Tong meant a lot to me 1991-97 and for that I will always owe gratitude for exposing me to some amazing music. HOWEVER, he has been in gradual decline ever since...
he was never rated for his mixing ability at any time in his career - anyone who thinks he's a decent DJ is probably quite cloth-eared - he matters (mattered?) because of his sterling radio and A&R work, which is legendary and for his pivotal role in spreading the house gospel across the UK - for years, he was THE barometer of what was emerging in our scene across a myriad of genres and for that I salute him
I think he's a decent fella who has championed thousands of unknown artists over the years, but post-2000 is trading on his reputation and an ageing/fading force in the industry
his selections on the radio show comared to 10 (even 5) years previously are, quite frankly, embarrassing and his desperate keeping in with the yoof, smacks of a prolonged mid-life crisis...
I used to write on his forum before it got shut down - he was decent enough to contribute and explain changes at R1 and put people on guesties. I can't knock him - just think it's time to let go.... - Radio 2 awaits!