“Music is a magical vehicle to help develop so many other transferable life skills, which can be fundamental in changing young people’s lives for a lifetime.” – Jono Heale
We’re absolutely buzzing to welcome long-time supporter, incredible advocate, and all-round musical powerhouse Jono Heale to the Last Night A DJ Saved My Life Board of Trustees!
Jono brings with him over 35 years of experience across the music and entertainment world — from his days as a professional musician and BBC session player to launching a national student network that helped shape stars like Ed Sheeran. He’s a fierce champion of hearing health, using his own lived experience with tinnitus to spark real change through education, advocacy, and innovation in safe listening.
Now sitting on the board at ACS Custom, Jono is at the forefront of hearing protection and awareness in our industry. His global campaign Play Safe Now – Hear Tomorrow is backed by major artists, venues, and institutions — and his energy for change doesn’t stop there.
Whether he’s DJing Northern Soul, guest lecturing at conservatoires, or working on industry initiatives like Listen For Life, Jono’s passion for music as a force for good runs deep. And now, he’s turning that energy into action with LNADJ.
Earlier this year, Jono joined us on the ground in Tanzania, helping to deliver our Get Equipped project — and he was nothing short of amazing! From hands-on workshops to mentoring young people, his contribution was invaluable and truly brought the spirit of the project to life.
As a trustee, Jono will help us grow and evolve our life-changing initiatives — from expanding Get Equipped, to strengthening partnerships, sourcing kit, and getting stuck in on the ground at our Challenges and international activations.
With Jono at the forefront of building hope through music, he and ACS Custom invited us to join an evergreen collaboration that changes lives whenever someone purchases a pair of ACS Custom festival-ready earplugs. An incredible 100% of each sale supports our work!
We caught up with Jono to talk about his new role, his mission to build hope through music, and what it means to be part of a movement that’s turning dance music into direct impact.
Read the full interview below.
What motivated you to volunteer with Last Night A DJ Saved My Life Foundation and participate in this experience?
“Ever since meeting Jonny Lee in the early days of the Brighton Music Conference, I’ve been personally and professionally impressed by the incredible and life-changing work that Last Night A DJ Saved My Life does globally.
Their mission has always struck a chord with me… pardon the pun. I’ve always wanted to be involved and help support them because music can change lives. Jonny and I have talked many times to see how I and ACS could collaborate somehow, often overlooking the Mediterranean in Ibiza, which was nice. But now the time is right for me, and I’m honoured to get more involved. It’s synchronicity in many ways.”
How does our mission—building hope for children and young people through music—resonate with you personally?
“It resonates with me and should for everyone really because without the fantastic work, charities like LNADJ do globally, the world would be a darker place for many less fortunate people. I’ve witnessed the transformative power of music and the arts in my career on many levels over the years and seen how it has changed people’s lives. Therefore, supporting LNADJ is part of my personal and professional life ethos.”
Can you share a moment in your life where music made a real difference for you or someone you know? It
“Too many to choose from. I could not share just one moment I’m afraid. They are all super special to me in many many ways or uplifting in very dark times of my life. Music has literally kept me alive!”
With your background in music/the music industry, what unique insights or strengths do you think bring to the charity?
“Hopefully, my musicianship, teaching and organisational skills, dedication, joy of working in a field team, annoying enthusiasm, a sense of humour and ability to make good coffee. More seriously though,.. strategic planning and building sector relationships and mutually beneficial collaborations and social media content.”
What excites you most about being part of Last Night A DJ The first Saved My Life?
“Making a difference in the world and bring hope through music!”
Why do you believe music and creativity are such powerful tools for change?
“As I’ve probably said before, I’ve seen the power of music in action on many levels in my life. It makes connections, bring people together, it brings joy, it’s vehicle to develop and utilise other important transferable life skills. It can also be a vital tool to reengage young and/or disaffected and marginalised people in any educational process.”
Which of our initiatives, such as Get Equipped, Have a Drink on Us, Smiles for Life, or Street to Street, speaks to you the most and why?
“The Get Equipped campaign. I remember as a kid trying to get access to music making gear and how frustrating that was. So, to provide music equipment for the opportunity to bring hope and change lives through the power of music is incredible in many ways. I’ve witnessed the transformative power of music and the arts in my career on many levels and seen how it has changed people’s lives. I did Music Therapy as part of my Music Degree, and I also think providing the right instruments to facilitate this so important. Music is a magical vehicle to help develop so many other transferable life skills and a healing and therapeutic tool, which can be fundamental in changing young people’s lives for a lifetime.”
Why do you think it’s important for the music industry to give back in meaningful ways?
Because it is and the industry should! That is all. Period!
What impact do you hope to make in your role as a trustee?
“Help develop and widen the reach of current projects and campaigns to procure more funding. Help build more relationships in the wider music and support industries. Acquire more musical equipment to help deliver the charity’s provision. Participate in the Challenges as a representative of the board of Trustees. Generate and contribute to content and assets for social media, promotion and PR.
Ultimately I wish to utilise my strengths and skillset to build hope through music for those that need it in the world.”
Finally, can you name one record that changed or saved your life—and what it means to you?
“Well.. a difficult one. I have so many songs that changed and quite literally saved my life. But as a kid I wanted to be a drummer. One of the first singles on vinyl I bought was by Cosy Powell called Na Na Na. The lyrics really resonated with me especially as my parents wanted me to get a ‘proper job’ and being a musician wasn’t really one, or so they thought.
“When I was a kid, my old man said to me
When you grow up son what’s it gonna be?
You gonna go to school and get a degree?
Or you gonna go work in a factory?
I said, “Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na”
I know what I want and I know what I can
And I wanna get a job in a rock n roll band
Well, the man at the desk said
I know how you feel
But how’d ya like a job fixin’ automobiles
Your card says you got no musical training
I said, “Hey, look man
You just don’t get my meaning“
Enough said. Both my parents unfortunately died in their 50’s and I ended up following my dreams, without any criticism, including getting an Honours a Degree in Music.
I hope they would be proud that I did make a career from music in the end and from that the opportunity to help others in the process.”
A massive thank you to Jono from all of us at LNADJ for stepping into the role of trustee with such passion and purpose. Having seen him in action on the ground in Tanzania and witnessed his musical talents firsthand, we know we’re in great company. Here’s to the journey ahead — with plenty more impact (and music) to come!
To protect your ears, join us on our mission and head here!
Thank you, and as always, Big Love
Team LNADJ x
