Simon ‘DK’ Smith of DIY Sound System dies, aged 60

Smith was rushed to hospital on Wednesday night

DIY Sound System co-founder Simon DK has died, aged 60.

A statement from DIY’s Harry Harrison on Facebook said he had been rushed to Glan Clwyd hospital in North Wales on Wednesday night and placed on life support, but it was medically withdrawn at 5.15pm on Thursday (July 6).

The statement said: “I really don’t know how to say this as am so stunned and saddened but feel we should announce that the legend that was Simon DK tragically passed away today. He was rushed to Glan Clwyd hospital in North Wales last night and placed on life support but it was medically withdrawn at 5.15pm today.

“I cannot really express in words my, our, collective sadness at his death. I personally have known him for over 35 years and some of the DiY family have known him even longer than that. We have all been through so much together over the decades and it’s just devastating.

“He was a unique man, becoming DiY’s first DJ in those halcyon days of the late 80’s and progressed to become probably the best known free party DJ in the country, inspiring a whole generation of new people to take to the decks. Always chaotic, always late but always with sublime music and time for everyone. I have never known such a loved person. Ever.

“Perhaps finally he has found peace. I really don’t know what else to say but our thoughts and love go to his family, to Nikki and to the whole extended DiY family across the globe in this tragic hour. Goodnight to the Dark Knight, you will be forever loved and never forgotten. Eternal love brother and fly well x”

DIY, along with Spiral Tribe, were among the best known sound systems in the free party/rave scene, although their sound was slamted to the more melodic, deep end of house rather than hardcore. Castlemorton, the biggest illegal rave ever held in the UK, with estimates of up to 40,000 attendees, saw them playing solidly for around four days.