Dubstep DJ Cookie Monsta has died
The Nottingham-born artist was a fixture on Circus Records
Dubstep DJ Cookie Monsta, real name Tony Cook, has died aged 31.
The Nottingham-hailing artist’s death was confirmed by Circus Records, the label Cookie Monsta released on multiple times across 2010 to 2019, including 'Ginger Pubes / Blurgh!'.
On Instagram, Circus Records wrote: “We are devastated, no words can contain our feelings on such a day. All of our thoughts go to Tony’s family, friends and our heart especially goes out to Tony’s son Olly, the Mini Monsta. The world will miss you Cookie, we will miss you brother.”
“Out of respect for Tony’s family, we will hold on commenting any further until deemed appropriate.”
Last year Cookie Monsta announced plans to take a break from touring to focus on his mental health, writing on Instagram in May: “For the past year I’ve been struggling with mental health issues, over the recent weeks and months this has become harder than ever. I’ve not been online recently as I’ve been trying to work through my problems away from the glare of social media. Unfortunately I’ve not made as much progress as I’d hoped, so I’ve decided that I need to take a longer break from the scene.”
In August 2019, he returned to touring, writing on Instagram: “I’ve spent the past few months taking time to heal, and I’m thankful for all the love and support many of you have shared with me. I feel like I’m in a better place and I’m excited to resume my career with more confidence and passion than ever before.”
A number of artists have paid tribute to Cookie Monsta.
Downlink wrote on Twitter: “I remember passing tunes back and forth on the dubstepforum back in the day.. a true OG and pioneer of the dirty dubstep sound has left us. RIP Tony Cookie Monsta”.
Kai Wachi wrote on Twitter: “Devastated. When I was young I actually hated dubstep - until I heard Cookie Monsta. His music watered a seed of passion for bass music that I didn’t know I had. It forever changed my life, and ultimately lead me to the success I am so lucky to have. Rest in paradise king”.
Hekler wrote on Twitter: “I just woke up and can’t believe you’re no longer with us.. we had some of the greatest times of my life on tour together. We will miss you forever . Tony you were one of those people that always knew how to light up a room. Love you always brother. COOKIE MONSTA FOREVER”.