Electronic music pioneer, DJ, and remix legend Andrew Weatherall dies aged 56
Renowned producer, DJ and all-round musical powerhouse Andrew Weatherall has died at the age of 56, it has been confirmed this afternoon. “We are deeply sorry to announce that Andrew Weatherall, the noted DJ and musician passed away in the early hours of this morning, Monday 17th February 2020, at Whipps Cross Hospital, London,” a […]
Andrew Weatherall (Picture: John Barrett)
Renowned producer, DJ and all-round musical powerhouse Andrew Weatherall has died at the age of 56, it has been confirmed this afternoon.
“We are deeply sorry to announce that Andrew Weatherall, the noted DJ and musician passed away in the early hours of this morning, Monday 17th February 2020, at Whipps Cross Hospital, London,” a statement from his family confirmed. “The cause of death was a pulmonary embolism. He was being treated in hospital but unfortunately the blood clot reached his heart. His death was swift and peaceful.”
Andrew was perhaps most widely known for producing Primal Scream’s seminal Screamadelica and being one of the remixing world’s biggest stars. In particular, the work he did in the late 80s and early 90s was fundamental in solidifying the rock/dance crossover that defined the age.
Working alongside Paul Oakenfold to help translate Happy Mondays’ Hallelujah to the dance floor, as well as weaving the same magic across World In Motion for New Order and of course, the timeless youth-clarion call Loaded for Primal Scream.
Looking back at his work on Screamadelica, Weatherall said to the NME in 2011, “My arrogance makes me wince, but I would never have had the confidence to do it if I didn’t have that kind of attitude. In a few months I’d gone from basically bumming around to all of a sudden being part of a proper scene. I was at the centre of the cyclone and loving it.”
Tributes have been numerous, Trainspotting writer Irvine Welsh stated: “Absolutely distraught to hear this terrible news. Andrew was a longtime friend, collaborator and one of most talented persons I’ve known. Also one of the nicest. Genius is an overworked term but I’m struggling to think of anything else that defines him.”
Absolutely distraught to hear this terrible news. Andrew was a longtime friend, collaborator and one of most talented persons I’ve known. Also one of the nicest. Genius is an overworked term but I’m struggling to think of anything else that defines him. https://t.co/nWlyE75bL5
— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) February 17, 2020
Defected Records tweeted, “Everyone at Defected is shocked and saddened at the passing of Andrew Weatherall. He was a genuine innovator in the scene, and one of the most renowned remixers… A legend of electronic music. Thank you Andrew – your music and contribution will live forever.”
Everyone at Defected is shocked and saddened at the passing of Andrew Weatherall.
He was a genuine innovator in the scene, and one of the most renowned remixers… A legend of electronic music.
Thank you Andrew – your music and contribution will live forever.
— Defected Records (@DefectedRecords) February 17, 2020
Weatherall’s first brush with fame was as a DJ in the mid-80s was chosen to play sets at London nightclub Shoom, before establishing record label Boy’s Own Recordings and the production team Bocca Juniors.
Later in his career, Weatherall was also on hand to remix and produce tracks by artists as wide-ranging as Björk, Siouxsie Sioux, New Order, Manic Street Preachers, James and My Bloody Valentine.
DJ Gilles Peterson expressed his sorrow via Twitter too, stating it was “hard to put into words the influence and impact Andrew Weatherall has had on UK culture… so sad to hear of his passing.”
hard to put into words the influence and impact Andrew Weatherall has had on UK culture…
so sad to hear of his passing
RIP— Gilles Peterson (@gillespeterson) February 17, 2020
