Categories: House

The outpouring of respect for the late Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson is a fitting tribute to a DJ legend

Last Sunday saw the passing of legendary London DJ Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson, after a long battle with cancer, at the age of just 59.

Paul’s family confirmed the news on Facebook on Sunday morning, saying, “Each of you will have your own favourite track that evokes its own special memory of Paul. As do we as a family. One thing for sure there is now no longer anymore trouble for Paul to live through, but Paul Trouble Anderson will always live in us.”

In the day or so since the Kiss FM co-founder’s death, leading names from the world of dance music have paid tribute to his legacy, with a plethora of photos and comments on social media that outline how important Paul was to the creation of the scene as we know it today.

As Tony Humphries wrote on Instagram, “In The Beginning there was… PAUL, and PAUL had a groove. A funky groove, a soulful groove, an underground groove. A groove ALL his own. A groove to be reckoned with. If you didn’t dance when he played, you looked out of place. Great shows on the airwaves. You felt safe buying or playing anything he played in his sets. […] From this day on, I will hope that any event I’m fortunate to be a part of in the UK will have a similar vibe.”

Elsewhere, Boy’s Own founder Terry Farley described Paul as “one of the finest DJs the UK has ever produced”.

Nancy Noise also weighed in, saying that Paul “exuded so much passion and love for music … Watching him and hearing him play, I could really feel it”.

Bill Brewster, too, was effusive in his praise of Paul’s impact on the dance scene, saying “He was London’s best DJ for many years, his weekly party Trouble’s House, was where all the DJs, producers and industry people used to meet and was always packed – despite being midweek – and his Kiss Fm show on a Saturday were indispensable. He is one of our greats and will be missed.”

Elsewhere, Sarah Sandy of the Groove Connection agency, said that Paul was someone that “turned my head to music in a different way! You were an inspiration to us all.”

Danny Rampling, meanwhile, posted an image of himself and Paul enjoying happier times, with the simple comment, “Rest in eternal peace brother”.

Here’s a link to the great man’s Essential Mix from 1996, which captures the East London native at his best.

Tracklisting
Loleatta Holloway – “My Loleatta” (Classic Accapellas)
Unknown Artist – “Free Man (Re-Edit)”
Unknown Artist – “Untitled” (Smokin Beats)
Billie – “Nobody’s Business (Deep Zone)” (AMPM)
Serious Intention – “You Don’t Know” (Easy Street)
Rosie Gaines – “Closer” (W/L)
Overjoyed – “Follow the Vibe” (Klub Zoo)
Dina Carroll – “Mind Body & Soul” (Manifesto)
Zack Toms Parade – “Get Up Everybody” (Nervous Dog)
Byron Stingley – “Get Up” (W/L)
Baffled 2 – “Knee High – Original Rinse” (W/L)
Unknown Artist – “Just Can’t Stop” (Infectious Grooves)
Black Ivory – “Mainline” (Buddah)
First Choice – “Let No Man Put As Under” (Salsoul)
Unknown Artist – “Can’t Shake Your Love” (JVS)
Curtis Mayfield – “Running” (R&S)
Pearl Mae – “Your Heaven” (Soulfuric)
Intruders – “I’ll Always Love My Mamma” (Philadelphia)
Unknown Artist – “Mama” (Basement)
Unknown Artist – “Can’t Shake” (Strictly)
Seond Crusade – “May The Funk Be With You” (Freeze)
Sensory Productions – “Disco Elements 3” (Azuli)
Stevie Wonder – “Read My Mind” (Motown)
Stacy Kidd – “Think Of You” (Peace Frog)
Stevie Wonder – “All I Do” (Motown)
Stacy Kidd – “Think Of You” (Peace Frog)
Robert Ownes – “Tears” (FFRR)
Jovonn – “Running” (WEA)
Melodious Myles – “Melodious Myles” (Notions)
Unkown Artist – “Untitled” (Smoking Beats)