When we read the news on AC Slater’s Twitter that Australian DJ/producer Ajax had died, we were shocked and saddened. Making his death even more tragfic is that he died on his birthday at the age of 42. Known for his spinning energetic sets and co-founding the Sweat It Out label, Ajax, whose real name was Adrian Thomas, died after being struck by a truck at 1AM in Melbourne on February 28. Ajax was considered one of the pioneers of Australia’s dance music scene. He was one of the founding members of the Bang Gang crew, and was voted among Australia’s top five DJs in the inthemix 50 poll each year since 2005. He placed first in both 2006 and 2007.
DJs from over the world have expressed their condolences on Twitter. “RIP to Ajax, my thoughts are with all the Australian homies, I can’t believe this. Such a warm and generous dude, a real leader,” tweeted A-Trak. “If you’re a DJ and you ever toured Australia chances are you knew Ajax, he was like the ambassador.” Sydney-based DJ/producer Beni, who was close with Ajax, has posted a tribute track on his SoundCloud (listen below) in honor of Ajax’s memory. Wrote Beni. “This is to the memory of a beautiful person who will be missed by everyone that ever had the pleasure of meeting him, even for a fleeting moment. He was always a gentleman, a true legend, and my friend that is how you will be remembered – as a legend, a dance legend.”
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