The Australian dance music community is in shock following news of the sudden death of much-loved and respected Sydney DJ Paul Holden.
It is understood that Holden slipped and fell at his house this morning.
Paul Holden was an original old-school, hard house DJ famed for playing every dance music venue in Sydney and the majority of notables around Australia in his far-reaching, 3-decade-long career. Just six weeks ago he recorded a broad-ranging and fascinating interview with Maynard where he lamented the advent of modern technology and the state of clubbing, especially in light recent one-punch restriction laws.
To help celebrate his life and remember his legacy, we've raided the scenestr archives and disinterred some awesome photos – both candid and posed – and we've spoken to his friends and industry colleagues who 'were there' when Paul was at the very peak of his powers.
© Jeff Polley/ scenestr
Cosmo Cater, DJ and one-time scenestr dance writer described Paul as "a legendary figure of the emerging Australian rave scene both in the 90s and into the 2000s. He had infectious enthusiasm and incredible energy both on and off stage and throughout his career was a favourite visitor to Brisbane, headlining pretty much every big club night and rave party. He was in his element at outdoor parties (promoting Field of Dreams in Sydney) and his sunrise set at Strawberry Fields at Thunderbird Park in 1996 remains a Queensland rave highlight in many minds.
"He embodied the qualities of a really great DJ in that he was able to connect with any crowd through his music and immense charisma. He regularly delivered ‘nights to remember’. His music was immensely happy and there was such a fun quality to it, no matter what sound he played.
"He prided himself on his diversity of tastes. Much of his DJ credibility spanned not only from performances but mixtapes and CDs, many of which are still shared online. He had an adoring fan base, and as a young teenager finding my way into dance culture in the 90s, I counted myself amongst them. Paul will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
© Jeff Polley/ scenestr
Social media was filled with nothing but praise, love and shock from Australian dance music community.
"I have no words right now, I can't speak, utterly shocked. I have just heard that my partner in Jack The House, Mr. Paul Holden has passed away. I don't have any details. Absolutely devastated."
Mark Dynamic
"Seriously devastated to hear of the passing of Paul Holden. Rest in Peace Paul. Thanks for all the good times.
Benjamin Suthers
Just heard the sad news. A true legend who would be sorely missed but never forgotten. RIP my friend... Paul Holden.
Jumping Jack
"RIP dj Paul Holden. Was one of my very first dj bookings Such a nice guy shame we lost him so young."
Joey Lamattina
© Jeff Polley/ scenestr
Sue Cleary managed The Tube Nightclub in Brisbane in the late 90s. She said, "Paul Holden was definitely a big part of The Tube family - as one of our monthly residents - thanks for filling our dance floors and providing endless smiles and party vibes as well as top tunes which will live on in our hearts and memories - rip Paul Holden - top DJ - with a beautiful soul."
Brisbane-based club and event promoter Michael Watt said, "We have so many good memories of Paul playing for us (Peter Brown) over the years and at other events. Such a kind and well mannered guy and massive contributor to Aus dance music scene not only as a DJ but as a promoter."
© Andrew Gash
DJ Troy Barking Boy told scenestr, Holden "was such an icon. He brought so much joy to so many people through his infectious energy, uplifting tunes and charisma behind the decks. Apart from being a pioneer of the Australian Rave scene, Paul was extremely caring and generous. One of the real truly nice guys. I had the pleasure of working alongside him on many occasion at The Tube Nightclub and various Brisbane raves throughout the 90s. You could always be rest assured the dancefloor would be jam packed when Mr Holden was in town.
"When he wasn't 'in the mix' he'd spend the majority of his time leaning over the console to listen to what the punters had to say... or request. He was a true gentleman that everyone warmed to. People often forget that Paul also had quite the following across the nation for his house sounds, but it was the happy hard that the Brisbane crowd fell in love with. I only wish we could all party with him one more time. A sad loss to our rave generation. We all grew up together in this movement and we all feel the loss. Much love and respect mate."
DJ Jen-E with Paul Holden. Source: Supplied.
DJ and dance music writer, Jen-E, told scenestr, "Paul was a friend. His warmth was palpable and he always made me feel not only welcome but also supported. I always felt like I had to make a hard fight to show I had a place [as a DJ] but Paul’s influence would soften me into chilling the hell out, because of course we all have a place to do what we love. He always treated me with equality, respect and admiration.
"There was a huge gap in the time we’d seen each other after I left djing to pursue my studies, but when we saw each other again, like all true friendships, we picked up where we left off. So much had changed, the scene, ourselves, but he still treated me with the exact same love and respect, which meant so much to me. I knew he was a friend forever. He was one of the pioneers yet always so humble and grateful for being able to do what he did. He was loved and will be missed."
We published our interview with Paul in July 1999 in Scene Magazine. In the same issue we published music reviews, which featured Mark Dynamix (see Mark's comments in this story) and note the ad for Paul's music at the bottom of the page.
