DJ Phil K dies at 51

The master selector passed away after losing the battle to cancer.

Australian pioneer Phil Krokidis, simply known as Phil K, died yesterday, on November 1st. He had been dealing with bladder and prostate cancer for over two years.

Krokidis, born on May 7th, 1969 was instrumental in shaping Australia’s electronic music scene, predominantly known as a driving force behind the breakbeat sound. Becoming one country’s most revered and creative DJs, he rose to prominence during the 90s and the turn of the century, as he delivered the 2002s Balance 004 mix, his best know release.

Phil is fondly remembered by friends and colleagues like Hernan Cattaneo, Dave Seaman, and Anthony Pappa among others, but perhaps, one of the most emotional tributes came from his friend, James Zabiela, who wrote: ‘Before I’d crossed paths with Phil, I can remember Sasha saying something to me about how I was ‘going to love this guy’. He was right. Phil was someone who had a hugely positive impact on me […] His enthusiasm was contagious and after every encounter, he always left me feeling inspired. He was like a spark plug. I could’ve done with being on the same continent as him more often over the years. He was generous, funny, and always encouraging’.

Read some of the tributes written for Phil below.