Drum and bass legend DJ Randall died at the age of 54, his representatives have confirmed.
The music pioneer, known as the ‘godfather of breakbeat’ rose to fame in the mid 90s alongside British DJ partners Fabio and Grooverider. According to the Resident Advisor, no cause of death has yet been confirmed.
The beloved DJ – whose real name was Randall McNeil – became a familiar voice on several huge radio stations including Rave FM and Rinse FM. His first big gig was at acid house at the Notting Hill carnival in 1987 and soon established his own unique sound.
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One of the star’s earliest productions was in collaboration with Andy C and released his first single Sound Control on Ram in 1994. In 1996 he had co-founded his own label with Cool Hand Flex, known as Mac2 Recordings, and became a regular at the Blue Note Club, rubbing shoulders with DJ Storm and Goldie.
(Image: Instagram)
Since the news of his death hit the headlines, fans have flooded to social media to share their sympathies online. DJ Fresh wrote on X – formerly known as Twitter: “RIP Randall.
“You were such a big influence to me and my friends. And I was lucky to get to work with and hang out with you.” One user penned: “Today we’ve lost one of the greats.
“Randall was a foundational part of the scene and helped write the blueprint for the art of the drum ‘n’ bass selector. His legacy is permanently woven into DnB culture. RIP DJ Randall.”
(Image: Instagram)
Another gushed: “You were such a big influence to me and my friends. And I was lucky to get to work with and hang out with you. You got a generation of kids into Drum & Bass when it was still called Jungle and you inspired the people that inspired me.
“Rest in peace my friend, you will live on in our hearts and our music.” Back in February, the late McNeil reflected on his career with UKF, including his time working in the Club with legends such as Goldie.
He said at the time: “When he had those dubs ready to give to me, everyone in the building knew things were going to kick off. No one in that room the night we debuted Terminator will ever forget it.
(Image: Instagram)
“Everyone was there to hear the tunes and knew the tunes and the mixes. It was a moment.” Touching on the crowd’s relationship with his influential music, he added: “Another good place to hear my tunes is the back of the room, by the bar with the brandy and coke.
“If it cuts through there then I know it’s working. That’s a lot harder to achieve with digital production; to get that weight and punch and warmth.
“I do miss those old days sometimes… I know a lot of people bang on about it but the sound and feeling of vinyl can’t be beaten.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
