DJ Stu Allan dies aged 60: Music legend passes away after battling cancer for almost a year

DJ Stu Allan has died at the age of 60 after an almost year-long battle with cancer.

The death of the 90s dance legend was announced on social media in a heartfelt statement on Thursday.

The post, shared on his Facebook, read: “It is with great sadness that we write this message to let you know that Stu passed away today.

“As you know, he has been ill for a while and has been battling cancer for almost a year.

“Although we are so sad that he is no longer with us, we are relieved that he is finally at rest after his illness.”

The statement continued: “We will soon be holding a memorial meeting in memory of Stu, where we can all celebrate his wonderful life.

“But for now, Alison, Paul, Gary and Stu’s family need time to process their loss.

“You can leave a comment below and tell us how you knew Stu and what memories you have of him.”

A similar statement was also shared on Twitter, with both announcements featuring an animated photo of the Manchester-based DJ doing the job he loved.

Following the news of Stu’s death, a host of fellow DJs and musicians took to Twitter to share their grief over his passing.

Friend Within wrote: ‘Stu Allan was one of the earliest names I ever remember in dance music. What a pioneer of the scene and northern legend.’

John Brewin wrote: ‘Very sad. Stu Allan is the first radio DJ I heard playing rap, house, R&B and rave from the mid-1980s. Those of us listening to Piccadilly and Key 103 were privileged to hear such a pioneer. He had a great deep voice for the radio. Also some comical shouts.’

‘He was my inspiration to become a DJ. I was given a fake ID when I was 15 to watch him play and I listened to his Key 103 shows religiously. They say you never meet heroes, but that wasn’t true with Stu. RIP Stu and thoughts with your family’ shared Anton Powers.

While Mark Breeze added: ‘What a nice guy and great DJ, I’ve listened to you from Amnesia House, Bowlers and Key103.’

Meanwhile, a plethora of fans and music lovers reached out to express their grief over his death.

One person wrote: ‘Absolute legend, a huge loss to the music and romp world.’

A second upset music fan added: ‘Stripped. So sad to hear this. RIP Stu.’

‘I’m gutted. His mixes were a soundtrack to my childhood. RIP Stu’ tweeted a third.

With another addition: ‘Very sad news indeed. Great nights and memories at different clubs thanks to Stu.’

A fan favorite on the 1990s rave scene, Stu worked at Piccadilly Radio and Key 103 in Manchester during the 1980s and 1990s.

The DJ pioneered dance music in the north of England, while his popular music mixes of house, hip hop and hardcore earned him the No.3 DJ ranking by DJ Magazine in 1993.

Stuart started DJing in 1982 and between 1984 and 1986 his mixes and remixes were played on Piccadilly Radio and featured in a number of shows including Chris Evans, Timmy Mallet and Tim Grundy.

Stu, who was also part of Eurodance act Clock, remained a force in the UK Old Skool house and hardcore music scenes, with performances and festival bookings for later this year.

The DJ had been open with his fans about his battle with cancer, with Stu sharing a photo of himself being treated in hospital.

He wrote: ‘Just an update for the curious crew

This was me earlier in the week on my next road to recovery getting ‘treatment’ due to a rare GIST. Please bear with me – some days I’ll be fine and other days I’ll feel a little lousy, but I’ll be fine. Thanks for your concern.’

Stuart leaves behind his wife Alison, whom he married in 2015.