Nineties music star Dario G dies aged 53

Dance producer Dario G has sadly passed away at the age of 53.

Real name Paul Spencer, the musician was diagnosed with stage four rectal cancer in 2023.

His family wrote today on his official Instagram page: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Spencer earlier today. He was positive until the end but this was one battle he could not fight anymore.

"He leaves behind a wonderful musical legacy and many happy memories for many people. He will be sadly missed by everyone who loved him. Shine bright our big star - K, A & H xxx"

Several big names in the industry left their tributes in the comments below, with Sigala writing: "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."

Duo Phats and Small commented: "One of the good guys, you’ll be deeply missed brother."

"Rest in peace my friend. We will miss you, that’s for sure," Sonique said, among other posts from stars.

Dario G was originally a duo, formed by Paul himself and Scott Rosser, as they met while studying music in 1990s Manchester, UK.

The band was uniquely named after the manager of Crewe Alexandra FC at the time, Dario Gradi.

They set up a small studio at Paul's home, later adding a third member in Stephen Spencer, to join the group.

In 1997, they struck gold with Sunchyme, a massive summer dance anthem that took the nation by storm, that was built around a sample of Dream Academy tune, Life In A Northern Town.

Selling more than 600,000 copies in the country alone, it was only beaten to top spot in the charts by Elton John's heartfelt tribute to Princess Diana, the classic Candle In The Wind.

They followed this up with another top five hit, titled Carnacal De Paris, which became an unofficial anthem of the 1998 World Cup in France, where England fell at the round of 16 stage - the tune was re-released ahead of the 2002 World Cup too.

Other hits from Dario G include Voices, Sunmachine and Dream to Me, with the latter sampling the chorus of 'Dreams', the 90s' hit by the Cranberries.

Scott and Stephen later left Dario G, leaving Paul to continue the music act solo.

On his own, he collaborated with Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne on a remix of the hit, 'Real Love', incorporating elements of Sunchyme into the song.

Paul announced his cancer diagnosis to fans in June last year, saying that he would 'give it my best shot', telling them to keep positive, 'cos I am'.

Over the past few months, he documented his treatment, even releasing song Savour the Miracle of Life, to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Just three weeks ago, he shared that he was still positive in an Instagram post, writing: "I know you’ve been all been showing overwhelming support, love and strength for me,

"I'm infection free now but feel I already have the energy to defeat this fully."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.