Chart-topping DJ and singer-songwriter dies ‘suddenly’ aged 61 as fellow musicians pay tribute
Glasgow-born DJ and vocalist John Reid has died at the age of 61.
Reid, who attended Crookston Castle school, was the distinctive voice behind Nightcrawlers’ massive 90s dance anthem Push The Feeling On.
The track became a defining sound of the decade and found renewed success through various remixes by underground artists JCA and Rosabot, eventually reaching number one on the US Dance Charts.
Further remixes featuring artists like Big Narstie have kept the song alive as a club classic, cementing Reid’s status as a pivotal figure in 90s dance music.
News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians and collaborators who worked with the talented producer and songwriter throughout his career.
Beyond his dance floor success, Reid established himself as a prolific songwriter with an impressive catalogue of hits. He co-wrote Tina Turner’s 1999 single When the Heartache Is Over and penned the chart-topping ballad A Moment Like This, which became a hit for both Kelly Clarkson and Leona Lewis.
His songwriting prowess extended to crafting tracks for Rod Stewart and co-writing Westlife’s UK number one single Unbreakable.
Reid also collaborated with industry heavyweights Simon Cowell and Ian Levine on Whenever You Need Someone for Bad Boys Inc.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Bruce Willis’ daughter shares heartbreaking statement for Father’s Day amid actor’s dementia battleAlex Scott sparks fiery debate as fans distracted by Soccer Aid outfit: ‘Not sure it’s appropriate!’JK Rowling feuds with Boy George as row erupts over trans debate: ‘I believe in freedom of speech!’
His writing credits included songs for Eternal, Gemini, and Claire Richards’ festive track My Heart Is Heading Home (This Christmas), demonstrating his versatility across different genres and artists throughout his career.
Mary Kiani, the former TFX vocalist who was engaged to Reid for nine years, shared an emotional tribute to her “first love”. “Just heard this morning that my first love, John Reid died suddenly.
“We met in Glasgow but fell in love in London,” she wrote to her followers.
Kiani, who now lives in Australia, recalled their early days together: “He was recording his album with Roy Hay (Culture Club) for his new band ‘This way up’. Myself and Danusia DanooshaZaremba were on tour, and every night we met at the Columbian hotel. We bought our first flat in Dennistoun age 21 & 22.”
Sorry to hear this news. RIP John Reid. DJ, producer, songwriter & Nightcrawlers star. The classic Push The Feeling On. Co-writer of Leona/Kelly hit “A Moment Like This” plus songs for Westlife, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Bad Boys Inc, Eternal, Andrea Bocelli. My Condolences 🖤 pic.twitter.com/sEVP9wS2Oe
— Kevin Hughes (@Popprince) June 16, 2025
She revealed they had reconnected recently: “Last year, I got in touch with him. I said I’d love to say hello again before one of us dies. I saw him just last year in Glasgow. RIP John. Love Bubbs xoXO.” (sic)
Chris Judge, Susan Boyle’s vocal coach and Red Hot Chilli Pipers singer, paid tribute to Reid’s exceptional talent and character.
“RIP John Reid, an incredible Scottish singer with so much soul most famous for his vocals in the Nightcrawlers hit push the feeling on,” Judge wrote.
He highlighted Reid’s influence beyond his own recordings: “It’s been sampled so many times Pitbull, the Friday song by Riton Mufasa & Hypeman etc he was also an extremely talented topline writer.”
Judge, who knew Reid from his boyband days, remembered him as “always such a nice guy very encouraging and supportive to all the new bands”.
He added: “He had so much success as a writer but it was his voice I loved he was an incredible singer and well respected like Mary in the session scene doing all the backing vocals working for people like Ian Levine.”