Beloved drum ‘n’ bass artist Lenzman has died

Beloved drum ‘n’ bass producer Lenzman has died following a three-and-a-half year battle with cancer, his family have confirmed.

The Dutch artist, real name Teije van Vliet, passed away on Saturday, July 11. He’s survived by his wife and two daughters, who shared the news in an Instagram statement over the weekend.

"Nothing can prepare you for a loss this great," they wrote. "For 3.5 years he fought with so much strength, courage, and love. He showed us what true strength means, and I will forever be proud to have walked this life beside him."

Teije’s family thanked those who supported them over the years while he battled kidney cancer, which he was diagnosed with in January 2023.

"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported us, loved Teije, sent messages, visited, helped, and stood beside us during this difficult time," they wrote. 

After being diagnosed with cancer in 2023, Teije underwent surgery to have a kidney removed, but was told that it had already spread and was incurable.

Later that year, he fell unconscious while at home and was rushed to hospital where he had emergency brain surgery. Doctors said that he "likely wouldn’t survive", but he "miraculously" made it.

After undergoing reconstructive surgery in 2024, Teije was able to continue performing shows for a short spell. But last summer, following an epileptic seizure triggered by the cancer, he was hospitalised again.

In May this year, a fundraiser party at London's Phonox was set up to support Teije and his family after he stopped cancer treatment, with a line-up featuring DJ Flight, LSB, and more.

Under the alias Lenzman, Teije has long been associated with the legendary drum ‘n’ bass label Metalheadz following his breakout record on the imprint in 2014, ‘Looking At The Stars’.

Often fusing liquid drum ‘n’ bass, jungle, and ‘90s hip hop, Lenzman’s distinct style turned the heads of many in the scene, leading him to be tapped by the likes of Pendulum, Goldie and DJ Die to remix numerous tracks.

In 2016, he launched his own record label, The North Quarter, showcasing a range of soulful drum ‘n’ bass styles with releases from Redeyes, Tokyo Prose, and many more.

"Your kindness and love have meant more than words can ever express," his family said. "We are forever grateful to be surrounded by so many beautiful people."

Read some tributes to Lenzman below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor