Pete Tong Responds to John Summit Regarding the 'Missing' Remix

The Origin of the Dispute: John Summit and the 'Missing' Remix

The international electronic scene is witnessing one of the most high-profile disagreements of the season. The epicenter of the conflict is the reinterpretation of the legendary 1994 anthem 'Missing' by Everything But The Girl, popularized globally by the Todd Terry remix. The controversy erupted on July 8, 2026, when American producer John Summit used his official X profile to launch a direct accusation against the veteran BBC Radio 1 broadcaster, Pete Tong. According to Summit, the Briton had improperly appropriated the work of a joint remix to subsequently release it with Dutch artist Franky Rizardo.

Thanks for promising to release my Missing remix with you (while doing nothing in terms of production) only to then steal it and release it with Franky Rizardo. What class you have. And to think I looked up to you.

— John Summit

To support his claims, Summit published screenshots of WhatsApp conversations where both discussed the creation of an orchestral version of the track, intended for Tong's Ibiza Classics project. The exchange showed requests for files and stems to synchronize the tempo. However, the creator of hits like 'Where You Are' asserted that the collaboration never materialized on the Briton's part, forcing him to finish the orchestral version solo to debut it in his recent performances.

The Stance of Franky Rizardo: Official Withdrawal from the Release

Faced with the escalation of media tension, Franky Rizardo, the third vertex of this clubbing industry triangle, decided to distance himself quickly. Barely 24 hours after the accusations, the DJ and producer from the Netherlands issued an official statement confirming the cancellation of his participation in the commercial release of the track. Rizardo clarified that, after learning the background of the situation, the track will remain strictly as an exclusive tool for his live sets (set-only).

After learning more details today about the context surrounding this release, I have come to the conclusion that it no longer feels right for me to be a part of it. This is not about taking sides or blaming anyone.

— Franky Rizardo

Pete Tong Breaks Silence and Provides Documentary Evidence

The institutional response was swift. Through an extensive video interview published on the Pete Tong DJ Academy Instagram profile, conducted by its CEO Alex Tripi, Tong categorically refuted any insinuation of plagiarism. The pillar of British dance music explained that the recording with Rizardo was developed completely independently. To support his defense, he showed a proposal document dated May 13, 2026, which was shared with Summit's management team months ago.

• Priority release of the Franky Rizardo version, characterized by minimal orchestral elements and a vocal re-recording faithful to the original.
• Scheduling of the John Summit mix for a later date during the same summer season.
• Express approval from Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt (Everything But The Girl) for live performance and subsequent transformation into multiple remixes.

Tong emphasized that the coexistence of multiple versions of the same single is a standardized practice within the record industry. Furthermore, he underlined that the conversations about the orchestral reinterpretation were positive but concluded in mid-May without a binding agreement.

Intergenerational Friction and Industry Codes

The conclusion of Pete Tong's intervention left a clear message about the codes of conduct in the electronic ecosystem. The veteran selector expressed disappointment at the public path chosen for the claim, stating he had tried to contact Summit by phone and message without receiving a response. This clash between the old-school British establishment and the new wave of North American tech-house reflects the tension inherent in the management of rights and production credits in an era dominated by the immediacy of social media. The final resolution of this conflict will now depend on private conversations between both representation teams.

Sources Consulted