Voice of Anfield pays tribute as iconic 90s DJ Dario G dies

Tributes have poured in for 90s pop icon Dario G, who has died aged 53.

Stadium announcer George Sephton, better known as ‘The Voice of Anfield’, paid tribute to the dance music producer, whose real name was Paul Spencer.

In a message on Twitter X, George said: “If you were at Anfield you will have heard the amazing electro-pop version of ‘Ring of Fire’ It was created by the supremely talented Dario G. It was actually my friend Paul Spencer A nice guy who I’m sorry to say died today aged 53.

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Paul had been suffering from cancer for some time. In a message to his fans on Twitter/X last June, he wrote: “Hard to write this. I just found out I have stage 4 rectal cancer and a shadow on my liver. And that’s damn hard to read. I’m sure I’ll give it my all.

The musician’s death was announced by his family on his Instagram account. They said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Paul Spencer earlier today.

“He was positive until the end, but this was a battle he couldn’t fight anymore. He left behind a wonderful musical legacy and many happy memories for many people.

“He will be sadly missed by all who loved him. Shine on our great star.”

Paul, who was based in Crewe, formed Dario G as a trio with fellow DJs Scott Rosser and Stephen Spencer. However, in recent years Paul has been using Dario G as his stage name for his solo act.

The group’s biggest hits came in the late 90s with Sunchyme, a song built around a sample of Life in a Northern Town by Dream Academy and Carnaval de Paris.

Reds fans may be more familiar with Dario G’s 2006 single Ring of Fire, mentioned in the Voice of Anfield tribute. Ring of Fire sampled the trumpet melody from the song of the same name by Johnny Cash. Dario G’s version of the song became an anthem for Liverpool fans during the 2005–06 Champions League season.

Dance duo Phats and Small wrote: “At a loss for words. One of the good guys, you’ll be sorely missed bro.”

In a tribute on Twitter/X, Irish comedian Stevo Timothy said: “Just received word that the legend that is Dario G has sadly passed on. The rave scene has lost a giant, from “Carnaval de Paris”, which became synonymous with the 98 World Cup at the glorious Sunchyme’.

“But more than 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 blown away by his warmth, friendliness and supportive nature. We- I have met him countless times since then in Ireland and the UK and every time he has been such a perfect gentleman.

“He was a ball of energy on stage with his favorite trumpet belting out the tunes. We only spoke a few weeks ago and his positivity was incredible. He never lost that good nature despite his illness and what the world threw at him.

“I will miss you Paul, in a world of egos, narcissism and attitudes, you were the epitome of goodness. I hope they let you blow the trumpet in heaven.”

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