Dario G, ‘Sunchyme’ and ‘Carnaval de Paris’ hitmaker, has died aged 53

Progressive house legend Dario G, real name Paul Spencer, has died aged 53.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Spencer earlier today,” his family confirmed on Facebook today (June 17). “He was positive until the end but this was one battle he could not fight anymore.”

Spencer was diagnosed with stage four rectal cancer and “a shadow” on his liver in 2023, telling fans that he was undergoing chemotherapy and "staying positive”.

“He leaves behind a wonderful musical legacy and many happy memories for many people,” his family said. “He will be sadly missed by everyone who loved him. Shine bright our big star.”

Crewe-born DJ and producer Spencer rose to fame in the 1990s, originally as part of a trio, with the breakout hit ‘Sunchyme’, which sampled The Dream Academy’s ‘Life in a Northern Town’. The track reached number two in the UK charts.

Shortly after, their follow-up single ‘Carnaval de Paris’ made waves as it became synonymous with the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, and still remains a football anthem to this day.

A new, reissued version of ‘Carnaval de Paris’ was released in 2002 for the South Korea and Japan World Cup. Dario G also recorded a track with Pitbull in 2010 for the Official FIFA 2010 World Cup soundtrack, ‘Game On’.

Between 1998 and 2020, Dario G released three studio albums, ‘Sunmachine’, ‘In Full Colour’, and their final record, ‘Hola’. Spencer worked with countless artists over the years, including Sonique, Shirley Bassey, and Clean Bandit.

Several Dario G tracks have appeared in both film and TV. 'Sunchyme' appeared in the finale episode of Derry Girls, while their 2000 track 'Voices' made an appearance in the Danny Boyle-directed film The Beach.

Speaking to the Mirror Online last year after his diagnosis, Spencer said he was undergoing chemotherapy. “The chemo and the medication arrested and stopped the pain and then I think the chemo starts to take an effect,” he said.

In May, Spencer announced that his first show of 2024 at the County Ground would not go ahead due to illness. “I was hoping to make it, desperate to make it, but infections and all sorts of horrible things have afflicted me so unfortunately I won't be able to make it,” he explained in a video.

“Have a great weekend, have a great event, enjoy each other, hug each other, dance the night away and please, please, please, look after each other,” he said. “This is Dario G, good luck Chris Moyles, good luck the gang, and I'll see you soon."

Listen to 'Sunchyme' and 'Carnaval de Paris' below, and read some tributes.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter