New York City club promoter Rob Fernandez has passed away, according to reports on social media. While the cause of death hasn’t been made public, it appears from posts on his Facebook wall wishing him the strength to “pull through” that Fernandez fell ill and didn’t make it out of recovery.
A veteran club promoter, Fernandez regularly enlisted the services of some of the biggest DJs in the world. He served as Pacha New York’s Director of Promotions/Bookings and co-helmed the popular Dance.Here.Now event at Cielo with Benny Soto. Along with Pacha New York owner Eddie Dean, he ran RPM Presents, an events company that did one-off dance parties at Governors Island, Pier 94, Central Park, MetLife Stadium, Radio City Music Hall to warehouses.
RIP Rob Fernandez from @PachaNYC , so sad to hear He really understood dance music and where it came from. New York lost a great man
— МЭТ ЗО (@Mat_Zo) July 9, 2015
So sad to hear that this great guy with the biggest smile passed away 🙁 RIP Rob Fernandez
— Chocolate Puma (@ChocolatePuma) July 9, 2015
Thoughts are going to friends and family of my mate Rob Fernandez. An NYC Hero. I'm truly gutted to hear of his passing. I owe you so much!
— Alan Fitzpatrick (@AlanFitzpatrick) July 9, 2015
It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to our friend Rob Fernandez. He was a force in NYC nightlife – there will never be another like him.
— Verboten New York (@VerbotenNewYork) July 9, 2015
Thoughts to the friends and family of the great Rob Fernandez. A New York legend. I’m deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
— James Zabiela (@jameszabiela) July 9, 2015
R.I.P. Rob Fernandez. The world and the dance music industry lost a great man. Thanks for all the amazing times and see u up there one day.
— Don Diablo (@DonDiablo) July 9, 2015
Heart broken over the sad news about Rob Fernandez, warmest smile, ray of sunshine, always made me… https://t.co/XZViXjC00e
— Gina Turner (@DJGINATURNER) July 9, 2015
When asked in a 2013 interview about house music’s rise from clubs to huge festivals in America, Fernandez was optimistic and humble.
“I really have to pinch myself. Twenty years ago I would read European magazines and see Dance Music in festivals and stadium shows and I never thought this would exist in the States. Now I think we’ve surpassed Europe. It’s a great time, one that I don’t take for granted.”
Image by Jason Howard
Rest In Peace Rob Fernandez You were always nice to me. NYC club culture lost a soldier
— Nathan Barato (@nathanbarato) July 9, 2015
RIP Rob Fernandez It was an honor to know you. Thanks you for having me at Pacha. That air horn won’t be the same w/o you
— Major Lazy (@alexenglish) July 9, 2015
:: Its with utmost regret and complete disbelief that we must say goodbye to our brother Rob Fernandez. Besides bei… pic.twitter.com/YduZboadeZ
— TheMartinezBrothers (@themartinezbros) July 9, 2015
I am deeply saddened to hear about #RobFernandez and his untimely passing … My prayers to your… https://t.co/0VzEhZIogO
— Jellybean Benitez (@HEYJELLYBEAN) July 9, 2015
Deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the passing of Rob Fernandez. My thoughts are with his family #NYLegendRIP pic.twitter.com/7XZvWsMn3c
— Paul van Dyk (@PAULVANDYK) July 9, 2015
Our friend and brother Rob Fernandez from NYC passed away. You are making us crying hard Rob! It will not be the same without you. RIP <3
— Joseph Capriati (@josephcapriati) July 9, 2015
He was the king of New York. Robs love dedication and work will be forever remember. #Hailtotheking #robfernandez pic.twitter.com/NJn8umT8GC
— seth troxler (@sethtroxler) July 9, 2015
It’s still hard to believe. Rob was the greatest guy with the greatest smile. RIP – VIP
It is hard to believe The Man was sunshine and beautiful energy!! New York just lost another great one!!