DJ Chicago of 1200 Micrograms
DJ Chicago, 1200 Micrograms member and psytrance legend, has died aged 80
DJ Chicago, the psytrance legend and member of seminal Goa trance group 1200 Micrograms, has died at the age of 80. His son shared the news on social media, confirming that DJ Chicago passed away after a recent stroke followed by a serious infection and heart attack.
“I can’t believe I’m actually writing these words,” his son wrote. “My best friend, my hero, my father, passed away this morning. After having a stroke last month, it seemed like he was getting better, but he was rushed urgently to hospital a few days ago with a bad blood infection. I was on my way to Koh Phangan to see him and be there for him, but as I arrived in Bangkok I got the terrible news that he had a heart attack and did not make it.”
His son continued: “I am absolutely devastated as he was the first person I called when I had good or bad news. He was such a great supporting father, I couldn’t have asked for a better one. He was so positive all the time, even when things were not going well he would find a way to see the bright side. His motto was ‘What a life’ and I am so proud to have had him as a father and aspire to be like him.”
A cremation ceremony will be held in Koh Phangan, with a tribute event at sunset at Happy Beach. A separate memorial in Ibiza is also planned for a later date.
Days before his passing, DJ Chicago had shared a health update from his hospital bed in Bangkok. He had been dealing with a fast decline, including blurry vision in his left eye, two further potentially cancerous skin spots and ongoing post-stroke speech recovery. “It is an uphill battle, but determined to keep fighting,” he wrote at the time.
Tributes have been pouring in from across the psytrance community.
Astrix wrote on social media: “Goodbye Chicago. Breaks my heart to hear this news. Always had so much love and respect for you. What a life you lived. I always loved just listening when you talked, hearing all your wonderful stories about this beautiful life you lived. Actually I’m listening to the last voice note you left me just recently. Can’t believe you are not here. Gone, but never forgotten. R.i.p Shiki, we love you.”
Boom Festival also paid tribute. “A heavy week for all who love Psytrance,” the festival wrote. “DJ Chicago, whether performing as part of 1200 Mics or under his own name, was a figure whose life is woven into the history of this movement. From his early presence in Goa decades ago to his enduring force within psytrance, he touched thousands and inspired countless more. Thank you for your life’s journey.”
DJ Chicago had a decades-long career across Goa and the wider psytrance scene. As part of 1200 Micrograms, he sat at the heart of one of the genre’s defining groups. He had been based in Ibiza for many years, with recent shows continuing across the global psytrance circuit.
His passing leaves a significant gap in the community. Plus, the tributes from peers, festivals and fans reflect the breadth of influence he carried across a music scene built on connection, community and shared experience.
