Madchester DJ and producer Andrew Weatherall has died aged 56

Madchester DJ and producer Andrew Weatherall has died after suffering a pulmonary embolism in the early hours of Monday morning.

The beloved DJ and producer passed away aged 56 in a London hospital after the blood clot reached his heart, according to a statement released by his management this afternoon.

He was a cultural icon to many and was well known on Manchester’s music scene, having worked with the likes of Primal Scream, New Order and Happy Mondays.

The Berkshire-born DJ worked on remixes for Happy Mondays and New Order early on in his career.

Later, his production and remix work on Primal Scream’s 1991 album Screamadelica helped make the release into an era-defining release, winning the band their first Mercury Prize.

Andrew later went on to remix artists including Björk, My Bloody Valentine and Saint Etienne.

A statement from his management release today on Twitter said: “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.

“His family and friends are profoundly saddened by his death and are taking time to gather their thoughts. Further announcements regarding funeral arrangements will be made in due course.”

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

Author Irvine Welsh was one of the first to pay tribute to the musician on Twitter, writing: “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.”

Whilst fellow Manchester DJ Dave Haslam tweeted: “I can’t believe I am writing this. RIP Andrew Weatherall (6 April 1963 – 17 February 2020. One of the greatest, sweetest, funniest guys I’ve ever met.”

Peter Hook, bassist and co-founder of New Order, also paid his respects: “So sad to hear about Andrew Weatherall. I was only listening to his mix of ‘World in Motion’ in the gym this morning and thinking how amazing it was. I worked with him many times – he was a truly nice, kind man who shared many, many words of wisdom. RIP. X”

So sad to hear about Andrew Weatherall. I was only listening to his mix of ‘World in Motion’ in the gym this morning and thinking how amazing it was. I worked with him many times – he was a truly nice, kind man who shared many, many words of wisdom. RIP. X

— Peter Hook (@peterhook) February 17, 2020

Tim Burgess, frontman for The Charlatans, also paid his respects, tweeting: “Shocked and saddened to hear that cosmic traveller Andrew Weatherall has left the building. Always a pleasure to meet up with him and share good times. Rest well mate”

“Weatherall was a font of all things amazing when it came to music. I’ll miss his enthusiasm and his ace recommendations. A good friend and inspiration to so many,”

DJ Gilles Peterson said: “hard to put into words the influence and impact Andrew Weatherall has had on UK culture… so sad to hear of his passing RIP.”

Mary-Anne Hobbs said: “RIP Andrew Weatherall. I am so deeply saddened by this news..
sending the best of my love to Andrew’s family, friends and collaborators the world over..”

RIP Andrew Weatherall
i am so deeply saddened by this news..
sending the best of my love to Andrew’s family, friends and collaborators the world over..
🌹
m/a..x

— maryanne hobbs (@maryannehobbs) February 17, 2020

And Darren Emerson of Underworld has tweeted: “Gutted .. Devastated.. Shocked. A legend . A true gent. Pioneer. Believed in me as a young DJ and got me to cover for him at the legendary Boys Own Weekender. You’ll be missed mate. RIP Andrew Weatherall.”