The last time we enjoyed Desyn Masiello on his own in Australia was the summer of 2007. The UK progressive house star – whose watershed moment came with the euphoric Balance 008 in 2005 – has been back here with his SOS offsiders Demi and Omid 16B, but another solo tour evaded fans.

This month, though, the Desyn drought has broken, with the celebrated DJ at last returning to our clubs. His first show was on Saturday 16 April in Perth, and from all reports the man was in fine form. This weekend is looking good.

Speaking to former inthemix Editor Angus Paterson for Sydney publication 3D World, Masiello revealed why a few prospective Australian tours have fallen through in recent years. The temptations and excesses of life as a touring DJ, he says, took their toll over a dark period.

“Firstly I’d like to apologise to anyone I let down back then. To any fans or promoters, I’m sorry and I’m doing my best to make it up to you,” Masiello told 3D World. “Back then I was in a real bad way, unable to get out of bed let alone get on a flight to somewhere. This was well needed time off.

“I was a real idiot in many ways back then, as I had no fear at all of anything,” he continued. “I thought I could take and do anything…and I did, and I partied hard and long, it was real rock ‘n roll and I took no care for my body, mind or soul. The universe gave me a big ticking off and made me very ill for three months, and there were weeks on end I couldn’t get out of bed.”

As you can read in the full interview, Masiello sees now as a time to make a committed return. “I quit drinking for four years then, and even though I have the odd drink now and again now, I’m a much more sober and balanced person.”