Ben UFO was born in 1986. Based on this verified birth year, he is currently 40 years old as of 2026. The influential London-based DJ and co-founder of Hessle Audio has built a remarkable career spanning over two decades, shaping the landscape of underground electronic music.
The Verified Answer on Ben UFO Age
Multiple authoritative sources confirm that Ben UFO was born in 1986. Last.fm, which provides artist biographical data, lists his birth year as 1986 . The music database Musikzimmer also cites this same birth year in its artist profile . Festival databases including Festivalsearcher similarly identify him as born in 1986 .
An article published by The Independent in January 2018 described Ben UFO as being 32 years old at that time. This independent verification aligns perfectly with a 1986 birth year. While his exact birth date and month are not publicly documented, the year 1986 is consistently reported across reliable music industry sources.
Quick Facts About the Hessle Audio Co-Founder
Ben UFO’s real name is Ben Thomson, though some sources spell the surname as Thompson . He is based in London and operates primarily as a DJ rather than a producer . This distinction matters because he is one of the few UK DJs to achieve international recognition solely through his selection and mixing skills, without releasing his own productions .
He co-founded Hessle Audio in 2007 alongside David Kennedy, who performs as Pearson Sound and Ramadanman, and Kevin McAuley, known as Pangaea . The label emerged from their shared time studying in Leeds and their weekly radio shows on Sub FM .
Career Timeline and Key Milestones
Ben UFO’s journey began in the mid-2000s when he immersed himself in London’s emerging dubstep scene. He frequently attended the influential FWD>> club night at Plastic People, a pivotal venue for dubstep’s development . It was in the queue for this club night around 2006 that he met David Kennedy, his future Hessle Audio co-founder .
Hessle Audio launched in 2007 with the intention of creating an outlet for producers who were incorporating techno and garage influences into dubstep . The label quickly became known for its varied and forward-thinking releases, championing artists like Joy Orbison, James Blake, and Blawan early in their careers .
His radio presence expanded when he moved from Sub FM to Rinse FM, where he hosted a biweekly show . In 2011, he released his first commercial mix CD, Rinse:16, which earned him a placement at number 35 in Resident Advisor’s readers’ poll for best DJ . He followed this with Fabriclive 67 in January 2013, a mix that became widely regarded as one of the strongest entries in the Fabriclive series .
The year 2014 marked a significant surge in his career trajectory. He performed over 120 gigs across 32 countries, including major festivals such as Dekmantel, Dimensions, and Warehouse Project . His relentless touring helped introduce underground electronic music to broader audiences worldwide.
In September 2021, his BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix was shortlisted for Mix of the Year, further cementing his reputation as one of the finest selectors in electronic music .Quick Bio: Ben UFO
Notes on the table:
Fields marked “Not publicly documented” or “Not publicly confirmed” reflect information that could not be verified from authoritative sources. No estimates or speculation have been included.
The height, net worth, and relationship status of Ben UFO are not matters of public record. DJs in the underground electronic music scene often maintain a lower personal profile than mainstream pop artists, which explains the absence of this data.
Why Ben UFO Age Matters to Fans
Understanding Ben UFO’s age provides important context for his remarkable career arc. He co-founded Hessle Audio at approximately 21 years old, meaning he has been shaping underground music for nearly two decades . This longevity is exceptional in a genre landscape where trends shift rapidly.
His age also contextualizes his relationship to the original dubstep movement. He was present at the genre’s inception in the mid-2000s as a young adult, witnessing its evolution from intimate club nights to a global phenomenon . As he told the Miami New Times in 2012, the scene “was tiny, and it was local” when he started, but had become “a huge global movement” by that point .
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ben UFO? Ben UFO was born in 1986, making him 40 years old as of 2026.
When was Ben UFO born? His verified birth year is 1986, though the specific date is not publicly documented.
What is Ben UFO’s real name? His real name is Ben Thomson, sometimes cited as Thompson.
What label did Ben UFO co-found? He co-founded Hessle Audio in 2007 with Pearson Sound and Pangaea.
Did Ben UFO produce his own music? No, he is one of the few internationally recognized UK DJs who built his reputation solely through DJing and selection, without a production career .
Conclusion
Ben UFO’s age is a matter of public record through verified birth year information. Born in 1986, he has spent his adult life building one of the most respected careers in underground electronic music. His work with Hessle Audio, his influential Rinse FM shows, and his acclaimed mix CDs for Rinse and Fabric have established him as a definitive selector of his generation. At 40 years old, he continues to tour globally and champion new artists, proving that genuine expertise and curation can sustain a career without relying on production releases.FAQs
How old is Ben UFO?
Ben UFO was born in 1986, making him 40 years old as of 2026. His exact birth date and month are not publicly documented, but the birth year is consistently reported across music industry databases and verified by a January 2018 Independent article that described him as 32 at the time .
What is Ben UFO’s real name?
His real name is Ben Thomson, sometimes cited as Thompson. He performs under the stage name Ben UFO and is based in London. He is widely recognized as a DJ rather than a producer, having built his reputation entirely through selection and mixing rather than releasing his own tracks .
What label did Ben UFO co-found?
He co-founded Hessle Audio in 2007 alongside David Kennedy (Pearson Sound/Ramadanman) and Kevin McAuley (Pangaea). The label became known for championing early releases from artists like James Blake, Untold, Objekt, and Blawan, and is considered one of the most boundary-pushing labels in underground dance music .
What mix CDs has Ben UFO released?
His only commercially available mix CDs are Rinse:16 (2011) and Fabriclive 67 (2013). Both were released to critical acclaim and helped establish him as one of the finest selectors in electronic music. He has also contributed numerous mixes to platforms like Resident Advisor, Boiler Room, and FACT .
What career recognition has Ben UFO received?
His BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix in 2021 was shortlisted for Mix of the Year. He has performed at major festivals including Dekmantel, Dimensions, and Primavera Sound, and his long-running Rinse FM shows have become essential listening for underground dance music fans worldwide .
