Influential New York music producer DJ Spinbad dead at 46... as Mark Ronson and industry pals pay tribute
DJ Spinbad, an influential New York City music producer known as a legend among his peers, has died at 46 years old.
The Queens-born radio personality (whose real name was Chris Sullivan) died Tuesday, and the cause of death is not yet known.
Sullivan was known and respected in the metropolitan New York music scene, working for WHTZ radio station.
RIP: DJ Spinbad, an influential New York City music producer known as a legend among his peers, has died at 46 years old (pictured in November, 2003)
The station retweeted a tribute Tuesday from fellow radio personality Phill Kross, who posted a throwback photo with Sullivan and some friends.
He wrote: 'RIP my friend @djspinbad. When I first got my radio gig @Z100NewYork I had the privilege of hosting my Friday night mix show, while SpinBad would DJ it live. You will be missed. You will always be loved. K+'
Seven-time Grammy winner Mark Ronson was also one of several industry friends to remember the iconic remixer.
He wrote on Twitter: 'RIP @djspinbad. A true NY legend. Such a good guy, supporter of great music and technical master. Too soon'
Music legend: The Queens-born radio personality (whose real name was Chris Sullivan) died Tuesday, and the cause of death is not yet known (pictured in December, 2006)
New York icon: Sullivan was known and respected in the metropolitan New York music scene, working for WHTZ radio station (pictured in September, 2005)
DJ Yoda shared in a statement on Twitter: 'I'm raw and almost unable to comment on this right now, but I've woken up to the news that Spinbad is gone. This has hit me hard.
'Spinbad is one of the main reasons that I am a DJ. Let me tell you how important his infamous 80s pop mix is. Spinbad was the first hip-hop mixtape DJ to leave the comfort zone of rap music. He showed me that music isn't something you need to be embarrassed about.'
He added: 'To this day, I talk about him when I get asked in interviews who my influences are. The world is culturally emptier today without him — I wish I had the chance to say goodbye. I send love to his family, and today — listen to his 80s mix (the 90s one is amazing too). Rest in peace Spinbad.'
Paying tribute: The station retweeted a tribute Tuesday from fellow radio personality Phill Kross, who posted a throwback photo with Sullivan and some friends
Legends supporting legends: Seven-time Grammy winner Mark Ronson was also one of several industry friends to remember the iconic remixer
Tragic loss: DJ Yoda shared in a statement on Twitter: 'I'm raw and almost unable to comment on this right now, but I've woken up to the news that Spinbad is gone. This has hit me hard'
He will be missed: Comedian Russell Peters took to Instagram with some memories of himself and Sullivan traveling the world, as they toured together
Comedian Russell Peters took to Instagram with some memories of himself and Sullivan traveling the world, as they toured together.
He wrote: 'This is a post I had hoped I’d never have to make but it’s with a broken heart that I have to say, bye to my brother, my friend, my DJ, one of the most creative and brilliant minds I’ve ever known...
'i can’t believe you’re not here anymore... trying to find the right pictures of us has me all fucked up and crying, because we have waaaay too many memories together... I love you my brother and I don’t know how to keep it together... #RIPDjSpinbad #MyBrother'
Sullivan has also toured with Moby, and he's released 24 mixtapes since 1995, including The '80s Megamix.
Full life: Sullivan has also toured with Moby, and he's released 24 mixtapes since 1995, including The '80s Megamix (pictured in December, 2008)
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