Andrew Weatherall, the famed British DJ, musician, remixer and producer who helped Primal Scream craft its genre-flipping early masterpiece Screamadelica, died in a London hospital Monday after suffering a pulmonary embolism, according to his publicists. He was 56.
Weatherall left his sonic fingerprints all over the U.K.’s acid house and Madchester scenes of the early ’90s, beginning with Primal Scream’s “Loaded” — a druggy and completely unrecognizable remix of the band’s 1989 album track “I’m Losing More Than I Ever Had.” He’d go on to co-produce Screamadelica, the album that would be home to “Loaded,” and helped Primal Scream shed its C86 jangle-pop sound.
As a remixer, Weatherall was quick to make his mark, working with Paul Oakenfold on the club remix of Happy Mondays’ “Hallelujah,” and putting his own stamp on New Order’s “World in Motion,” My Bloody Valentine’s “Soon” and Saint Etienne’s Neil Young cover “Only Love Can Break Your Heart.”
He also recorded his own electronic music with collaborators under the names The Sabres of Paradise and Two Lone Swordsmen, before putting out releases under his own name in the 2000s.
“So sad to hear about Andrew Weatherall,” Peter Hook tweeted today. “I was only listening to his mix of ‘World in Motion’ in the gym this morning and thinking how amazing it was. I worked with him many times — he was a truly nice, kind man who shared many, many words of wisdom.”
Below, see more tributes to Weatherall and hear some of his best-known work.
Andrew Weatherall 1963 – 2020 pic.twitter.com/dnNEA339n9
— Primal Scream (@ScreamOfficial) February 17, 2020
We are all very saddened to hear about the passing of our friend, and collaborator, Andrew Weatherall. pic.twitter.com/vZ3ckl7lw0
— New Order (@neworder) February 17, 2020
Andrew Weatherall was truly one of our heroes. This mix still sounds super modern. Thanks old bean. https://t.co/519U2yCeGl
— Saint Etienne (@bobpetesarah) February 17, 2020
So sad about Andrew Weatherall. He remixed Sister off my last album and I’ve honestly never sounded so insanely fucking dubby in my life. Plus he was hilarious. Massive respect ❤️
— Tracey Thorn (@tracey_thorn) February 17, 2020
Shocked and saddened to hear that cosmic traveller Andrew Weatherall has left the building. Always a pleasure to meet up with him and share good times. Rest well mate pic.twitter.com/OIsg2Fb6Di
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) February 17, 2020
Deeply shocked to hear about the passing of Andrew Weatherall. He was completely unique and original, and helped forge the sound of contemporary dance music, being one of the first producers to fuse dance and rock, making some of the most innovative records of the '90s. (thread)
— UNKLE (@unkleofficial) February 17, 2020
I’m really gutted to hear the awful news about Andrew Weatherall. His influence on music was incredible and he never stopped pushing forward when it’d have been easier to rest on his laurels. Most importantly though, he was a great person. Rest in peace.
— stuart braithwaite (@plasmatron) February 17, 2020
An absolute titan of music has passed on. RIP Andrew Weatherall 💔
— Andy Bell (@Andybebop) February 17, 2020
RIP Andrew Weatherall
Talented man who leaves a legacy
Of brillant music.
Far too young. X— Geoff Barrow (@jetfury) February 17, 2020
Very sorry to hear the sad news about Andrew Weatherall. Rest in peace, man. Andrew was a true artist and a good friend to Dexys and Kevin.
— Dexys (@DexysOfficial) February 18, 2020
So sad to hear about Andrew Weatherall. I was only listening to his mix of ‘World in Motion’ in the gym this morning and thinking how amazing it was. I worked with him many times – he was a truly nice, kind man who shared many, many words of wisdom. RIP. X
— Peter Hook (@peterhook) February 17, 2020
This doesn’t feel real. Weatheralls impact on me and the music that i love is unmatched. I still can’t fathom that this is true. Gutted.