BANBRIDGE, Northern Ireland — The Music World Mourns the Loss of Legendary DJ Tizer (Tony Walsh)
The global music community is mourning the passing of one of its most beloved and influential figures, Tony Walsh, better known by his stage name DJ Tizer, who died on September 20, 2025. He was a true pioneer in the world of electronic and dance music, and his death marks the end of an era for many fans and fellow artists who were inspired by his work and spirit.
Born and raised in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, Tony Walsh rose from modest beginnings to international acclaim, leaving a lasting imprint on dance floors from Belfast to Berlin, London to Ibiza. He was 59.
A Global Icon with Local Roots
Though he spent much of his career performing across Europe and beyond, Tony always remained deeply connected to Banbridge. Known among locals as a kind and generous soul, he often spoke proudly of his hometown and credited his early exposure to local music scenes as a defining influence in his artistry.
Tony began DJing in the early 1980s, a time when dance music was still finding its identity. His early vinyl sets combined elements of soul, funk, and early house music. As his talent grew, so did his reputation, earning him residencies at some of the UK’s top venues and invitations to perform at international music festivals.
By the mid-1990s, DJ Tizer had become a household name in the electronic music community. He was widely recognized for his ability to blend genres, his deep knowledge of music history, and his unparalleled technical skill behind the decks.
More Than a DJ
While music was his passion, Tony Walsh was more than a performer—he was a mentor, educator, and friend to many in the industry. Over the course of four decades, he trained and supported up-and-coming DJs, often taking time off touring to teach at workshops and community centers in Northern Ireland.
In interviews, Tony often emphasized the importance of using music as a tool for unity, saying, “The dance floor is the only place where we truly leave everything at the door. It’s where strangers become friends and moments become memories.”
His sets were not just performances but journeys, often lasting hours and traversing musical landscapes with seamless transitions that left crowds mesmerized. Whether playing in a warehouse party in Manchester or a beachfront stage in Ibiza, DJ Tizer had a way of connecting with people that transcended age, nationality, and background.
Tributes Pour In
In the hours following news of his passing, social media flooded with tributes from fans, artists, promoters, and fellow DJs.
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Carl Cox, a long-time friend and industry giant, wrote: “Devastated to hear about Tizer. He was a true original—a soul that lived for the music and the people. The world is quieter without him.”
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Annie Mac, former BBC Radio 1 presenter, tweeted: “DJ Tizer was one of the first to take me seriously in the scene. A true pioneer, a gentleman, and a legend. Rest in beats.”
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Numerous clubs and festivals, including Creamfields, Boomtown, and Ministry of Sound, shared images and videos of Tony’s iconic sets, many of which shaped the identity of the events themselves.
Family and Personal Life
Tony is survived by his partner of 20 years, Elaine, and his two children, Niall and Ciara, who described him as a “loving father, music obsessive, and the life of every party.”
In a statement, the Walsh family said:
“Tony lived a life filled with passion, purpose, and rhythm. He gave so much of himself to his family, his friends, and his music. We are overwhelmed by the love and memories being shared by so many. Thank you for keeping his legacy alive.”
Celebration of Life
Plans are currently underway for a public celebration of life event in Banbridge, where Tony’s career began. Organizers have stated it will be a day of music, dance, and remembrance, inviting fans and artists from all over to celebrate his contributions to music and culture.
The event will include performances from DJs and artists who shared stages with DJ Tizer over the years, and proceeds will benefit youth music education programs in Northern Ireland—something Tony supported wholeheartedly.
A Legacy That Will Echo for Generations
DJ Tizer’s passing leaves a void that will not easily be filled. His influence on club culture, electronic music, and countless artists is immeasurable. His sound, his spirit, and his message—that music can unite—will live on.
As one fan posted online, “He didn’t just play music. He played memories, and we’ll be dancing to them forever.”
Rest in peace, Tony Walsh, aka DJ Tizer. The beat goes on, but it will never sound quite the same.
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