90s hitmaker dead at 53 after ‘battle he could not fight anymore’

A DJ responsible for one of the most enduring dance hits of the 90s has died, weeks after his release from hospital.

90s dance music legend Paul Spencer vowed to overcome illness just three weeks before his death aged 53.

The influential DJ, who was part of Sunchyme hitmaking trio Dario G, was optimistic after beating an infection and being discharged from hospital last month.

But today it was announced that Paul had died, a year after being diagnosed with stage four rectal cancer.

Tributes flooded in from famous names in the electronic music world as well as fans when his death was announced on social media.

A statement read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Spencer earlier today. He was positive until the end but this was one battle he could not fight anymore.

Paul Spencer after his recent release from hospital.

He was one-third of the hit 90s dance act Dario G.

“He leaves behind a wonderful musical legacy and many happy memories for many people. He will be sadly missed by everyone who loved him. Shine bright our big star – K, A & H xxx #dariog.”

In his final social media post, Paul could be seen smiling in his hospital bed looking bright-eyed.

He wrote: “I’m Out Out! At last. Has Anything of interested happened in the outside world from the past month? I know you’ve been all been showing overwhelming support, love and strength for me.

“And countless others like me. I hope and pray everyone gets their best opportunity. Thank you. I’m infection free now but feel I already have the energy to defeat this fully with the next stages, even though a little rest and recoup time might appreciated.”

Dario G’s 1997 debut single Sunchyme was a massive hit with a memorable video.

At the time, his fanbase was delighted with one exclaiming it had “made my week”.

Weeks prior to that, he shared videos of himself playing a piano in the hospital foyer, giving fans a taste of unheard solo material.

He wrote alongside one clip: “Oddly and cruelly, playing the piano hurts physically because of the adrenaline and tension that we use while going through the expressive moves, connecting to painful tumours and nerve receptors. I’ll get it sorted though. Promise!”

Dario G are best known for their 1997 debut single Sunchyme, which reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and went gold here in Australia.

The group – named after former Crewe Alexandra manager Dario Gradi – consisted of three DJs: Scott Rosser, Stephen Spencer and Paul.

The trio also enjoyed success with the song Carnaval de Paris which was recorded for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

Paul announced his illness last year just weeks after performing at a nostalgia event in Belfast.

He explained it was “hard to write” but he was trying to “stay positive.”

He wrote: “Hard to write this. I’ve just found out that I’ve got stage 4 rectal cancer and a shadow on my liver.

“That’s damn hard to read too I’m sure. Gonna give it my best shot though.

“Stay positive, cos I am. Always. Seeing the doctors on Friday to discuss the next steps.”

The musician kept his fans informed on his condition and previously shared a smiling photograph as he rang the bell in hospital having completed five radiotherapy and 18 chemotherapy sessions.

He urged people feeling sorry for themselves over minor issues to “give their heads a wobble”.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as 90s hitmaker dead at 53 after ‘battle he could not fight anymore’