UK DJ and producer Blackmass Plastics has died

UK-hailing DJ and producer Blackmass Plastics has passed away, his friends have confirmed.

Fellow DJ Pete Dawson, who makes up one half of Bristol duo Convulsive Therapy, shared the news in a Facebook post on June 27, writing: “Sad news. Ian Miley AKA Blackmass Plastics has passed away after deteriorating health for years.”

“He was an outstanding DJ, producer, and supported us from day one,” he continued.

Real name Ian Miley, Blackmass Plastics first broke through in London’s underground squat scene in the ‘00s, and became part of several groups including The Leyton Breakers and True Diabolists.

His productions – which spanned UK bass, hardcore, electro, breaks, and more – landed on labels including SMB Records, Rag & Bone, and John Bushby’s Digital Distortions.

Elsewhere, his work saw support from the likes of Helena Hauff, who included his 2020 track ‘Holy Handgrenade’ in a 33-track compilation record on Tresor Records.

Speaking in tribute, friend and fellow London DJ Controlled Weirdness explained: “I first met [Ian] at a squat rave where we bonded over our love of Drexciya, dirty bass, and weird movies.”

“Friends ever since, and really gonna miss the acerbic and incisive chats we used to have. Made lots of killer music too with no compromise or filter. A proper real one has left the planet.”

Read some more tributes below.

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