He passed away on June 17 and his family have taken to his official Instagram page to share a statement on his passing. The post reads, “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. 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.”

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He was a member of the hit 90s dance music trio Dario G which formed in Cheshire in the 1990s. The group was originally a duo with Spencer and his counterpart Scott Rosser having met at university in Manchester. They began their journey into electronic beats in Spencer’s home in Cheshire and it wasn’t long before two became three and third member Stephen Spencer was invited to join the ensemble. Despite popular conceptions Paul and Stephen had no relation to each other.

At the beginning of their formation Dario G were forced to change their name from the original Dario to how they are known today due to the danger of running into legal troubles at the hands of an artist carrying the same name. The group decided to decided on a name that paid tribute to both the manager of Crewe Alexandra F.C at the time, Dario Gradi, as well as adding the G in honour of jazz artist Kenny G.

The group released ‘Sunchyme’ in 1997 which became a massive hit earning itself the number 1 spot on the U.S. Hot Dance Club Party chart. It was only kept from reaching number one in the UK by ‘Candle in the Wind’ which was a tribute to Princess Diana by Elton John at the time of her death. ‘Sunchyme’s’ popularity was only exemplified by the fact it sold over 600,000 copies just in the UK alone. They then released their second record breaker ‘Carnival de Paris’ which, according to an article by the BBC, “became an unofficial anthem of the 1998 World Cup in Paris, and was later re-released for the 2002 tournament.” Both singles featured on Dario G’s debut album which just celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.

Dario G released three albums throughout their career, only one of which can be accredited to the full trio as after the release of their first album ‘Sunmachine’ the trio disbanded with Scott Roser and Stephen Spencer leaving to take up various other projects. Paul Spencer became a solo artist but still continued under the name Dario G, releasing two more albums ‘In Full Colour’ in 2001 and his most recent work ‘Hola’ in 2020. Spencer was due to play a show at the Chris Moyles 90s Hangover concert in May but had to pull out due to poor health. He will be missed by many.

Revealing the news on Instagram, Cox wrote: “I’m delighted to share the news that my autobiography, called #OhYesOhYes , is out this August. Pre-orders – including a signed special edition in an individually numbered case that comes with an exclusive 10″ of I Want You (Forever) – are available from link in bio.”

 

 

 

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The autobiography discusses the DJ’s life journey, from growing up in Manchester to moving to South London and pursuing his music career in the 80s. ‘Oh yes, oh yes!’ tells the story of the man known as ‘the three deck wizard’ and ‘the King of Ibiza,’ in his own words. Reminiscing his time on the dance scene, across the world from Melbourne to Ibiza, the book explores how this house-hold name of dance came to be. 

Initially set to be released last year, the autobiography now has a release date of 19th August 2021.

Speaking with Mixmag about his forthcoming book, Cox said: “I was looking for a publishing partner who would understand how important it is for me to share my story and insights to a global audience but who could also understand and respect how I connect with people on an individual level. White Rabbit gets it. They not only have the clout and backing of a big player, but the personal touch that I need in order to fully share my life on and off the dancefloor.”  

In a review of the DJ’s upcoming autobiography, Waterstones wrote: “In this electrifyingly honest and intimate memoir from one of the giants of dance music, producer and DJ Carl Cox chronicles his life and career, offering a fascinating insider’s view into the development of UK club culture.”

Carl Cox is a globally renowned producer and DJ, he has won the Best International DJ Award three times, the Best Techno DJ Award six times, the Best Ibiza Club Night one time and has received a record 32 consecutive nominations since the awards began in 1998. The producer and DJ has been hailed for being instrumental in the emergence of the British rave scene.

The British DJ and record producer has also recently been revealed to be part of the  Parklife 2021 line up, among other big names in techno, including Honey Dijon and Annie Mac. 

Speaking about Cox, fellow DJ Fatboy Slim said: “Carl has always been my favourite. He is the complete DJ, also the DJs DJ. Records come to life when he plays them, rooms come to life when he rocks them. His enthusiasm is infectious, his commitment complete.”

‘Oh Yes, Oh Yes!’ comes out on 19th August 2021, and is being published by White Rabbit. 

Book pricing
Hardback: £20
eBook: £10.99
Audio £21.99