Nightcrawlers frontman DJ John Reid has died aged 61

Scottish songwriter and Nightcrawlers frontman DJ John Reid has died aged 61. 

His death was confirmed in a Facebook post by ex-fiancée Mary Kiani on Sunday (June 15), reading: “Just heard this morning that my first love John Reid died suddenly,” before sharing an emotional tribute to their nine-year-relationship. No cause of death has been given.

Born in Glasgow, Reid started his career as a singer and DJ in his home city until forming Nightcrawlers alongside Graham Wilson, Hugh Brankin and Ross Cambell.

Often utilising a mix of acid house and jazz, Nightcrawlers were signed to Island Records offshoot 4th & B'way for first single 'Living Inside a Dream' in 1990. 

While the first single didn't reach commercial success, their second single - 'Push the Feeling On' featuring US house star MK and Reid on vocals - shot the band to fame.

'Push the Feeling On' peaked at No. 3 in the UK charts and in 1996, was named one of Mixmag's Best Dance Singles of All Time — Reid later signed to BMG as a solo artist under the Nightcrawlers moniker, releasing singles such as 'Surrender Your Love', 'Let's Push It' and 'Don't Let the Feeling Go' along with remixes from MK.

Separate from his work as Nightcrawlers, Reid worked with a number of artists as a producer and songwriter, including Tina Turner, Westlife, Rod Stewart and - due to a friendship with X Factor and Pop Idol judge Simon Cowell - created Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis' track 'A Moment Like This'. 

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter