Full Breakdown
Pete Tong, John Summit and Franky Rizardo Clash Over “Missing” Remix Claims
7/11/2026, 12:27:31 PM
Core Event
In early July 2026, DJ John Summit publicly accused veteran broadcaster Pete Tong of appropriating Summit’s unreleased remix of Everything But the Girl’s 1994 track “Missing.” Summit alleged that Tong repurposed the remix for a separate collaboration with Dutch producer Franky Rizardo, prompting Rizardo to withdraw his version on July 10. Tong denied the allegation, stating that multiple distinct versions were being discussed and that no remix containing Summit’s work was ever released.
Background & Context
“Missing” has become a staple of contemporary dance sets, prompting numerous reinterpretations. Tong, a central figure in electronic music since the 1990s, has incorporated the song into his Ibiza Classics tour, which pairs classic dance records with a live orchestra. In parallel, Summit has featured “Missing” in his own performances, including a sold-out Tofte Manor show scheduled for July 11-12.
Key Figures & Groups
- John Summit – British DJ and producer who claimed ownership of the disputed remix.
- Pete Tong – BBC Radio 1 veteran, head of the Pete Tong DJ Academy, and organizer of the Ibiza Classics arena tour.
- Franky Rizardo – Dutch house DJ who was initially slated to release a version of “Missing” with Tong’s label.
- Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt – Members of Everything But the Girl, who granted permission for orchestral and remix adaptations.
- Pete Tong DJ Academy – Tong’s management and label entity handling the project’s communications.
Timeline
- May 13 2026 – Tong’s team shares a proposal outlining a “Franky mix” release within six weeks and a later “John’s mix” for summer.
- May 23 2026 – Summit’s management notes they have not yet discussed the project with him.
- June 20 2026 – Rizardo’s Essential Mix on BBC Radio features the newly recorded “Missing” version.
- July 8 2026 – Summit tweets his accusation, posting screenshots of text exchanges with Tong.
- July 10 2026 – Tong appears in an interview with Alex Tripi, the CEO of the Pete Tong DJ Academy, to address the claims.
- July 11-12 2026 – Summit’s Tofte Manor shows, where he plans to debut his own orchestral rendition.
Official Statements & Responses
Tong’s team released a statement asserting that the allegations are “simply not supported by the facts.” They emphasized that the Rizardo version was a newly recorded production, with all elements—including vocals—re-recorded, and that no existing DJ remix was used. The team also detailed that Tong had sought permission from Thorn and Watt for both the orchestral arrangement and any remix collaborations, receiving affirmative responses. Efforts to contact Summit’s management continued through mid-June, but no reply was received.
Criticism & Opposition
Summit’s social-media post framed Tong as having “jacked” his remix after promising a joint release, casting doubt on Tong’s integrity. The accusation sparked widespread discussion across the electronic-music community, with many fans questioning the transparency of the collaborative process.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Tong’s account describes a transparent, multi-party negotiation that stalled when Summit’s team could not engage him, while Summit’s tweet suggests he was promised a release that never materialized. No direct response from Summit’s camp has been obtained, leaving the dispute unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hey @petetong thanks for promising to release my missing remix with u (while doing nothing in terms of production) then jacking my remix to release with franky rizardo release class act you are. to think i actually looked up to u too.[sic]” — John Summit, DJ
- “I’m disappointed. I don’t like being accused of things that aren’t true. If you’ve got a problem, pick up the phone. That’s certainly what I would preach. I’ve tried to call John, I’ve tried to text him; he’s chosen to not respond — And that’s why I’m here today, to make sure everyone has the context of how we got to this point.” — Pete Tong, DJ
- “After learning more today about the background surrounding this release, I’ve come to the conclusion that it no longer feels right for me to be part of it.” — Franky Rizardo, DJ
- “The Franky Rizardo recording was developed independently, through a process that was openly communicated to the relevant parties.” — Pete Tong’s team, statement
- “newly recorded production created with Pete Tong and his label, with all musical elements re-recorded, including the vocal.” — Pete Tong’s team, statement
What’s Next
Tong plans to debut an orchestral rendition of “Missing” with the Essential Orchestra during his Ibiza Classics arena tour later in 2026. Summit is set to perform his own orchestral version at Tofte Manor, while Rizardo has withdrawn his recording pending further clarification. The dispute remains open pending any future comment from Summit’s representatives.
