One of Australia’s preeminent dance music pioneers, DJ Paul Holden, has passed away after a serious fall at home. Holden was one of the leaders of Sydney’s burgeoning dance scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and has been a key figure in the scene’s development over the past three decades. Holden played legendary events like Big Day Out and Field of Dreams, and later worked as an event and music producer in addition to DJing. Furthermore, he was a frequent fixture in clubs and Sydney’s LGBT scene.

The news of his death has sparked an outpouring of tributes worldwide, from fans and colleagues alike mourning his loss. Fellow Aussie DJ Maynard commented via Twitter that “we have lost a guy that has made people move throughout Australia as a DJ.” Another well-known Sydney-based DJ, Mark Dynamix, shared on Facebook that “I have no words right now, I can’t speak, utterly shocked. I have just heard that my partner in Jack The House, Mr. Paul Holden has passed away… Absolutely devastated.” The DJs United website called Holden “one of the single biggest contributors to the advancement of dance music and dance events in Australia.”

Finally, long-time friend and colleague Robbie Lowe shared an emotional tribute on his Facebook page:

 

RIP Paul Holden.

H/T: Mixmag, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph

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Tags: death, paul holden death, sydney

Categories: Music