House music is a curious old beast when it comes to its roots, isn’t it? We all know – well, except if you’re David Guetta – that house music mostly originates from the cities of Chicago, Detroit and New York in the USA. Yet all three cities have their issues when it comes to celebrating their heritage and keeping the culture alive.

To be fair, this isn’t entirely the fault of the scene. The rise of, shall we say, more right-wing leaning politicians who use nightclubs as the equivalent of a political pinãta is sometimes to blame. But I firmly believe cities like Chicago should be proud of their heritage and should be unashamedly forward when it comes to celebrating it.

Which is why I entirely welcome the news that Metro and Smartbar in the city are being taken over this weekend for the For Frankie event. Taking place on Sunday 16th January, it’s basically a birthday party for the man himself – who would be turning 67 years old next Tuesday if he were still with us on this mortal realm.

As far as I’m concerned, things like this need to become annual events. Aside from massively benefitting the profile of the Frankie Knuckles Foundation, this helps keep memories fresh and might even invigorate the next generation from Chicago to create new moments. Heck, I’d even insist Chicago build a big statue of the man himself if I had my way…

Since we’re on the subject of Frankie Knuckles, where is the release of “I Want The Love Of My Own”? DJ International claimed the unreleased song was unearthed on a two-inch reel-to-reel tape and would be released in October last year. This hasn’t happened – and I’m not entirely sure why. DJ International have been contacted for comment…