Dario G star Paul Spencer has died at the age of 53 after being diagnosed with stage four rectal cancer. The music legend first rose to fame in 1997 as part of the Cheshire dance trio Dario G.
Tributes have since poured in for the musician after it was announced he had passed away on Monday (June 17). A social media statement issued on behalf of Dario G read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Spencer earlier today.
"He was positive until the end but this was one battle he could not fight anymore. He leaves behind a wonderful musical legacy and many happy memories for many people. He will be sadly missed by everyone who loved him. Shine bright our big star."
The musician previously announced his cancer diagnosis last June in a post on X. He penned: "Hard to write this. I've just found out that I've got stage 4 rectal cancer and a shadow on my liver. That's damn hard to read too I'm sure. Gonna give it my best shot though. Stay positive, cos I am. Always. Seeing the doctors on Friday to discuss the next steps."
Tributes have since poured in for Paul as producer Sigala wrote: "That’s so sad. A true inspiration, he brought joy to so many people and will live on forever through his music.
"Paul told me many times over the last year “Go get yourself checked” so I’m passing on that message to anyone reading this, as I’m sure he would want me to. Our health should be more of a priority! He will be missed greatly. Sending love to his family, rest in peace buddy xx."
Farmer Michael star Stevo Timothy penned: "I just got news that the legend that is Dario G has sadly passed on to the other realm. The rave scene has lost a giant, from 'Carnaval de Paris' that became synonymous with the World Cup in 98 to the glorious Sunchyme'. But more that that, he was Paul, he was a friend and a good friend. I first met him when he came to our show in Manchester and I was astounded by his warmness, his friendliness and his supportive nature.
"We met up countless times since then in Ireland and the UK and every time he was such a consummate gentleman. On stage he was a ball of energy with his favourite trumpet absolutely belting out the tunes. We only spoke a few weeks ago and his positivity was unbelievable. He never lost that good nature despite his illness and what the world threw at him. I'll miss you Paul, in a world of egos, narcissism, and attitudes, you were the epitome of goodness. I hope they let you belt out the trumpet in heaven."
Paul, who rose to fame in the 90s with hit tracks Sunchyme and Carnival de Paris, shared how he was set on living his life to the fullest while receiving treatment.
Speaking to the Mirror at the end of last year, Paul explained his treatment and remained optimistic about the future. He said: "I'm doing really, really well. The chemo and the medication arrested and stopped the pain and then I think the chemo starts to take an effect.
"I think in a month's time I'll be having another scan so that'll be around Christmas time. So yeah, my Christmas present is a photoshoot of another CT scan or MRI scan. I had one done [recently] on my brain as well because little problems appeared because of the chemo."
Discussing the side effects, Paul added: "I even faced in the last week, my sense of taste has changed," before joking: "But my friends are probably telling me I've always had a terrible sense of taste in clothes anyway. I've had a problem with my eye as well with various stuff. There's always another thing and another thing. When the chemo is over, maybe they will hopefully go away."
The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.
