DJ Tizer, whose real name was Tony Walsh, passed away on Saturday, his friends confirmed on social media, and his devastated fans have now paid tribute to the late entertainer
A popular DJ who “lit up the room everywhere he played” has sadly died, leaving his fans heartbroken.
DJ Tizer, whose real name was Tony Walsh, played in countless venues across Northern Ireland and abroad, building a reputation as Ireland’s number one Happy Hardcore DJ, according to his Facebook page. He was known for staging “old skool raves” and is credited for creating iconic nights in some of the most famous nightclubs and dance music venues in Northern Ireland.
News of his death was shared by Tony’s friends on social media, as they confirmed in a statement that he passed away on Saturday. They posted: “I Cant believe were actually writing this, and have permission from the family to do so (before any rumours start etc…) tho were devasted to tell you all that Tony Walsh a.k.a.
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“Dj Tizer has passed away on sat 20th sept. We dont need to tell anyone that knew him..he was an absolute gent and legend, and will be so sadly missed! Respect and love to The main man…TIZER X. Maximus + McD.” [sic]
Fellow NI DJ Micky Modelle said Tony was “a technical wizard” and would “just lit up the room everywhere he played.” He posted on social media: “Just landed in Ibiza today and was devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend DJ Tizer.
“We were friends 30 years. Such an Inspiration to us all in the early days. He was a technical wizard on vinyl turntables the Scratch Master. I never seen anyone Better at that time.
“He just lit up the room everywhere he played and i have many fond memories of gigs we did together. I can be thankful for the 30 years of friendship and memories we had.”
Jason Henderson, a friend of DJ Tizer and a local DJ himself, shared a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook. He wrote: “WHAT AN ABSOLUTE HOUNOUR IT WAS TO HAVE BEEN ASKED TO PLAY ALONGSIDE ONE OF MY HEROS…. I actually cannot believe im writing this this morning.
“My heart is truly broken. This man was a norn iron legend. We all had his tapes growing up. I watched the man scratching the vinyl, fingers were a blur. Lol the dance scene has lost one of the godfathers! You and mallorca lee will have heaven bouncing today. I’m gutted.
“This man gave me the chance play alongside him at a few gigs. I will never forget the buzz, the excitement, the adrenaline rush. Playing alongside one of my hero’s will stay with me forever. Thank you tony Walsh….. DJ TIZER! LEGENDS NEVER DIE.”
Dilly Gary Dillon, founder and director of Belfast Underground Records, also posted a moving tribute, writing: “I’m heartbroken this morning to hear about Tizer. He was such a lovely person and an incredible oldskool DJ.
“Tony and I went back over 30 years, having first worked together in the original Mixmaster Records, long before I eventually bought the shop from him and Eddie. I have so many great memories and mad stories from back in the day. Rest easy mate.”
Fans also shared their own tributes with one posting: “I believe I had all his tapes and among thousands of other people I was convinced off being his No1 fan. The chipmunk king and king of scratch the king of mixing the king of Happy Hardcore. Kick in the Beat up there mate. RIP Tizer.”
Another wrote: “A man who inspired an entire generation of Northern Irish kids who bounced to the harder styles. Not only were you ‘The Scratch Master’ but you were the figurehead and the benchmark. God bless you Tony Walsh.”
A third posted: “Absolutely shocking news, was an icon of the Happy Hardcore scene and inspired an entire generation of ravers & djs. Was 100% the reason I got into Hardcore in back in the day and I always looked forward to hearing his next mix tapes. Years later I had the privilege of performing alongside him which still to this day blows my mind. This is a huge loss, thoughts & prayers to all his family & friends. RIP Tizer.”
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