Pete Tong is one of the most influential and recognizable figures in dance music's history, mainly due to his lengthy tenure as a host on BBC Radio 1, where he has hosted the weekly Essential Selection and Essential Mix programs since the early '90s. Through these programs, as well as the FFRR Records label, which he founded, Tong has broken countless club anthems to the general public, elevating dance music into the pantheon of popular culture. He has released numerous best-selling mix CDs, and maintains his status as a major club and festival DJ, favouring crowd-pleasing hits and club classics during his energetic sets.