Dario G's Paul Spencer dies aged 53 after cancer diagnosis

Dario G star Paul Spencer has tragically passed away at the age of 53, following a battle with stage four rectal cancer. The Cheshire dance trio member, who shot to fame in 1997, was mourned by fans and fellow musicians after his death was confirmed on Monday (June 17).

A heartfelt statement released on social media on behalf of Dario G said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Spencer earlier today."

The statement continued to honour his fighting spirit and his contributions to music: "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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Previously, Spencer had shared his diagnosis in a candid post on X last June, writing: "Hard to write this. I've just found out that I've got stage 4 rectal cancer and a shadow on my liver. That's damn hard to read too I'm sure. Gonna give it my best shot though. Stay positive, cos I am. Always. Seeing the doctors on Friday to discuss the next steps."

Following the sad news of his passing, tributes have been flooding in, with producer Sigala expressing his condolences: "That's so sad. A true inspiration, he brought joy to so many people and will live on forever through his music.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

"Paul told me many times over the last year "Go get yourself checked" so I'm passing on that message to anyone reading this, as I'm sure he would want me to. Our health should be more of a priority! He will be missed greatly. Sending love to his family, rest in peace buddy xx."

Stevo Timothy, star of Farmer Michael, wrote: "I just got news that the legend that is Dario G has sadly passed on to the other realm. The rave scene has lost a giant, from 'Carnaval de Paris' that became synonymous with the World Cup in 98 to the glorious Sunchyme'. But more that that, he was Paul, he was a friend and a good friend. I first met him when he came to our show in Manchester and I was astounded by his warmness, his friendliness and his supportive nature."

"We met up countless times since then in Ireland and the UK and every time he was such a consummate gentleman. On stage he was a ball of energy with his favourite trumpet absolutely belting out the tunes. We only spoke a few weeks ago and his positivity was unbelievable. He never lost that good nature despite his illness and what the world threw at him. I'll miss you Paul, in a world of egos, narcissism, and attitudes, you were the epitome of goodness. I hope they let you belt out the trumpet in heaven."

Paul, who shot to stardom in the 90s with chart-topping tracks like Sunchyme and Carnival de Paris, had previously shared his determination to live life to the fullest while undergoing treatment.

In a conversation with The Mirror towards the close of the previous year, Paul outlined his treatment journey while maintaining a hopeful outlook for the future. Expressing his condition, he said: "I'm doing really, really well. The chemo and the medication arrested and stopped the pain and then I think the chemo starts to take an effect."

Approaching Christmas time, he conveyed his upcoming medical plan with a touch of humour, saying: "I think in a month's time I'll be having another scan so that'll be around Christmas time. So yeah, my Christmas present is a photoshoot of another CT scan or MRI scan. I had one done [recently] on my brain as well because little problems appeared because of the chemo."

When discussing the side effects of the treatment, Paul admitted: "I even faced in the last week, my sense of taste has changed," but not without a jestful reflection on self-image: "But my friends are probably telling me I've always had a terrible sense of taste in clothes anyway. I've had a problem with my eye as well with various stuff. There's always another thing and another thing. When the chemo is over, maybe they will hopefully go away."