‘He left the room too early…’: Tributes pour in for DJ and producer Matt Tolfrey, dead at 44 — friends mourn his ‘cheeky smile and humour’ as dance music world reels from the loss of a beloved figure who ‘brought people together on and off the dancefloor’… - suong
DJ and record producer Matt Tolfrey has died aged 44 - it was announced on on Monday.
Close friend and fellow musician, Damian Lazarus led the tributes as he remembered his 'cheeky smile and humour' in an emotional post.
Sharing the news to Instagram, he 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.
'Like us, Matt believed in community and bringing people together on and off the dancefloor and his record label Leftroom Records.'
DJ and record producer Matt Tolfrey has died aged 44 - it was confirmed on Monday
Close friend and fellow musician, Damian Lazarus led the tributes as he remembered his 'cheeky smile and humour' in an emotional post (Matt pictured in 2013)
Damian added: 'He 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.'
Born in 1980, Matt grew up in the Middle East in Bahrain, before returning to the UK when he was 16.
He began his DJ career in Nottingham while studying in the city, before making his debut at London's Fabric in 2004.
After playing The Bomb in Nottingham, when he got spotted: 'Not long after, I got a call from Craig Richards one early morning.
'At first I couldn't work out who it was. He offered me to come down to London to play at Fabric. And that's how it all began,' he told DJ Magazine in 2012.
Born in 1980, Matt grew up in the Middle East in Bahrain, before returning to the UK when he was 16
He began his DJ career in Nottingham while studying in the city, before making his debut at London's Fabric in 2004
'I can't imagine things like that happening now. Once I played at Fabric, I started getting booked elsewhere, because it was such a big thing,' he added.
Matt went on to work as a producer for labels such as Crosstown Rebels, REKIDS and Phonica before starting his own, Leftroom.
He released his first full-length album, titled Word of Mouth, via Leftroom Records in 2012.
Matt's second album, All Shapes and Sizes, was released in 2020.
After his death, Classic Music Company added in a tribute on Monday: 'Classic are devastated to hear of the passing of Matt Tolfrey; DJ, producer, label runner, manager and importantly our friend.
'Matt was a longtime supporter and fan of all things Classic during his residency at The Bomb in Nottingham and of course at places like London’s Fabric.
'In 2011 when Matt asked to remix some records from the catalogue, we loved them and were more than happy to release them in conjunction with his ‘Classic Through The Eyes of Matt Tolfrey’ compilation.
'We have fond memories of the times he played for us and when we all hung out.
We are deeply saddened by the news and we send love to all of Matt’s friends and family.'
Another friend and fellow DJ Heidi added: 'I only have hilarious & warm memories of him. My heart goes out to Hayley & his beautiful daughters. This is beyond heartbreaking'
Fellow DJ Heidi added: 'I really can’t believe we’re here again. Saying goodbye to another wonderful person. Matt Tolfrey was someone whom I gravitated towards immediately. His humour was infectious. He was such a fun person to be around & unbelievably kind.
'We played together & b2b so many times across this planet. From Peru to Detroit, Barcelona, Miami, London, Amsterdam and the list goes on.
'He was a fixture at my Jackathon parties in the early days and also contributed a track “who’s the freak” made specifically for my 1st big mix release on the label.
'He loved taking the p*** out of me on the regular and that became our language. We laughed uncontrollably sometimes.
'Matt was also extremely supportive to so many artists over the decades. He never had an ego & I firmly believe that he was in this industry for all the right reasons. His label Leftroom was a staple in all of our record bags in the early-mid nouties.
'I only have hilarious & warm memories of him. My heart goes out to Hayley & his beautiful daughters. This is beyond heartbreaking.
'Make sure you tell your friends & family how much you love them. Life is precious.'
Vicky Pattison left on the brink of tears after harsh critique over ‘heavy’ routine from Strictly judges liennhi
VICKY Pattison was left on the brink of tears after a harsh critique over her 'heavy' routine from the Strictly judges.
Former Geordie Shore star Vicky, 37, is partnered with pro Kai Widdrington on the much loved dance show.
Vicky and Kai took to the dance floor with their version of a Cha-Cha from the party scene of the movie The Great Gatsby.
But, before the dance started Vicky said she would be dancing a lot by herself and "there was nowhere to hide."
She added: "This dance is fun and I just really hope I can turn all of the nervous
The pair's lively routine was accompanied by cheers throughout their performance and the couple appeared very happy at the end of their dance.
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However, things changed for the worse when they stood in front of the judges.
Craig Revel Horwood said: "I felt that you could be a little more extreme in every move...There was no double bounce which made it look a bit flat footed"
Oti Mabuse added: "Don't be disappointed, remember where you were three weeks ago.
Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo agreed but said: "I want more from you."
Shirley Ballas added: "There were no swivels and I'm not quite sure why it looked on the heavy side."
But Anton Du Beke said he enjoyed the performance and that she had such potential.
Vicky appeared near to tears as she listened to their comments and viewers noticed her brave face and took to social media.
One fan wrote: "Oh Vicky is breaking my heart."
Another added: “Oh don’t be so nervous!” after ripping the dance to shreds, some interesting judging choices tonight."
A third wrote: "First of all, reminding Vicky all the time that she’s a nervous person is just going to make her more nervous.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 lineup
Strictly Come Dancing news and the latest line up
- Nitro from Gladiators AKA Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will be using his athletic prowess to try to win over the judges.
- Doctor Who and ER star Alex Kingston will be adding some drama.
- Chris Robshaw, former Harlequins and England rugby captain will be tackling the dance floor.
- EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki Panesar, has moved from Walford to the ballroom.
- Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis has landed on the show from Down Under.
- George Clarke, a YouTube star, will also be showing off his moves.
- Love Island winner Amber Davies joined as a last minute replacement after Dani Dyer pulled out with injury.
- La Voix is the first drag star to join the main series
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink swaps is football boots for dancing shoes.
- Ellie Goldstein is the first contestant with Down's Syndrome to take part.
- Thomas Skinner is swapping the boardroom for ballroom dancing.
- I'm A Celeb winner Vicky Pattison has been announced.
- Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope was announced as the last contestant after Game Of Thrones star Kristian Nairn pulled out of the show before the launch date over medical reasons.
"Secondly, the judges could see she was getting upset and still piled on the negatives without them being constructive."
However, things brightened up when the pair gained 5 points from Craig, 7 from Oti, 6 from Shirley and 7 from Anton giving them a respectable overall score of 25.
Vicky was thrilled as she jumped around the set and into Kai's arms shouting: "We got 7. That's all I wanted a 7."
The much loved star then grabbed Claudia for an excited hug and shouted "We got a 7. OMG."
