The music scene has to face a great tragedy in this early 2020. As of yesterday (February 17), it was reported that celebrated DJ and producer of Scream Primal Andrew Weatherall has died at the age of 56 because of a pulmonary embolism.
Weatherall’s family released a statement about his departure: “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.”
“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.”
Weatherall is a notable figure in the scene of alternative and electronic dance music. Born on April 6, 1963 in Berkshire, he jump-started his career in music by working as a freelance music journalist and for the Boy’s Own fanzine with Terry Farley, Cymon Eckel, and Steve Mayes. He then released his own music under Boy’s Own Recordings, his very own record label.
The legendary DJ rose to high popularity in the late 1980s thanks to his work in the UK’s acid house scene. He was once selected to DJ at Shoom, one of the iconic nightclubs in London, and from this musical endeavour, he then went on to establish his record label alongside the production team Bocca Juniors.
His other famous works include numerous remixed tracks for various artists. Among such works are the tracks by Björk, Siouxsie Sioux, New Order, Manic Street Preachers, James, and My Bloody Valentine.
Nevertheless, Weatherall’s work for Primal Scream is probably the most recognised. He is named as one of the producers of Primal Scream’s third album Screamadelica, which won the Mercury Music Prize in 1992 and has sold over three million copies globally.
It could be said that Weatherall has been one of the very few talented musicians who have come up with musical innovation. For him, he is the one who shatters the border between indie rock music and electronic dance music.
Weatherall also embarked on a solo career in 2006. He launched a new record lable, Rotter’s Golf Club, and produced for The Asphodells and at his nightclub A Love from Outer Space. He will always be remembered as a musical talent who creates such great impacts on British music scene. Rest in peace.
