One of Australia’s most well-known dance music DJ Ajax has died in Melbourne last night.
Adrian Thomas, better known as DJ Ajax, was one of the founding members of the Bang Gang crew that promoted electro to a wider audience here in Australia and across the globe. Renowned for his mash-up DJing and musical irreverence, cut-and-paste style and since 2005 was voted as one of Australia’s top 5 Djs by inthemix’s 50 poll every year.
Police confirmed a man was killed when he was struck by a truck on College Cresent, Parkville in Melbourne's inner North last night. "It's believed the man ran in front of the north-bound truck on College Crescent shortly before 1am. He died at the scene," a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
As an award-winning DJ, promoter, record label and artist manager, for his label Sweat It Out, will be sorely missed both in Australia and abroad. Respected by audiences and the industry, Ajax was regular at music festivals such as Parklife, Big Day Out, Stereosonic, We Love Sounds and Splendour in the Grass.
Ajax’s former employers, Sydney’s Chinese Laundry nightclub announced the sad news on their Facebook page, "Absolutely heart breaking news about one of our long time former resident DJ's AJAX. Ajax was resident at Chinese Laundry for over 7 years and was a great friend to everyone here & an amazing DJ that was always a crowd favourite. You will be sorely missed by everyone who knew you and everyone at Chinese Laundry. RIP Buddy".
Well-known artists' reaction to the sad news on Twitter:
@boysnoize - i can not believe the news that our good aussie friend Adrian DJ Ajax has passed away :( thank you for all the joy you gave us**RIP**
@IamFakeBlood - Ajax. Quite a legend. The one who always kept the vibes going in Australia, both on the music scene and also as an all round good bloke. RIP
Trizzy Womack @atrak - If you're a DJ and you ever toured Australia chances are you knew Ajax, he was like the ambassador. Much love to the Banggang homies.
@bag_raiders - Can't believe this has happened. So long Ajax.. Thanks for the good tunes, good times & good vibes.. Love you homie, RIP Dance Legend.
@pedestriandaily - RIP DJ Ajax. A true gentleman and local dance legend gone too soon
@jackbeats Heart breaking news about Ajax. A genuine talent with such a warm, happy soul...You will be so greatly missed
@GirlsLoveDJs Shocked to hear of DJ Ajax's passing. Thanks for the memories of our ADE. Thoughts go out to his friends and family.
