Legendary house producer Mighty Mouse has died

Defected Records producer and DJ Mighty Mouse has died at his home in Spain.

The house and disco producer, real name Matthew Ward, died suddenly “in his sleep” from an aortic aneurysm on Thursday October 20, according to a Defected Records statement.

“We are devastated to confirm that Matthew Ward aka Mighty Mouse, died suddenly last Thursday at his home in Spain," it reads.

“We are all lost without his enormous presence and talent, our thoughts are with his partner, Ellen, and his Mum, Judy, as well as his wider family and many, many friends and fans.”

Wez Saunders, Defected Records's CEO, said in a statement to Mixmag: "Matthew was an incredible human being. A real, genuine guy. Hearing of his passing is a shock to us all. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time."

Simon Dunmore, the former owner and label head of Defected Records also paid tribute to Ward, with a post on Twitter that said: “Sending love & condolences to Matthew’s family & friends. RIP Mighty Mouse.”

His agent Andy Raeside said to Mixmag: "Mighty Mouse was the most incredible human, DJ, producer and friend. We are all in complete shock of his passing, it is truly devastating. His spirit will live on through his music and the amazing memories he has given us all."

Singer Rowetta posted: “Such sad, sad news. Another huge loss. RIP.”

Having been active as a musician since the 2000s, his 2019 track ‘The Spirit’ was previously named as the “Hottest Record In The World” on BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac’s show. He was a regular at Defected’s popular events series Glitterbox.

Another of his songs ‘Midnight Mouse (Revised)’ – an edit of ABBA’s ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ – became a cult classic after French DJ Folamour played it during his set for Boiler Room at FLY Open Air Festival in 2019.

Ward was active DJing and producing up until his death, sharing a remix of Ridney & Inaya Day’s song ‘Like You’ earlier this month. He wrote on Instagram about the release: “I got a new remix out (on all platforms). Loads of ace support and it goes down really well in the club.”

He also had upcoming gigs scheduled in Newcastle’s The Lofts venue, London’s XOYO and Nitsa in Barcelona.

Isaac Muk is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Twitter