How Dario G recorded smash hit 'Sunchyme' in a Crewe bedroom

Dario G shot to worldwide fame with a song recorded in a Crewe bedroom. The 90s pop sensation, real name Paul Spencer, died Monday (June 17) after a year-long battle with cancer.

It was 1997 hit 'Sunchyme' that catapulted Dario G to stardom. The group, originally named 'Dario' after then-Crewe Alexandra manager Dario Gradi, formed after Paul met fellow classically-trained pianist Scott Rosser at Salford College in 1989.

Scott relocated to Paul's native Crewe in the 1990s and the pair collaborated in Scott's bedroom, which they transformed into a makeshift recording studio. Former record distribution company employee Stephen Spencer (no relation to Paul) joined the group in 1997, and was instrumental in taking the group's bedroom-recorded tune 'Sunchyme' and making it an international smash hit.

READ MORE: 'Ageing is a privilege': Crewe pop star Dario G's poignant message before death at just 53 | Dario G, real name Paul Spencer, shot to fame with 1997 hit 'Sunchyme', recorded in a bedroom in Crewe

READ MORE: Crewe's 90s dance pop sensation Dario G dies as stars pay tribute | Dario G, real name Paul Spencer, has died at the age of 53 after a battle with cancer

The song charted around the world, missing out on the UK number 1 spot to Elton John's 'Candle in the Wind'. In a 1998 interview with Sound on Sound, the group also revealed their next hit, 'Carnaval De Paris', released as an anthem for the 1998 World Cup in France, started with sessions in a rented Crewe studio, where they also recorded demos for their first album, Sunmachine.

Sunmachine was recorded under the working title 'Super Dario Land' in tribute to the English-Italian manager Dario Gradi, who managed Crewe Alex from 1983 to 2007 and again from 2009 to 2011. Scott Rosser and Stephen Spencer left Dario G left the group after the final recording sessions of Sunmachine at Lansdowne Studios, London, leaving Paul to perform as a solo act for the next two decades.

Paul announced in June 2023 he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 rectal cancer. On Monday, Crewe Alexandra paid tribute to Paul.

The club said in a statement posted to social media: We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Spencer, who was a part of the dance group, Dario G. Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends at this difficult time."

A statement posted to Dario G's social media Monday read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Spencer earlier today. He was positive until the end but this was one battle he could not fight anymore.

"He leaves behind a wonderful musical legacy and many happy memories for many people. He will be sadly missed by everyone who loved him. Shine bright our big star."

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