Remembering Peter Rauhofer: A Testament to the American Dream

Peter-Rauhofer

New York City-based Austrian DJ/producer Peter Rauhofer died on Tuesday, only a few weeks after he was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a brain tumor. The news was announced by Rauhofer’s manager, Angelo Russo, via the artist’s Facebook page. His passing at only 48 is tragic.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Rauhofer early on in his career, just as Club 69’s “Let Me Be Your Underwear” was morphing from underground European sensation into international club hit. Rauhofer was still living in Vienna, and I remember during our phone conversation him enthusiastically laying out his plans to take his music global by moving to New York.

Later on when I was editing Mixmag USA (later Mixer), Rauhofer would occasionally stop by the DMC office on Broadway to pick up DMC remixes before their release. Usually in the midst of various remix projects, he always took a few moments to partake in industry gossip — who is playing this record, who is putting out that record, what’s the record that goes….. His appetite for music seemed insatiable.

When I interviewed Rauhofer after he won his Grammy in 2000 for remixing Cher’s “Believe,” he seemed much like the same guy I had talked to over almost a decade earlier. This time he had even bigger dreams tied into events he was producing. He counterbalanced his good fortune with a glint of self-deprecating humor, a very American thing to do.

During his 48 years Peter Rauhofer created a musical legacy and lived the American Dream. He moved across the Atlantic in search of a better life, worked hard and attained everything he dreamed about when he was a young man living in Vienna.

Peter Rauhofer’s personal story is as inspiring as his many musical accomplishments.

Star 69’s Peter Rauhofer Diagnosed With Brain Tumor

Peter Rauhofer

Grammy award-winning New York City-based DJ/producer/remixer Peter Rauhofer has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, according to a post by Rauhofer’s manager, Angelo Russo, on the artist’s Facebook. The Austrian native known for his big room house records produced under the alias Club 69 (“Let Me Be Your Underwear,” “Take A Ride” featuring Connie Harvey and Jocelyn Brown), plethora of releases on his Star 69 label, remixer of an astounding array of pop tracks and work as a promoter on the gay party circuit, was diagnosed with the tumor after he suffered a seizure and was rushed to the hospital. On the post Russo wrote, “I know Peter would appreciate your kind consideration and positive energy during this extremely difficult period.” Fans have left comments of support in droves, and Russo promised to provide an update once there is more information on Rauhofer’s condition. Read the full statement below.

Dear Friends and Loyal Fans,

As Peter Rauhofer’s manager and dear friend for many years, it is my sad duty to announce that Peter was rushed to the emergency room several weeks ago. After confirming that Peter had a seizure, further testing has revealed a large brain tumor, something that has gone undiagnosed for quite some time.

At this time, Peter’s family is working closely with a team of talented Neurologists to determine the overall best treatment option. Please be assured that he is getting the absolute finest care possible, twenty-four hours a day.

I know Peter would appreciate your kind consideration and positive energy during this extremely difficult period. We will post any updates and progress reports as they become available.

Feel free to post your condolences as well as check into this page for updates.

Sincerely,
Angelo

[via Towleroad]