DJ Tizer was credited for creating iconic nights in some of the most famous nightclubs and dance music venues in Northern Ireland
A beloved DJ who “lit up the room everywhere he played” has tragically passed away, leaving his devoted fanbase devastated.
DJ Tizer, whose real name was Tony Walsh, performed at numerous venues throughout Northern Ireland and internationally, establishing himself as Ireland’s premier Happy Hardcore DJ, according to his Facebook profile. He became renowned for organising “old skool raves” and is recognised for creating legendary nights at some of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated nightclubs and dance music establishments.
Tony’s friends announced his passing on social media, confirming in a statement that he died on Saturday. They wrote: “I can’t believe we’re actually writing this, and we have permission from the family to do so (before any rumours start, etc.), but we’re devastated to tell you all that Tony Walsh, a.k.a.
“DJ Tizer passed away on Saturday, September 20th. We don’t need to tell anyone who knew him. He was an absolute gent and legend and will be so sadly missed! Respect and love to the main man…TIZER X. Maximus + McD.”[sic], reports the Mirror.
Northern Ireland DJ Micky Modelle described Tony as “a technical wizard” and said he would “just lit up the room everywhere he played.”
He shared on social media: “Just landed in Ibiza today and was devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend DJ Tizer.
“We were friends 30 years. Such an Inspiration to us all in the early days. He was a technical wizard on vinyl turntables the Scratch Master. I never seen anyone Better at that time.
“He just lit up the room everywhere he played, and I have many fond memories of gigs we did together. I can be thankful for the 30 years of friendship and memories we had.”
Jason Henderson, a mate of DJ Tizer and a local DJ himself, shared a heartbreaking tribute on Facebook. He wrote: “WHAT AN ABSOLUTE HONOUR IT WAS TO HAVE BEEN ASKED TO PLAY ALONGSIDE ONE OF MY HEROES…. I actually cannot believe I’m writing this this morning.
“My heart is truly broken. This man was a Norn Iron legend. We all had his tapes growing up. I watched the man scratching the vinyl; his fingers were a blur. Lol, the dance scene has lost one of the godfathers! You and Mallorca Lee will have heaven bouncing today. I’m gutted.
“This man gave me the chance play alongside him at a few gigs. I will never forget the buzz, the excitement, the adrenaline rush. Playing alongside one of my hero’s will stay with me forever. Thank you tony Walsh….. DJ TIZER! LEGENDS NEVER DIE.”
Dilly Gary Dillon, founder and director of Belfast Underground Records, also posted a moving tribute, writing: “I’m heartbroken this morning to hear about Tizer. He was such a lovely person and an incredible oldskool DJ.
“Tony and I went back over 30 years, having first worked together in the original Mixmaster Records, long before I eventually bought the shop from him and Eddie. I have so many great memories and mad stories from back in the day. Rest easy mate.”
Fans have also paid their respects, with one sharing: “I believe I had all his tapes and among thousands of other people I was convinced off being his No1 fan. The chipmunk king and king of scratch the king of mixing the king of Happy Hardcore. Kick in the Beat up there mate. RIP Tizer.”
Another penned: “A man who inspired an entire generation of Northern Irish kids who bounced to the harder styles. Not only were you ‘The Scratch Master’ but you were the figurehead and the benchmark. God bless you Tony Walsh.”
A third wrote: “Absolutely shocking news, was an icon of the Happy Hardcore scene and inspired an entire generation of ravers and djs. Was 100% the reason I got into Hardcore in back in the day and I always looked forward to hearing his next mix tapes. Years later I had the privilege of performing alongside him which still to this day blows my mind. This is a huge loss, thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends. RIP Tizer.”
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