Electric Circus founder Paul Glen dies after crash

One of the biggest names in helping develop Adelaide’s night-life and clubbing scenes has died, leaving an impressive legacy of major events and an iconic venue in the city.

Electric Circus founder and co-owner Paul Glen. Picture: Instagram

One of the biggest names in Adelaide’s night-life industry has died in hospital, leaving an impressive legacy in his adopted city.

Electric Circus founder and brand creator Paul Glen was co-owner of Crippen Place clubs Electric Circus and Mr Kim’s, and Hindley St’s Rocket Bar and Rooftop, which collectively established a four-level venue in the CBD.

Over the past two decades, it amassed a huge following for its different offerings catering to various music tastes and styles.

It is understood Mr Glen was seriously injured in a car crash in May this year, but died in hospital at the weekend.

A friend described Mr Glen on social media as a “nightclub legend”. “Paul Glen thank you for the good times, see you on the other side lad,” he wrote.

Mr Glen got his start in hospitality in 1994 as a DJ in clubs in Edinburgh, Scotland.

It is understood Mr Glen was seriously injured in a car crash in May this year, but died in hospital at the weekend. Picture: Instagram

He migrated to Australia in 2000 and worked in construction before he opened a record store called Electric Circus.

“This organically led to an involvement in running nights around Adelaide and recognition that there was a lack of a consistently high quality music venue in the Adelaide market,” he later told industry publication Australian Bartender.

Mr Glen was also a key player in growing Adelaide’s music festival scene, including Stereosonic, Parklife and Wind Up, among others.

In a 2009 interview, he said Adelaide could be a “very insular market”.

“So the ability to step outside and bring a new element to a city that carries a stigma for a lack of night-life is a rewarding part of industry,” he said of his ventures.

Originally published as Electric Circus founder Paul Glen dies after crash