Acid house originator DJ Spank-Spank has reportedly passed away
He was part of Phuture with DJ Pierre and Herb J
DJ Spank-Spank, the Chicago producer responsible for 'Acid Tracks' as part of Phuture, has died, according to a tweet from The Black Madonna.
Details are sparse at the time of writing, but The Black Madonna expressed her condolences today.
Spank-Spank, real name Earl Smith, suffered a stroke back in May and underwent surgery shortly after. In June, Phuture wrote on Facebook: "Much love for all the support pouring in for our brother Spank Spank. Phuture will survive."
DJ Spank-Spank formed Phuture with DJ Pierre and Herb J in 1985 and in 1987 they released 'Acid Tracks' on Trax Records, a tune considered by many to be the first ever acid house track. The group also had a string of releases on Strictly Rhythm throughout the '90s, including 'Rise From Your Grave' and 'Spirit'.
He also worked under the alias Spanky, releasing 'United States Of Acid' in 1994 and 'Track 23 Part 1 & 2'.
More updates as they come.
Listen to 'Acid Tracks' below.
Dave Turner is Mixmag's Digital News Editor, follow him on Twitter