Even if you don’t know DJ Peter Rauhofer by name, you have him to thank for more than a few great nights on the dance floor. A native of Vienna, Austria, and formerly known as “Club 69” and “Size Queen,” the names of the pop stars Rauhofer remixed are as ubiquitous as gay pop culture itself.
Known as a longtime Madonna collaborator, Rauhofer’s remixes included “4 Minutes” (Madonna and Justin Timberlake), “Beautiful” (Christina Aguilera), “Believe” (Cher), “Gimme More” (Britney Spears), “He Wasn’t Man Enough” (Toni Braxton), “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay” (Whitney Houston), “Lose My Breath” (Destiny’s Child), and “Try” (Pink), among others.
In April, Rauhofer’s manager announced via a statement on Facebook that the popular gay DJ had been diagnosed with brain cancer: “…it is my sad duty to announce that Peter was rushed to the emergency room several weeks ago. After confirming that Peter had a seizure, further testing has revealed a large brain tumor, something that has gone undiagnosed for quite some time.”
A tribute message has been posted on Rauhofer’s Facebook page:
Today the music industry has lost one of it’s true heroes.
With a heavy heart I must now report that Peter Rauhofer has lost his battle with brain cancer.He passed quietly today and is survived by his mother, Helga, who resides in Austria.
She will transport Peter back home to his final resting place there, but to all that knew Peter, his heart will always be in New York City.
It makes me sad, not only that I have lost a friend, but that the world has lost an amazing talent and that future generations will never get to understand the magic that Peter created night after night all over the world.
He is gone too soon but we will always have the vast body of music that Peter left for us.
Through his music, Peter will live forever. The brightest stars always burn out too soon. Peter, you were loved and you will be terribly missed. Goodbye my friend. Please rest in peace knowing that you have brought so much joy to so many of us. I ask that his true fans keep his legacy alive by sharing his music with anyone who may not have had the opportunity to experience it for themselves.
6. The outpouring of remembrances from fans, clubgoers, and fellow industry veterans on Facebook and Twitter reflects the reach of Rauhofer’s music.
Sad sad day @PeterRauhofer has passed, glad I got to see you DJ one last time @ExchangeLA back in February #RIP #Work #Break4Love
Absolutely SHOCKED to learn that @PeterRauhofer has died. I knew him well back in my club days. He was tough, but BRILLIANT. A huge loss
Lamentable noticia el fallecimiento de Peter Rauhofer…
Sin duda la musica pierde uno de sus grandes talentos.
I’m shocked and saddened about @PeterRauhofer ‘a passing. RIP Peter, you are amazing, talented and always a sweetheart to me. Spinng4Angels
Read more: http://buzzfeed.com/saeedjones/dj-peter-rauhofer-has-died
DJ Peter Rauhofer Has Died
