Much-loved ‘larger than life' DJ dies aged just 41 after sudden brain aneurysm

Tributes have been paid to a window fitter who was ‘larger than life and full of personality’ and whose music caught the attention of well-renowned DJs.

Matthew Williams, of Staghills Road, Newchurch passed away from a brain aneurysm at Blackburn Royal Infirmary on May 8, aged 41. He was a well respected and popular window installation fitter for more than 20 years.

His mother, Jeanette Collins, said: “He was larger than life and full of personality. He always used to take the mick out of someone and life was fun for him.”

Matthew worked with large companies, including Safe Style for more than 10 years, fitting windows for commercial and residential properties.

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Residents would remember him after fitting their home windows and stop him in the street for a friendly chat. Matthew fitted hundreds of windows during his career including at Haslingden High School.

The beloved father-of-three was born and raised in Newchurch with his brothers Chris and Joe. He lived in Newchurch all of his life and attended St Nicholas Primary School and Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.

Matthew had a natural creative talent. When he was around 16-years-old he would produce his own techno and techno house mix masterpieces using vinyl records with his friends at the weekends.

In his later years, he uploaded his mixes on to SoundCloud under the name DuBB which caught the attention of his favourite DJs who complimented his music. DJ Tony Thomas was an avid supporter of Matthew’s work and he would share his tracks with his audience.

He commented on one of Matthew’s singles: “Serious techno set. Nice!!”

Matthew was thrilled by the wave of positive reviews from listeners and it encouraged him to post more of his singles. His most recent top track called DuBbeLIY racked up 60 views and has proven to be popular amongst techno lovers.

Matthew also played live as a special guest under DJ Luke Soloman at Bar Below in Manchester. He was also an excellent fisherman. Matthew began fishing with his dad, Brian and after learning a few tricks, perfected his skill and shared his hobby with his son Ellis, who would go fishing on the rivers and canals with him.

Matthew especially liked to fish at Jack Lodge and enjoyed going to the Soccer Aid matches with his daughter Ruby at the London Stadium and Old Trafford. He was a member of the Lumb Valley Anglers all of his adult life.

Matthew would take part in fishing competitions with the group and enjoyed socialising with other members. He was also a member of the Palatine Club in Waterfoot and he was a member of several private snooker clubs.

Matthew would play football with his cousins and brothers on the estate he lived in during his childhood and they made their own football team and kits. Matthew had annual adventures in Southport with his family and enjoyed taking his children Ellis, Lucas and Ruby out on day trips during the school holidays and camping at the Lake District.