Dario G, who made 90s dance anthem Sunchyme, has died aged 53 (Picture: REX)
Dance music icon Dario G, famous for hits like Sunchyme and Carnaval de Paris, has died at the age of 53.
The producer and musician, real name Paul Spencer, died of stage four rectal cancer after being diagnosed last year.
Spencer’s family broke the news on his Instagram page, writing: ‘He remained positive until the end, but this was one battle he could not fight any more.’
They added, ‘He leaves behind a wonderful musical legacy and many happy memories.’
Dario G started as a duo with Paul Spencer and Scott Rosser, who met while studying music in Manchester during the 1990s.
Their breakthrough came in 1997 – after adding Stephen Spencer to the group -with the iconic summer anthem Sunchyme, which sampled Dream Academy’s Life In A Northern Town and sold over 600,000 copies in the UK.
Dario G was a trailblazer of 90s dance music (Picture: Instagram)
The group, named after Crewe Alexandra FC manager Dario Gradi, followed up with Carnaval de Paris, which became an unofficial anthem for the 1998 World Cup and was also a top five hit.
Eventually, Scott and Stephen left the project, leaving Paul to continue Dario G as a solo act.
He continued to find success as a solo artist, collaborating with Dame Shirley Bassey on We Got Music and with Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne on a remix of Real Love.
Paul announced his cancer diagnosis last June, vowing to give it his best shot and maintain a positive outlook.
He wrote on Instagram at the time: ‘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.’
He chronicled his treatment journey on social media and released a track called Savour the Miracle of Life to support Macmillan Cancer Support.
In his final post, just three weeks ago, he remained hopeful, stating, ‘I’m infection free now but feel I already have the energy to defeat this fully.’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
Paul had planned to perform at Chris Moyles’ 90s Hangover concert in Swindon on 25 May but had to withdraw due to his declining health.
In the wake of the news, tributes from fans and fellow musicians have been pouring in.
The DJ remained hopeful about his prognosis throughout treatment (Picture: Glenn Ashley/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock)
Dance music duo Phats and Small wrote: ‘Lost for words. One of the good guys, you’ll be deeply missed brother.’
Sigala also honoured him, commenting: ‘A true inspiration, he brought joy to so many people and will live on forever through his music. Paul told me many times over the last year, “Go get yourself checked,” so I’m passing on that message to anyone reading this, as I’m sure he would want me to.’
Sonique remembered Paul with a heartfelt, ‘Rest in peace my friend. We will miss you, that’s for sure,’ while K Klass added simply: ‘Sleep tight Paul.’
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