he had.
