Matt Tolfrey dead: Beloved DJ and producer dies at 44 as tributes pour in

DJ and music producer Matt Tolfrey has died at the age of 44. Taking to social media, his friend Damian Lazarus wrote: "This weekend we lost a key member of the extended Crosstown Rebels family. Matt Tolfrey played a major role in our music scene and will be very sorely missed.

"We first met in Nottingham when I was booked to play at Stealth and we went on to work and play together for the best part of 20 years. He produced key singles and remixes for us and in recent years was responsible for helping us work with artists that he represented such as @alinkatwirl @jadenthompson_ @ajchristou and @holaguti."

He added: "Like us, Matt believed in community and bringing people together on and off the dance floor and his record label @leftroomrecords has played an important role in bringing like minded music makers together. Matt was a brilliant dj and was represented by myself and Will in the very early days of the Rebel Agency (now NGE).

"His cheeky smile and humor will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to everyone that knew and loved Matt but especially to his beautiful daughters Arla and Beau. RIP Matt, you left the room too early.", reports the Mirror.

The cause of Matt's death remains undisclosed. Born in 1980, Matt kick-started his career as a DJ in the early 2000s on Nottingham's underground circuit.

He swiftly grabbed the attention of James Baillie, the renowned promoter behind Venus and Lovebox. After a standout warm-up set for Craig Richards at The Bomb, he secured a sought-after debut at London's famous nightclub, fabric, in May 2004, which sparked the beginning of his career.

Tributes have poured in for Tolfrey, as a music writer for DJ Mag wrote: "It's never easy writing an obituary on a Monday morning, especially when it's someone you know a bit. RIP Matt Tolfrey, gone too soon."

One fan added: "Proper sad news about Matt Tolfrey, just a year after Jackmaster, 2 major pioneers in the scene."

A second penned: "Absolutely devastated to hear the news of one of my dearest and best friends, Matt Tolfrey. A beautiful soul, a loving father and a key player in our industry. Your wit, humour, knowledge, talent and all round good vibrations will be sorely missed brother."