With the passing of Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson, the world mourns the loss of one of London’s DJ giants.
Born in East London, the longtime radio host, who died last Sunday after a long fight with cancer, was considered one of the UK house music pioneer, having been the first black DJ to play in London’s Soho in 1979.
His reggae & soul sound became known as Troublefunk and this is where he acquired his stage name ‘Trouble’.
A founding member of the iconic KISS FM alongside Gordon Mac and George Power, Anderson was also a popular name on the international dance music festivals’ scene, playing regularly at famous events like Southport Weekender and Croatia’s SuncéBeat.
In 2012 he re-united his fellow Kiss FM DJ Gordon Mac for the launch of London radio station Mi-Soul.
The legendary DJ was first diagnosed with lung cancer in 2011 and after an invasive operation, he has been in remission for six years before the condition returned.
In August, Anderson’s family and friends threw a fundraiser to help pay for his cancer treatment. The campaign read: “We all know it will take months until Paul is able to return to his previous form, but it is his full intention and our greatest wish that he gets back to doing what he loves doing best. With the support of his family, friends and community we can do this. It’s our chance to give something back to this very special man who has given us so much.”
Among the donors and supporters were Claudio Coccoluto, Barbara Tucker, Kerri Chandler and more.
Anderson’s friends, family, as well stalwarts of the worldwide dance scene – like Gordon Mac, David Morales, Barbara Tucker, Tony Humphries, Grant Nelson, Kerri Chandler, Joey Negro, Simon Dunmore and more – have been sharing tributes to the late DJ on social media. You can read their kind words below.
⚫️ At Mi-Soul radio we are devastated to announce that our dear friend Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson passed away this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paul’s loved ones.He will be sorely missed by the Mi-Soul family and by all that had the privilege to know him 💔#RIPTROUBLE pic.twitter.com/EVHRflTkzc
— Mi-Soul (@MiSoulTweets) 2 dicembre 2018
Rest in peace @PaulTroubleAnde – Paul Trouble Anderson You was like a big brother and mentor to me. Im absolutely devastated . pic.twitter.com/0Q8CGocwaF
— Jumpin Jack Frost (@djjjfrost) 2 dicembre 2018
A true legend and pioneer within the UK dance scene – Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson. ☝🏻💿
Sending our love and thoughts to Paul’s family and friends at this time. #RIPTROUBLE 💛 pic.twitter.com/9jRCHmlHaG
— Defected Records (@DefectedRecords) 2 dicembre 2018
Very very sad to hear of the death of Paul Trouble Anderson. Paul was a real character with a big personality, both on and off the decks. Anyone vaguely interested in vocal house living near London would regularly listen to his Kiss… https://t.co/5HlszRCIv6
— Joey Negro (@JoeyNegro) 2 dicembre 2018
Paul“Trouble”Anderson was Trail Blazer. A true music pioneer. He paved the way for future generations of DJs.
A technician behind the decks before technology & social media made it easy.
A DJs “DJ”!RIP Trouble ❤️
Tony Farsides pays a fitting tribute. https://t.co/AOV146RFEI
— Simon Dunmore (@SimonDunmore) 3 dicembre 2018
The 1st club I went to at 15 was called Crackers in Wardour st.The 1st club I went to regularly was the electric ballroom in Camden Town.The Dj was Paul Anderson,who in his heyday was one of the best ever.R.i.p ‘Trouble’
— Trevor Nelson (@DJTrevorNelson) 2 dicembre 2018
Listen to ourpodcast ‘Made In Italy NYC Guest Paul Trouble Anderson‘ below!