Tributes flow as DJ Ajax dies

One of Australia’s most respected DJs, Sydney stalwart Ajax has died in Melbourne overnight. Ajax, real name Adrian Thomas, was one of the founding members of the Bang Gang crew that helped usher electro to a wider audience in Australia and worldwide.

Ajax founded Sweat It Out records – a label that included artists like Yolanda Be Cool and Oh Snap! On its roster – and took out the title of Australia’s #1 DJ in the inthemix awards in 2006 and 2007, ranking in the Top 5 every year from 2005-2009. Ajax was able to transition from DJ to promoter to record label and artist manager, using his entrepreneurial skills to develop a strong brand both in Australia and internationally.

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Thomas died when he was struck by a truck in the Melbourne suburb of Parkville overnight. “It’s believed the man ran in front of the north-bound truck on College Crescent shortly before 1am. He died at the scene,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed.

Chinese Laundry, where Ajax was a resident for 7 years, was one of the first to break the news on social media. Pioneering and well loved by audiences and the industry, the tributes to Adrian have been flowing in worldwide:

RIP Adrian, you were a dear friend and a true believer. The world is a little less bright now but your spirit and the joy you brought.

— The Presets (@therealpresets) February 28, 2013

Remember when Ajax’s Myspace status in the 6 month lead up to the In The Mix Top 50 was “NO VOTES PLEASE” and he came in at number 3 anyway

— Andrew Levins (@levdawg) February 28, 2013

R.I.P to one of the people who inspired us to start in this business and to the guy with the biggest heart of them all – our friend – AJAX

— Flight Facilities (@flightfac) February 28, 2013

Can’t believe this has happened. So long Ajax.. Thanks for the good tunes, good times & good vibes.. Love you homie, RIP Dance Legend..

— bag raiders (@bag_raiders) February 28, 2013

RIP to the dance legend AJAX… you’ll be missed. You made the world a better place

— Grant Smillie (@grantsmillie) February 28, 2013

Really sad to hear about the passing of legendary ozzie dj Ajax. Had the pleasure of meeting him. Thoughts go out to his fam and friends

— Bart B More (@bartbmore) February 28, 2013

Saddened to hear about the passing of Dj Ajax. RIP

— erol alkan (@erolalkan) February 28, 2013

RIP AJAX.vivid memory of us leaving a hotel one morning, and him not realizing he had no shoes on until we were outside

— JFK MSTRKRFT (@jfkmstrkrft) February 28, 2013

Heart breaking news about Ajax.A genuine talent with such a warm, happy soul…You will be so greatly missed

— Jack Beats (@jackbeats) February 28, 2013

Dj Ajax was the first guy who brought me down to Sydney to DJ together with him in 2006. he was an outstanding DJ, amazing skills

— Boys Noize(@boysnoize) February 28, 2013

i can not believe the news that our good aussie friend Adrian DJ Ajax has passed away :( thank you for all the joy you gave us**RIP**

— Boys Noize(@boysnoize) February 28, 2013

Ajax. Quite a legend. The one who always kept the vibes going in Australia, both on the music scene and also as an all round good bloke. RIP

— Fake Blood (@IamFakeBlood) February 28, 2013

Rest In Peace Ajax. we Lost One of The Best Dj On Earth. Thinking About His Family and His Friends. We Gonna Miss You Man <3

— Louis Brodinski (@Brodinski) February 28, 2013

A true legend. RIP. Thinking of all those close to him, take care of each other.

— modularpeople (@modularpeople) February 28, 2013

The world has lost an amazing, creative, friendly soul. Rest In Peace our friend Ajax. You truly are a dance legend.

— Feenixpawl (@Feenixpawl) February 28, 2013